The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF EDWARD STACK
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HON. THOMAS R. SUOZZI
of new york
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable man, a living legend, and a champion of civil rights. Although Edward Stack is not being inducted today, and it has been said by his high school coach that he couldn't ``catch a baseball with a bushel basket'', this man is the heart and soul of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Born in Sea Cliff, and a longtime resident of Glen Head, New York, Ed served as Chairman of the Board from 1977 to 2000, and as an officer from 1961 to 1977. Due to his tireless efforts, the Hall of Fame saw tremendous growth and multi-million-dollar expansions. Even more significant, were the historical milestones which took place under Ed's leadership. The most notable being the inclusion of former Negro League players, who had been excluded from Major League baseball prior to Jackie Robinson.
The inclusion of the Negro League superstars was a moment of lasting pride, according to Ed. It was a victory for civil rights and the correction of an injustice which, Ed says, took way too long to be corrected. With Ed's efforts, players such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Judy Johnson, Cool Papa Bell, Buck Leonard, and Martin Dihigo, those whose groundbreaking accomplishments had been overlooked simply due their color, were finally given the recognition they deserved.
In order to protect the integrity of baseball, Ed fought to prohibit players who broke the rules, specifically those who used performance enhancing drugs. Ed is well known to many acclaimed baseball celebrities who adore him. Babe Ruth's widow, Claire, considered him a close friend. Yogi Berra and his wife affectionately called Ed ``blue eyes.'' Ed has also visited numerous presidents in the Oval Office and had a special bond with Ronald Reagan.
As impressive as Ed's professional accomplishments is his generosity. In his retirement, Ed serves as an officer or director for 19 different charitable and cultural organizations, including the Bassett Medical Center, the Farmers' Museum, the New York State Trooper Foundation, the Salvation Army, and the Mental Health Association of Nassau County.
He is a frequent donor to his alma mater, Pace University, where he once served as student council president. Ed invests in education because he hopes to give others the same opportunity for success that he had. In 1991, Pace recognized his outstanding contribution by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. In tribute to Ed's constant support, the University named the Edward W. Stack ``56 Suite'' at Alumni Hall, in his honor.
Today, Ed and his wife, Christina, have used their financial success to support those in need. They are significant donors to multiple philanthropic causes. The SCO Family of Services describe the couple's compassion by saying, ``Ed Stack and his wife Chris are in a league of their own when it comes to helping others.''
Ed and his wife raised three beautiful daughters named Amy, Kim, and Suzanne. Ed is also a beloved ``Opa,'' or grandfather, to Kara, Lucy, and McGill. Ed's daughters describe their father as hardworking and resilient. As a child, Ed had overcome Polio. He was told he would never walk again, but Ed persevered and proved the doctors wrong. Although walking was difficult, Ed would commute an hour and a half to work every day. Ed's daughter Amy describes Ed's dedication as such that sometimes he'd fall down the train stairs because his legs would give out, but she never remembers him ever complaining about his commute. Amy says that it always amazes her that her father could drink a cup of black coffee at 11pm before going to bed, have no problem sleeping, and then wake up at 5am to catch the train.
Ed's whole life was about helping others. During the rare moments when Ed was not in meetings, he would spend his time walking his dogs at Tappen Beach, baking gluten free bread for Kim, and helping his children with their homework. Ed also loved to care for the elderly. On weekends Ed would take his family with him to different elderly friends' houses, and Ed's family would help them with their taxes or finances. Now, as a grandfather, Ed can be found doting on his grandchildren and giving them scooter rides around the hallways of the Harborside Community in Port Washington.
As the famous poet from our district, Walt Whitman, once said, ``I see great things in baseball.'' Baseball is more than a game; it is a thread which has tied Americans of all backgrounds together since the beginning of our nation's history. During the Civil War, baseball was used to boost morale on the battlefield. During World War Two, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt stated in his famous green light letter that, even in these trying times, ``I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.'' Today we proudly recognize and thank Ed for his trailblazing contributions to our national pastime, his contributions to social justice, and his immense philanthropy.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 116(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 116(2)
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