TRIBUTE TO BUCK SMITH

On 2025-03-27, Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO BUCK SMITH" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered trade policy. It referenced legislation: S1904.

TRIBUTE TO BUCK SMITH

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S1904] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO BUCK SMITH Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Buck Smith of Saint Louis, MO, for being an advocate of Missourians with disabilities for more than 30 years. In 1994, Buck Smith and a group of friends hosted their first game of what would become St. Louis Challenger Baseball. While the effort began at a small scale, Challenger Baseball would eventually grow to include 60 teams and 600 players across Missouri and Illinois. The concept was simple: create an opportunity for those with developmental disabilities to enjoy America's pastime. Challenger Baseball pairs participants with ``buddies,'' who help the players hit, run the bases, and, most importantly, make friends. For the past three decades, the league has provided the invaluable combination of sport and companionship to the Greater Saint Louis region. In addition to his work with Challenger Baseball, Buck also served as senior vice president at Fleischman-Hillard, where he worked for more than 28 years. He is a former adjunct faculty member at Maryville University and remains an expert in branding and communications. Buck Smith is truly a Champion of Missouri. I am grateful for the work he has done to enrich the lives of disabled Missourians. I wish him the best in his continued efforts to bring together communities through baseball and friendship. ____________________