TITLE: In memory of Don Edward Baylor.

SUMMARY: In memory of Don Edward Baylor.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Don Edward Baylor, who died August 7, 2017, at the age of 68; and WHEREAS, Don Baylor was born June 28, 1949, in Austin, in the Clarksville neighborhood, an African American community surrounded by wealthy neighborhoods; despite originally being turned away from football tryouts at Stephen F. Austin High School, he persisted and made the team, and he was named honorable mention all-state his senior year; he was the first African American to play on the school's baseball team and became its captain his senior year; and WHEREAS, He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1967 amateur draft and was an immediate success, winning Appalachian League player-of-the-year honors; he was later named to the Texas League all-star team, and in 1970, he was named the Minor League Player of the Year by the Sporting News;and WHEREAS, He began his distinguished 19-year major league career in 1972 with the Baltimore Orioles, and he earned Topps Rookie Major League All-Star honors, he went on to play for the Oakland Athletics, the California Angels, the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, and the Minnesota Twins; and WHEREAS, A member of baseball's first class of free agents, Mr. Baylor was widely respected and admired as an exceptional clubhouse leader; he earned numerous honors and accolades over the course of his career, including the 1979 American League Most Valuable Player award and the 1985 Roberto Clemente Award, presented annually to a player of exceptional character who contributes greatly to his community; and WHEREAS, After his playing career was over, Mr. Baylor coached and managed a number of teams; he was the first manager of the expansion Colorado Rockies, and in 1995, he was named National League Manager of the Year when the Rockies became the fastest expansion team to make the playoffs; and WHEREAS, He and his beloved wife, Rebecca Baylor, were blessed with a son, Don Baylor Jr., who was a source of much pride and joy for him; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave generously to others as a role model and mentor, and his leadership skills, his impressive work ethic, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband and father, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Don Edward Baylor; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Don Edward Baylor. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 11, 2017, by a rising vote.