[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 16111] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF STICKBALL HALL OF FAMER, CHARLES EDWARD BALLARD III ______ HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Charles Edward Ballard III an outstanding son of Harlem who passed away on February 14, 2008, Valentines Day. As I speak with profound sorrow, I ascend to celebrate a life well lived and to remember with fondness the accomplishments of a remarkable man who, over his many years and under much adversity, fought to preserve the good-old pastime game of stickball. The death of Charles brought immense sorrow and loss to his family and friends, and to the countless individuals associated with the legendary game of stickball. The game he fought to preserve often served to unite young people of different races and nationalities from the many diverse neighborhoods around the city of New York. The All- Star Charles Ballard was a celebrity among the many that played stickball on our city's streets, taking part in ten stickball championships. Within the New York City stickball community, Mr. Ballard is widely considered a legend whose bat has launched more than 10,000 line drives over a 50-year career. Therefore, it was no surprise that Mr. Ballard was the first inductee into the Stickball Hall of Fame in 1973. The Hall was founded with the most modest of goals: to formally recognize the sport. The founders--all members of the Old Timers, including their manager, Carlos Diaz--picked the top players from throughout the city, including those who parlayed their street skills into professional baseball careers, like Phil Rizzuto, Joe Torre, Willie Randolph and Rusty Torres. ``Charlie'' as he was affectionately known, was an inspiration and true symbol of commitment and sportsmanship to the game he truly loved and its faithful players for more than 50 years. Mr. Ballard was a shining example of selfless love for the many generations of young bucks that came to play the game before and after. He derived significant gratification teaching the sport to kids, spending many hours in the streets and parks of the community with them. He also gladly spent equal, if not more time, mentoring youth about the game of life, offering them his wisdom, compassion, and support. Mr. Ballard was also a member of the ``Greatest Generation'' as a veteran of World War II. He proudly fought for his country, serving in the Navy from 1942 to 1945. In addition, he had the distinction of being one of only a few African-Americans to serve as a radio operator in the Navy. Charlie achieved so much during his lifetime that his comrades will continue to benefit from his work even as they miss his ongoing presence. Madam Speaker, rather than mourn his passing, I hope that my colleagues will join me in celebrating the life of Charles Edward Ballard III by remembering that he exemplified greatness in every way. ____________________