Washington, D.C - Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today introduced a resolution in the Senate honoring baseball great Bob Feller who passed away on Wednesday. Feller, a Van Meter native, was known as a great Iowan, a great baseball player and a great patriot. The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), George Voinovich (R-OH) and Jim Bunning (R-KY).
"This week we lost a great American," said Harkin. "Bob Feller was one of the greatest baseball players in history, but also a decorated soldier who willingly interrupted that career to enlist in the military to serve in World War II. We do not just honor him because of his athletic achievements, we recognize him as a great American and patriot."
"Bob Feller knew the honor and duty of being an American, and he took that responsibility very seriously. When his country needed him, he was the first to leave his professional baseball career and answer the call. And, though most will remember him for his curveball, Bob Feller most wanted to be recognized for his service in World War II defending the United States from totalitarian powers and promoting liberty and freedom around the world," Grassley said.
Feller started his baseball career as pitcher for Van Meter High School. He went on to play 16 seasons in the major leagues, during which he had 2,581 strikeouts and 266 wins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962. Feller also served our Nation in the Navy during World War II, enlisting two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Due to his service, he lost four baseball seasons, but has said he never regretted his choice.
A copy of the resolution can be found here.
"This week we lost a great American," said Harkin. "Bob Feller was one of the greatest baseball players in history, but also a decorated soldier who willingly interrupted that career to enlist in the military to serve in World War II. We do not just honor him because of his athletic achievements, we recognize him as a great American and patriot."
"Bob Feller knew the honor and duty of being an American, and he took that responsibility very seriously. When his country needed him, he was the first to leave his professional baseball career and answer the call. And, though most will remember him for his curveball, Bob Feller most wanted to be recognized for his service in World War II defending the United States from totalitarian powers and promoting liberty and freedom around the world," Grassley said.
Feller started his baseball career as pitcher for Van Meter High School. He went on to play 16 seasons in the major leagues, during which he had 2,581 strikeouts and 266 wins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962. Feller also served our Nation in the Navy during World War II, enlisting two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Due to his service, he lost four baseball seasons, but has said he never regretted his choice.
A copy of the resolution can be found here.
