2011 -- H 6029 ======LC02404 ======STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2011 ______

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF FORMER RED SOX GENERAL MANAGER JAMES "LOU" GORMAN

Introduced By: Representatives Keable, Mattiello, Blazejewski, Ferri, and Watson

Date Introduced: April 05, 2011

Referred To: House read and passed

1 WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of James

2 Gorman, known as “Lou” to his family, friends, and many admirers. Lou’s passion for the game

3 of was only eclipsed by his love for and devotion to his family. Our thoughts and hearts

4 hold great empathy and sorrow for his loved ones; and

5 WHEREAS, James “Lou” Gorman was born on February 18, 1929, into a South

6 Providence neighborhood that was just beginning to reel from the effects of the Great Depression.

7 The son of a fire department battalion chief, Gorman worked to bring in extra money to his

8 family by delivering the Providence Journal and selling popcorn at Providence Reds hockey

9 games; and

10 WHEREAS, His natural athletic abilities made him a star athlete on La Salle Academy’s

11 football team before he graduated in 1947 and embarked on a brief professional baseball career

12 with the Providence Grays of the Class-B League. Lou suited up for 16 games and

13 had one hit in 28 at-bats. He continued his education and earned degrees from

14 and Bridgewater State College before joining the Navy. He served his country with honor and

15 distinction, spending more than eight years of active service that brought him twice to Korea

16 during his Naval career; and

17 WHEREAS, Through his boundless energy and ability to bring out the best in his players,

18 Lou quickly rose through the ranks of professional baseball management. He worked for the San

19 Francisco Giants , the , the farm system, and the 1 before finally beckoned; and

2 WHEREAS, James "Lou" Gorman was the Red Sox general manager from 1984-93,

3 building the 1986 championship team, led by , that was a single

4 strike away from winning the World Series before the New York Mets came back to win Games

5 6 and 7; and

6 WHEREAS, Lou Gorman was first and foremost a gentleman: kind, warm, decent, and

7 positive. From players to managers to fans, he treated everyone with dignity and saw each person

8 he encountered as a potential friend. His warm spirit, fundamental goodness, and commitment to

9 excellence in sports will be greatly missed; and

10 WHEREAS, James “Lou” Gorman’s life and achievements will live on for many years to

11 come in the memories of everyone fortunate enough to have been touched by the quality of this

12 remarkable gentleman; now, therefore be it

13 RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

14 Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathy to the family of James “Lou”

15 Gorman. He will be truly missed; and be it further

16 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

17 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Gorman family.

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