Georgia-2009-SR167-Enrolled

Recognizing and commending Mr. Ryan Klesko on the occasion of his retirement from Major League Baseball; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Mr. Ryan Klesko, All Star athlete and philanthropist, retired from the game of baseball in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Klesko displayed his stellar athletic ability and baseball talent at an early age with his selection for the United States Junior Olympic baseball team, representing the nation magnificently in Australia and taking the first step of his life-long career of international acclaim; and

WHEREAS, drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1989, Mr. Klesko battled his way through the minor league system to make his debut in the majors in 1992; and

WHEREAS, in the Braves' 1995 World Series victory against the Cleveland Indians, Mr. Klesko hit a home run in all three road games, posted a stunning .875 slugging average, and was instrumental as the team's starting first baseman; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Klesko played a proud ten years with the Atlanta Braves organization, seven years with the San Diego Padres, and one year with the San Francisco Giants; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Klesko's community involvement and civic contributions are as impressive as his many athletic achievements, founding the charitable organization the Blue Ryno Foundation, which helps children affected by cancer and their families, and his dedicated service to the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and

WHEREAS, owner of RK Properties and Holdings, Mr. Klesko is active in marketing, developing, selling, creating conservation easements, and promoting land stewardship of ranch and farm land in Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Klesko created Big K Farm where field trips, teacher workshops, and legislative orientations are held to educate the public on the importance of land stewardship and highlight working forests of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, his great service to the principles of land conservation and farm investment with Big K Farms was honored with the farm's recognition as the 2006 Georgia Tree Farm of the Year; and he developed the first forestry carbon offset project to be accepted on the Georgia Carbon Registry; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Klesko has been united in love and marriage to his beautiful wife Kelly since 2007, and the couple has been blessed with a delightful son; and

WHEREAS, through his unwavering generosity, compassion, and dedication to helping his fellow man and his progressive, innovative, and ingenious approach to land stewardship, Mr. Klesko serves as an extraordinary role model for our youth and is a shining example to all.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body join in commending Mr. Ryan Klesko for his invaluable community involvement and thank him for his many contributions to Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Mr. Ryan Klesko.