2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 331

Commending the Salem Red Sox.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 22, 2025

WHEREAS, the Salem Red Sox, a beloved Minor League Baseball team based in Salem, celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Salem Red Sox began in 1955 as an independent club known as the Salem Rebels, which played in the Appalachian League and at the former Municipal Stadium; and

WHEREAS, the Salem Rebels became an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball in 1960 and eight years later joined the Carolina League, which it has played in ever since; and

WHEREAS, the Salem Rebels became the Salem Pirates in 1972 to reflect its association with the Pittsburgh Pirates and would go on to be known by various names over the years as its affiliations changed, including the Redbirds from 1981 to 1986, the Buccaneers from 1987 to 1994, and the Avalanche from 1995 to 2008; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, the team became affiliated with the Boston Red Sox and began play as the Salem Red Sox; since then, the organization has secured four division titles, appeared in five playoffs, and won the 2013 Carolina League championship; and

WHEREAS, Salem has been an important step for hundreds of players on their paths to the Major Leagues; and

WHEREAS, each summer, the Salem Red Sox bring joy to baseball fans throughout the Roanoke Valley as they play at Salem Memorial Ballpark surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Salem Red Sox hereby be commended on the occasion of the organization's 70th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Salem Red Sox as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the organization's contributions to the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth.