WHEREAS, Lester Strode, a native of McMinnville, Tennessee, is the bullpen coach for the 2016 Major League Baseball World Series Champion Chicago Cubs; and WHEREAS, Coach Strode’s bullpen played a pivotal role in the success of the Cubs during a hard-fought seven game series; and WHEREAS, Coach Strode has been the bullpen coach for the Cubs since the 2007 season, making him the longest-tenured coach on the Cubs staff; and WHEREAS, Strode was inducted into the Warren County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006; and WHEREAS, Strode was a member of the Kentucky State University baseball team following his playing career in Warren County…twice leading the NAIA in strikeouts while at Kentucky State; and WHEREAS, Strode pitched in the minor leagues for Kansas City, Baltimore, St. Louis, and the Cubs from 1980 to 1988; and WHEREAS, all citizens of McMinnville should be proud of Lester Strode’s accomplishments, especially this World Series win; and WHEREAS, it is important to recognize individuals from McMinnville who excel at the highest levels during their careers; NOW THEREFORE, I, Jimmy Haley, Mayor of the City of McMinnville, do hereby proclaim November 4, 2016 to be Lester Strode Day across the City of McMinnville and encourage all citizens to wish Coach Strode an enthusiastic congratulations and good job! Go Cubs!