LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Minor
League Baseball in the Greater Binghamton Area

WHEREAS, Baseball, one of those most beloved of American institutions,
has throughout its history contributed greatly to the development of
civic pride and integrity in the communities across this great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
100th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in the Greater Binghamton
area; and
WHEREAS, The sport of baseball has long been a staple for generations
of residents living in the City of Binghamton and its surrounding towns;
it has become a part of the fabric of community life in this great
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, The region's very first baseball team was the Binghamton
Crickets, which played in the International Association in 1877, only
one year after the National League was formed; since that inaugural
team, numerous others have followed, going by such monikers as the
Bingos, Triplets and present day Binghamton Mets; and
WHEREAS, The 2014 season marks the 100th Anniversary since the begin-
ning of official minor league baseball in the region; it is also the
65th Anniversary of its affiliation with either the New York Yankees or
New York Mets; and
WHEREAS, Over 700 players who have played in Greater Binghamton have
gone on to make their mark in the major leagues; and
WHEREAS, As part of this auspicious occasion, the Binghamton Baseball
Shrine will be the subject of an upcoming book; it currently has 61
members in its Hall of Fame, including such exemplary players as "Wee
Willie" Keeler, Johnny Logan, and Yankees great, Whitey Ford; and
WHEREAS, Noted business and community leader George F. Johnson will
also be honored posthumously for the instrumental role he played in the
success of minor league baseball in the area; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the Binghamton Mets will be holding multiple events
to celebrate the 100th Anniversary and to thank its fans for their loyal
and enthusiastic support; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of minor league baseball's rich history and
enduring contribution to the heritage of the Greater Binghamton area and
the State of New York, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join
in the celebration of the 100th Anniversary so that present and future
generations may come to appreciate the unique significance which its
history plays in the progression of our State and Nation's evolution;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in the Great-
er Binghamton Area; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Binghamton Mets baseball team.