Recognizing 100 Years of Rockingham County Baseball League

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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Rockingham County Baseball League as they celebrate 100 years of America's favorite pastime.

Founded in 1924, the Rockingham County Baseball League is the second oldest continuously operating league in the United States. J.R. ``Polly'' Lineweaver, a sportswriter for the Daily News-Record, helped organize the league. This effort brought players together from seven communities across Rockingham County in both spirit and game, with a consistent schedule and designated rules. From there, the league would go to include teams up and down the Shenandoah Valley.

The league has a rich history. It survived the Great Depression, World War II, and integrated with African-American players in the 1950s. RCBL boasts players who went on to play in Major League Baseball and even the National Basketball Association. Today its fields remain a welcoming place that brings athletes together.

Recently, the league's storied history and many accomplishments were highlighted in a new exhibit at the Rocktown History Museum in Dayton. It calls attention to the hard work of players, coaches, fans, and other community members who have shown care toward each other through the common love of baseball.

I congratulate RCBL on the many wonderful seasons they have enjoyed over the last century, and I wish them many more to come.

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