05.25.11
Senator Murkowski’s statement on the passing of Lefty Van Brunt:
“Today, I share the thoughts of Alaska’s entire baseball community in mourning the passing of Lefty Van Brunt. Lefty blazed a trail in a league that itself was a sports world pioneer – The Alaska Baseball League.
“Lefty came to Alaska over a half-century ago and devoted his life to teaching Alaska’s youth the simple joys of the National Pastime – a sacrifice bunt, clever defensive fieldwork – and for that we are forever grateful. He embraced teaching future pros all the way to little leaguers and always did it with a smile. Baseball in Alaska would not be where it is today without him.
“I know when the Alaska Baseball League begins again next weekend, Lefty will be watching from the bleachers of Mulcahy, yelling ‘Play ball!’”
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