Bill Text: NJ SR83 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requests that National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum admit baseball legend John Donaldson into Hall of Fame.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-09-14 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee [SR83 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2020-SR83-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator PATRICK J. DIEGNAN, JR.
District 18 (Middlesex)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senator Ruiz
SYNOPSIS
Requests that National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum admit baseball legend John Donaldson into Hall of Fame.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution requesting that the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum admit baseball legend John Donaldson into the Hall of Fame.
Whereas, The segregation in Major League Baseball prior to Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947 led to many Black and Latino players' accomplishments being lost to history; and
Whereas, Despite the many recorded and word-of-mouth achievements by Negro Leagues' players, only 35 players in the Negro Leagues have been enshrined into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York; and
Whereas, At the height of the Negro Leagues in the first half of the 20th Century, the talent of the leagues rivaled that of the talent in Major League Baseball; and
Whereas, One such player who deserves recognition from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is pitcher and outfielder John Donaldson; and
Whereas, Born in Glasgow, Missouri, in 1891, John Donaldson is arguably one of the greatest pitchers of his era, if not of all-time; and
Whereas, During a career which spanned over 20 years, Donaldson pitched in over 650 games and amassed over 400 victories, which would place him in the same ranks as legendary pitchers Cy Young and Walter Johnson; and
Whereas, Donaldson was a dominant left-handed pitcher, striking out over 5,000 hitters during his career, including 35 during one 18-inning game, and throwing 14 no-hitters and one perfect game; and
Whereas, Unlike most pitchers, Donaldson was also an accomplished hitter with a batting average of .334 in over 1,800 at-bats, and often batted lead-off while playing for the powerhouse Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro National League; and
Whereas, Because of the segregation of professional baseball and the lack of established Black leagues in the 1910s, Donaldson played for various barnstorming teams, including some integrated teams, traveling around the country impressing thousands of Americans with his talent and demeanor on the mound; and
Whereas, Donaldson was so popular during his time that he was able to form his own barnstorming team, the John Donaldson All-Stars, to compete against both Black and White teams around the country; and
Whereas, Donaldson would often face White major leaguers during his barnstorming career, dominating them, and leading legendary Hall of Fame manager John McGraw to call him the greatest he has ever seen; and
Whereas, Following a 22-year career and the integration of Major League Baseball, Donaldson became the first full-time Black scout when he worked for the Chicago White Sox; and
Whereas, As a scout, Donaldson saw the potential of legendary players such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Ernie Banks and is also credited with signing several prominent players from the Negro Leagues; and
Whereas, Donaldson's legacy is not completely forgotten as researchers known as "The Donaldson Network" have worked tirelessly to track down his achievements through old newspaper clippings and video footage; and
Whereas, In light of his extraordinary achievements on the baseball diamond and the effort almost 100 years later to preserve his legacy, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum should admit John Donaldson into the Hall of Fame; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House requests that the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York admit baseball legend John Donaldson for his extraordinary achievements throughout a 22-year career.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, the President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
STATEMENT
This resolution requests that the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York admit baseball legend John Donaldson in the Hall of Fame.
John Donaldson was born in Glasgow, Missouri in 1891. From 1913 to 1934, Donaldson was arguably the greatest pitcher of his era, Black or White. He repeatedly earned praise from legends in Major League Baseball, such as John McGraw, further cementing his legacy. Throughout his 22-year career, Donaldson won over 400 games and struck out over 5,000 batters, two totals that would place Donaldson among the top two or three of MLB pitchers all-time.
Because of the segregation of baseball during his time, Donaldson barnstormed across the nation and Canada attracting thousands of fans to his game. Donaldson was the main attraction with his dominating pitching and showmanship on the mound. His popularity was so significant that he was able to form his own barnstorming team to play against White and Black teams.
Following his career, Donaldson enjoyed a successful career as a scout for the Chicago White Sox. His achievements as a player were significant enough to prompt a team of researchers, known as "The Donaldson Network," to track down any shred of evidence related to Donaldson's performances. Even with what is known now, his career is more than worthy of consideration for the Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame currently includes 35 players from the Negro Leagues. Despite the talent, complete careers of talented Black players during segregation are difficult to find. Donaldson should not be denied entry into the Hall of Fame due to something outside of his control. The Hall of Fame should admit Donaldson for his extraordinary achievements throughout his 22-year career.
