Recognizing Aaron Pointer

Floor Speech

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Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Aaron Pointer, who is retiring from the Metro Parks Tacoma board after more than 20 years of service.

During his career in professional sports and public service, Aaron has broken records and barriers and expanded recreation opportunities in Pierce County.

While growing up in Oakland, California, Aaron was passionate about all sports and played basketball and baseball at the University of San Francisco.

In 1961, he signed a contract with the Houston Colt .45s, which is today known as the Astros. Aaron was often the only Black player on the team and faced prejudice and discrimination, including being forced to eat, travel, and stay in lodging separate from his White teammates.

Despite this, Aaron broke records on the field and became the last pro baseball player to hit over .400.

After retiring as a player, Aaron continued his exceptional career in sports through officiating football. He was the first Black official in the Pac-10 Conference, and in 1978, he became an NFL referee, where he officiated for 17 years.

He empowered the next generation of athletes with Pierce County Parks, where he supervised sports leagues and athletics for young people. He has also been a longtime member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, working for more equitable education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for the Black community.

I am so proud to recognize Aaron for his impactful career at the highest levels of professional sports, and I thank him for his years of service to our community.

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