Reps. Jarrells, Pizzulli Pass Legislation Naming Part of State Route 125 After Former MLB player Al Oliver

COLUMBUS - State Reps. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D- Columbus) and Justin Pizzulli (R- Scioto County) today proudly announce the passage of House Bill (HB) 380, an omnibus road and bridge naming bill. This legislation will name a section of State Route 125, running through Scioto County, after a trailblazer for African American athletes everywhere, former professional baseball player, and lifelong Ohioan, Al Oliver.

“I am humbled to be a part of this legislation honoring, not only a phenomenal baseball player, but an outstanding Ohioan,” said Rep. Jarrells. “Mr. Oliver’s dedication to his craft is both inspirational and commendable, but his contributions to our state are immeasurable. I hope that with the naming of this highway, future generations will have the chance to know and learn about the impact Mr. Oliver had on his community.”

Al Oliver became a rising star in the MLB and an icon of American baseball from 1968 to 1985. He built a formidable reputation with a lifetime batting average of .303 and 2,743 hits, ranking him 58th on the MLB all-time hit list, and in the Top 15 among African American players. Oliver is a 7x All-Star, 3x Silver Slugger award winner, 1982 batting title winner, and 1971 World Series Champion.

After his career, Oliver found his calling at Beulah Baptist Church, where he preaches and serves as chairman of the Deacon Board. He remains admired as a gifted servant-leader in the Portsmouth and southeast Ohio community. In 2013, Oliver was unanimously recognized and appointed as "Mr. Ambassador" for the City of Portsmouth in acknowledgment of his leadership and goodwill on behalf of the community.

"I want to thank my joint sponsor, Rep. Justin Pizzulli, for all his support on this bill,” said Rep. Jarrells. “Mr. Oliver is beyond deserving of this recognition, and it was my pleasure to help be a part of this process, recognizing one of the all-time great citizens of our state.”

 HB 380 now heads to the Senate for concurrence.