MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hall, Browning, Hamilton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DEL UNSER UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME. 

WHEREAS, Delbert Bernard "Del" Unser is a 1997 inductee into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser was a three-year starter in the outfield for the Mississippi State University Bulldogs from 1964-1966; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser led the team in home runs in 1965 and 1966 and led the SEC in runs and stolen bases in 1965; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser blasted three home runs in one game against Ole Miss, tying a record held by five other MSU Bulldogs; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser led the Bulldogs to two SEC championships in 1965 and 1966; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser was named All-SEC as a center fielder in 1960 and 1966; and

WHEREAS, the Sporting News selected Del Unser as a college All-American in 1966; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser was a President's List scholar and graduated from MSU with a degree in Mathematics; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser played 15 years in the major leagues as an outfielder; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser played for Washington, Cleveland, the New York Mets, Montreal and Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, during the 1979 season, Del Unser set a major league record by hitting three consecutive pinch-hit home runs; and

WHEREAS, in the world championship year of 1980 for the Phillies, Del Unser was a stellar post-season performer; and

WHEREAS, in the 5th and deciding game of the National League Championship series, in a memorable come-from-behind rally, Del hit a two-out pinch hit single in the 8th inning and then scored the game winning run after doubling in the 11th inning; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser stroked doubles in the 2nd and 5th games of the World Series to lead the Phillies to wins and the eventual title over the Kansas City Royals; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser had a .400 average in the League Championship Series and a .500 average in the World Series; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser has served as minor league hitting instructor; major league hitting instructor, first base coach and Director of Player Personnel for the Philadelphia Phillies; and

WHEREAS, Del Unser is known as a gentleman on and off the field:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Del Unser upon his induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and wish him continued success in his endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy be presented to Del Unser.