SR0229 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0229 LRB099 11503 MST 32697 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of former Chicago White Sox player Saturnino Orestes Armas "Minnie" Minoso Arrieta, who passed away on March 1, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Known as the "Cuban Comet", Minnie Minoso joined the White Sox on May 1, 1951, becoming Major League Baseball's (MLB) first black player in the City of Chicago and joining a wave of black players who changed the game of baseball forever; and

WHEREAS, Minnie Minoso played 12 of his 17 seasons with the White Sox, hitting .304 with 135 home runs and 808 RBI; he was selected for 9 All-Star games, won 3 Gold Gloves, and finished in the top 4 in American League Most Valuable Player voting 4 times; and

WHEREAS, Minnie Minoso's number 9 was retired by the White Sox in 1983 and a statue of him stands on the grounds of U.S. Cellular Field; and

WHEREAS, Minnie Minoso hit a 2-run home run in his first at-bat for the White Sox, and by the time he played his final game with them 35 years ago, he was a beloved figure for the team, its fans, and the City of Chicago; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Saturnino Orestes Armas "Minnie" Minoso Arrieta, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Minnie Minoso as an expression of our deepest sympathy.