S 12754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 7, 1995

Francisco 50 years ago, and today car- LEY’s distinguished career in public is because, in behalf of myself and Sen- ries a copy of the U.N. Charter in his service. His 1982 fair tax proposal led ator SARBANES, as well as our col- coat pocket. This ‘‘eccentricity,’’ as directly to the landmark 1986 tax re- leagues from the other side of the Po- one news account called it, is a testa- form bill. The plan was to cut tax rates tomac, Senators WARNER and ROBB, I ment to the importance Senator PELL sharply and eliminate most preferences send to the desk a resolution congratu- has always placed on an international and tax shelters. He took a broad con- lating Cal Ripken, Jr., on the occasion organization aimed at promoting world cept and, in characteristic fashion, of breaking the Major League baseball peace and cooperation. filled in the details with exacting care. record for consecutive games played, Senator PELL’s greatest legacy prob- This was a major piece of legislation and I now ask for its immediate consid- ably will lie in the field of education. whose passage was remarkable, espe- eration. He is the second-ranking Democrat on cially since Senator BRADLEY had rel- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the Committee on Labor and Human atively little seniority and was, at the clerk will report. Resources and for years chaired the time, serving in the minority. But as The legislative clerk read as follows: Subcommittee on Education, the Arts, President Reagan, the Treasury De- A resolution (S. Res. 167) congratulating and Humanities. He made a particular partment, the Ways and Means chair- Cal Ripken, Jr., on the occasion of his break- mark in setting up a grant program for man in the House, the Finance chair- ing the Major League baseball record for the needy college and university students. man in the Senate, and other key lead- highest total number of consecutive games These Pell grants, as they are officially ers embraced comprehensive tax re- played. called, have become familiar to a gen- form, Senator BRADLEY was there The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there eration of students. He has also been a every step of the way. He quietly en- objection to the immediate consider- leader in promoting ocean research. couraged others, avoiding the spotlight ation of the resolution? A statement Senator PELL made in while offering advice and lobbying There being no objection, the Senate his retirement announcement summa- Members. He even played basketball proceeded to consider the resolution. rizes his philosophy and approach to with some Members. In spite of his un- Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I public service. He said, obtrusive manner and behind-the- would also further like to thank the I consider . . . the United States Senate a scenes style, he emerged as the indis- Republican leader, Senator DOLE, for marvelous institution. . . . And I continue to pensable man in getting the bill allowing the Senate to have no more believe that government, and the federal through Congress. votes after 5:30 last night so those Sen- government in particular, can, should, and Senator BRADLEY’s has been one our ators who were fortunate enough to does make a positive impact on the lives of most eloquent voices on the issue of have tickets to the game could get most Americans. race relations in this country. He has there to be there on time, to hear the There is no doubt that CLAIBORNE long called for a national dialog on the national anthem sung, and Mr. PELL has contributed significantly and issue, free of the ideological extremes Ripken’s children throw out the cere- tangibly to that positive impact over that tend to make thoughtful and monial first ball and to see America as the last 31⁄2 decades. frank discussion of race relations rare, it really ought to be. So I would like to In his announcement, Senator PELL if not impossible. His well-thought-out thank the majority leader for the cour- also thanked the people of Rhode Is- and reasoned pronouncements have tesy that he extended to me and to the land for having tolerated his eccen- often had a cooling effect, and have other Senators. tricities. If those eccentricities include raised the level of the arguments above Mr. President, it is with pride and en- a quiet, unassuming manner character- the harsh rhetoric often associated thusiasm that I rise today to honor a ized by thoughtful reflection, medita- with the issue. This is true on other is- baseball hero, a Maryland hero, and an tion, honesty, and courtliness, then we sues as well, especially during foreign American hero. Last night Cal Ripken, should all aspire to be eccentric in the policy crises. Jr., broke baseball’s endurance record. ways that our dear friend from Rhode I look forward to working with Sen- Cal Ripken played in his 2,131 consecu- Island is eccentric. He is eccentric in ator BRADLEY during the time we have tive ballgame, and in doing so, he the best sense of the term. I congratu- left together in the Senate, and wish broke Lou Gehrig’s record in consecu- late Senator PELL, look forward to him all the best for whatever his future tive games played. Yes, Cal surpassed serving with him for the remainder of might hold after he leaves. I am con- the great Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig, by this Congress, and wish him all the fident that he will, for many years to playing 2,131 straight games. Cal has best for the future. come, continue to influence the direc- started every game as a Baltimore Ori- f tion of our country and will continue ole player since May 30, 1982. to provide valuable leadership on the Now, Cal has achieved many honors TRIBUTE TO SENATOR BILL important issues that confront us. already, in his career: Two league Most BRADLEY I yield the floor. Valuable Player awards, 13 All-Star Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, like The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- games, and two Golden Glove awards. each and every Member of this body, I ator from Arizona is recognized for 30 These are just a few of his many ac- was surprised—shocked is not too minutes. complishments. His streak is astound- strong a word—when our colleague Mr. McCAIN. I thank the Chair. ing for the character and the commit- from New Jersey announced that he (The remarks of Mr. MCCAIN and Mr. ment it represents. To the people from would not be running for a fourth term FEINGOLD pertaining to the introduc- Maryland like me, the streak means so in the Senate. I could not help but feel- tion of legislation are located in to- much more, though, than physical en- ing that with the loss of Senator BRAD- day’s RECORD under ‘‘Statements on In- durance and awards. For us, Cal’s ef- LEY, the Senate would be losing one of troduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.’’) fort is a testimony to what someone its most intellectual, thoughtful, and f can achieve when they put team inter- hard-working Members, perhaps one of ests ahead of self interests. its most unique ever. CONGRATULATING CAL RIPKEN, Cal has not done this just for the BILL BRADLEY is indisputably capa- JR., ON BREAKING THE MAJOR sake of breaking a record; he broke ble, an outstanding student of and LEAGUE BASEBALL RECORD FOR that record because that is how he original thinker on major economic MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES lives. He gives 100 percent every day. and foreign policy issues, as well as a PLAYED Ask any of the hundreds of Baltimore reflection of mainstream public opin- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Orioles, who played with him over the ion in this country. He is careful and Chair recognizes the Senator from last 14 years. Ask Cal’s coaches who deliberate in his judgments, and often Maryland. have seen him rededicate himself every provides a fresh and enlightening per- Ms. MIKULSKI. I thank you, Mr. day. Ask any of the thousands and spective on the many complex issues President. thousands and even millions of Orioles that come before the Senate. Mr. President, I thank the Senator fans for whom he stayed at the ball- Our Nation’s tax structure has been from Arizona for yielding. He knows park late at night, willing to sign auto- one of the focuses of Senator BRAD- why I rise on the Senate floor today. It graphs, appear at charity events and be September 7, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 12755 there for Baltimore and be there for Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, last change the postal abbreviation out there the Orioles. Ask any of the millions of night, September 6, 1995, at Oriole Park from CA to CAL. baseball fans who have watched him at Camden Yards, not far from my Hold on—back at that Baltimore mater- handle himself with dignity, who have home in Baltimore, Cal Ripken broke nity ward, it turns out instead to be twins; girls, yet. Okay, their names will be Callie watched him handle himself with gal- baseball’s most enduring record of con- and Vinnie. lantry on the playing field and off the secutive games played. In surpassing To be a Baltimorean is to feel, right now, playing field. We have watched him Lou Gehrig’s streak of 2,130 games, Cal exalted. Some 1,525 daily newspapers are still also treat others with dignity through- Ripken has secured a place in sports published in this country and every last one, out his career. And, you know, if you history, and in the hearts and minds of it may well be, will print a news story to- ask Cal why he did it, he will tell you all who love baseball. morrow that is datelined Baltimore—a great- he wants to give his team the best This accomplishment is much more news, feel-wonderful story. chance of winning each and every than an event to be chronicled in the The news is of a new endurance mark, one that won’t be outdone until the 2000s, if then; game, and give the game the good record books; it is a tribute to Cal a mark set by a Baltimore Oriole, by a man name that it deserves. Ripken’s dedication to excellence—ex- who as a major leaguer has played only for Mr. President, this celebration is not cellence in athletics as well as excel- our Orioles. Season after season, starting in for Cal alone but also for the man who lence in sportsmanship. In a time 1982, our tall shortstop has never missed a held that record for so many years. bereft of heroes, we admire persons game. His bones refused to crack; his joints, Lou Gehrig represented the same quali- such as Cal Ripken who exemplify high on being wrenched, simply unwrenched; his ties that we look for in Cal Ripken. It standards. Cal plays for the love of the sinews (no matter how hard he flung the ball game. He does not play for the fame; he over to first) never tore. People applaud is words like masculine virtue, honor, Cal’s upbringing; a further help from family integrity, being with your team, stand- cares little about the glory. What he is that while the Birds were on the road, no ing up for what is right. The Lou does care about is playing baseball to call came to be present instead for wedding Gehrig record had really helped create his fullest potential. His affection for or funeral. The nation that reads, or watches a Yankee dynasty, and Lou Gehrig was the game shines like a beacon in the some announcer read, will long equate the the major reason for that dynasty. Lou night. His love of the game and his name Ripken with stoic, determined tough- Gehrig was in a class all by himself. He dedication has led him to this record. ness. will always be a champion and have a Neither money nor fame could have For there to be interest in continuity, a guided him to such a pinnacle in his ca- sport has to have gone on awhile; only in the unique place in baseball. current century did baseball’s busy statisti- It was thought during Gehrig’s time reer. cians, checking for uninterrupted participa- that the record would never be broken. We call baseball our national pas- tion, proclaim their first durability champ— However, I believe that if Lou Gehrig time. But for many of us it is much at 727 consecutive pennant-season games, were alive today he would admire Cal more than that. It brings us back to an Steve Brodie, centerfielder for the 1890s Bal- Ripken and see a man following in his era where the players were larger than timore Orioles. The original games-in-a-row footsteps, putting pain and self-inter- life and inspired us to the same great- search, however, had to do with base hits. There the original titleholder, at 44 games, est aside, and see a man working hard- ness. When players like Gehrig rambled out onto the field they were more than proved to be Willie Keeler, rightfielder for er than anyone else. He would see Cal the 1890s Orioles. Ripken trying to be the best player and men: they were heroes. At a time when Is perseverance a municipal characteristic? the best person he could be, and I be- people are searching for heroes, Cal Let others say—watching us struggle, even lieve that the ‘‘Pride of the Yankees’’ Ripken stands proudly and quietly at now, to get the world to spell Calvin Edwin would tip his hat in respect for the the forefront of those we have to offer Ripken Jr. correctly. ‘‘Pride of the Orioles.’’ our children. He is a man of dignity, With Cal Ripken, just as much off the dia- quiet workmanship, and humility. It is mond as on, another quality shines. Put it Mr. President, I believe that people this way, as the Camden Warehouse banner in positions of public trust should serve in keeping with these qualities that his children, Rachel and Ryan, threw out signals 2131: What a city this would be, what as role models for young people. I be- a state, were those of us watching and cheer- lieve this includes athletes and public the first pitches to the game that ing to go forth, afterward, bent on creating officials. So, today, I am proud to say would assure that their father crossed some kind of excellence and decency streak that some of Cal’s greatest achieve- the threshold from extraordinary play- of our own. ments have actually come off the field. er to a legend. He is a role model for kids. When so Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- TEXT OF RIPKEN’S SPEECH many are teaching the philosophy of sent that an editorial, lauding Cal After last night’s record-breaking game, ‘‘me, only,’’ he represents the philoso- Ripken’s streak and his character, Cal Ripken delivered the following speech: from the September 6, 1995, edition of When the game numbers on the warehouse phy of ‘‘we, together.’’ changed during fifth innings over the past Also, he represents the philosophy of the Baltimore Sun, as well as Cal Ripken’s statement and excerpts from several weeks, the fans in this ballpark re- giving your time to your community. sponded incredibly. I’m not sure that my re- remarks presented by his teammate His efforts at raising financial re- actions showed how I really felt. I just didn’t sources to fight pediatric cancer at Brady Anderson, be printed in the know what to do. ECORD. Johns Hopkins—on the night that he R Tonight, I want to make sure you know There being no objection, the mate- tied the Gehrig record, Baltimore how I feel. As I grew up here, I not only had rial was ordered to be printed in the dreams of being a big-league ballplayer, but raised over $1 million to give to Johns RECORD, as follows: also of being a Baltimore Oriole. As a boy Hopkins for research on the Lou Gehrig and a fan, I know how passionate we feel disease. That is what Cal Ripken is. [From the Baltimore Sun, Sept. 6, 1995] about baseball and the Orioles here. And as And, most important, Cal is a loving OUR CAL a player, I have benefited from this passion. father, husband and son. Somewhere in this favored city, we should For all of your support over the years. I It is fair to say that the streak does like to think, today a male infant is being want to thank you, the fans of Baltimore, not end when Cal steps off the field. born, and named Cal. from the bottom of my heart. This is the The field is only where it begins. Somewhere, as the possibilities grow, a greatest place to play. court of law is approving a grown-up’s This year has been unbelievable. I’ve been So on behalf of all Marylanders and change of name to become Mr., Mrs. or Ms. cheered in ballparks all over the country. the Nation’s baseball fans, I want to Calripken. People not only showed me their kindness, congratulate Cal Ripken for his Fielding still another dream—from a win- but more importantly, they demonstrated achievement. Maryland and America dow at 2131 East or West Baltimore Street, their love of the game of baseball. I give my are proud of him. Today is Cal’s day. or 2131 Maryland Avenue, a banner flies: thanks to baseball fans everywhere. And in Baltimore and in his hometown black background, large yellow numeral 8. I also could express my gratitude to a of Aberdeen, it is ‘‘Calleluia Day.’’ So In the distance: north and east of Balti- number of individuals who have played a role more, traffic on U.S. 40 is backed up for in my life and my career, but if I try to men- to commemorate his record, I am sub- miles, by the street dancing in Ripkentown, tion them all, I might unintentionally miss mitting this Senate resolution along formerly Aberdeen. someone and take more time than I should. with my colleagues to honor this re- Politics enters, the governor of California There are, however, four people I want to markable achievement. vowing that, once elected president, he will thank especially. Let me start by thanking S 12756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 7, 1995 my dad. He inspired me with his commit- man’s accomplishments and contributions his house, Rachel’s first day of school ment to the Oriole tradition and made me enhance, rather than diminish, the other’s; was undoubtedly the most important understand the importance of it. He not only for what finer tribute can one player give to occasion. taught me the fundamentals of baseball, he another than his uncompromising excel- I congratulate Cal Ripken, his wife taught me to play it the right way, the Ori- lence? ole way. From the very beginning, my dad Cal, you have inspired many teammates; Kelly, daughter Rachel, and son Ryan. let me know how important it was to be you have delighted million of fans; you have Cal Ripken has made Americans re- there for your team and to be counted on by given the nation uncountable memories. member why baseball is our national your teammates. Your pride in and love for the game are at a pastime—and how much true heroes My mom, what can I say about my mom? level few others will reach. Cal, thank you. mean to us. She is an unbelievable person. She let my Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, the Ms. MIKULSKI. I urge all of my col- dad lead the way on the field, but she was front page of today’s Washington Post leagues to join in the celebration by there in every other way—leading and shap- says it all: ‘‘History Embraces adopting this resolution. ing the lives of our family off the field. She’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the glue who held our lives together while we Ripken.’’ As an original cosponsor of grew up, and she’s always been my inspira- the resolution just submitted by my question is on agreeing to the resolu- tion. friend and colleague from Maryland, tion. Dad and Mom laid the foundation for my Senator MIKULSKI, I applaud Cal The resolution (S. Res. 167) was baseball career and my life, and when I got Ripken, Jr.’s magnificent accomplish- agreed to. to the big leagues, there was a man—Eddie ment. The preamble was agreed to. Murray—who showed me how to play this Last night’s recordbreaking achieve- The resolution, with its preamble, is game, day in and day out. I thank him for ment by Ripken restored America’s as follows: his example and for his friendship. I was S. RES. 167 lucky to have him as my teammate for the love for and pride in our national pas- years we were together, and I congratulate time, but it was not just a victory for Whereas on May 30, 1982, Cal Ripken, Jr. him on the great achievement of 3,000 hits baseball. What we are celebrating is became the regular starting shortstop for this year. not just Ripken’s 2,131st consecutive the Baltimore Orioles baseball club; As my major-league career moved along, game, or the home run which punc- Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. has not missed a single day of work in the intervening 14 the most important person came into my tuated it so perfectly. life—my wife, Kelly. She has enriched it with years; Rather, Cal Ripken, Jr.’s achieve- Whereas on September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken, her friendship and with her love. I thank ment is about greatness, about the es- Jr. played in his 2,131st consecutive Major you, Kelly, for the advice, support, and joy sence of being and being an American. League Baseball game, breaking the long- you have brought to me, and for always standing record held by the great Lou being there. You, Rachel and Ryan are my Cal Ripken, Jr. is a modest hero, a Gehrig; life. humble role model, a decent citizen, a Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. has been a first- These people, and many others, have al- caring father, a loving husband. He is rate role model for the young people of Balti- lowed me, day in and day out, to play the committed to his craft, his community, more, the State of Maryland, and the United American game of baseball. and his country. States; Tonight I stand here, overwhelmed, as my Yes, history has embraced Cal Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. has been named name is linked with the great and coura- Ripken, Jr. But, more importantly, he by America’s baseball fans to 13 American geous Lou Gehrig. I’m truly humbled to have has reminded Americans to celebrate League All-Star teams; our names spoken in the same breath. Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. was named the Some may think our strongest connection all that is good about themselves and American League’s Most Valuable Player for is because we both played many consecutive their country. the 1983 and 1991 seasons; games. Yet I believe in my heart that our Congratulations to Cal, to his family, and to a Nation of friends who share Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. was a member of true link is a common motivation—a love of the 1983 World Series Champion Baltimore the game of baseball, a passion for our team, his ideals. Orioles baseball team; and a desire to compete on the very highest Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, I rise Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. was named the level. today to commend the extraordinary Most Valuable Player in the 1991 All-Star I know that if Lou Gehrig is looking down accomplishments of Cal Ripken, Jr. As game; on tonight’s activities, he isn’t concerned we all know, last night at Oriole Park Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. has twice been about someone playing one more consecutive awarded baseball’s most prestigious award game than he did. Instead, he’s viewing to- at Camden Yards, Cal Ripken broke a record that was once considered un- for excellence in fielding, the Gold Glove night as just another example of what is Award, for the 1991 and 1992 seasons; good and right about the great American breakable. Whereas in the distinguished career of Cal game. Whether your name is Gehrig or From 1982 until today, the one con- Ripken, Jr., he has demonstrated an extraor- Ripken: Dimaggio or Robinson; or that of stant in the ever-changing world of dinary work ethic, and dedication to his pro- some youngster who picks up his bat or puts baseball has been the presence of No. 8 fession, his family, and his fans; and on his glove: You are challenged by the game in the Baltimore Orioles line-up. In an Whereas the humility, hard work, desire, of baseball to do your very best day and day era where job insecurities increasingly and commitment of Cal Ripken, Jr. have out. And that’s all I’ve ever tried to do. made him one of the best-loved and the most Thank you. permeate our society, Cal Ripken’s breaking of Lou Gehrig’s long-standing enduring figures in the history of the game of baseball: Now, therefore, be it ANDERSON’S TRIBUTE record while playing for the same team Resolved, That the United States Senate Excerpts from the speech Brady Anderson during the entire streak, seems even congratulates Cal Ripken, Jr. for his out- delivered on behalf of Orioles players after more remarkable. standing achievement in becoming the first last night’s game: Without a doubt, this new record has player in the history of Major League Base- For 14 years, Cal Ripken has played for the reinvigorated American’s interest in ball to compete in 2,131 consecutive games. Orioles with skill, determination and dedica- baseball. And the fact that the record- Ms. MIKULSKI. I move to reconsider tion. His inspiration has always been a love holder is such a solid, decent, and hum- the vote, and I move to lay that mo- for the game, his teammates and the devoted ble man adds extra luster to this un- tion on the table. fans of Baltimore. precedented achievement. The motion to lay on the table was The record which has been broken today While this record is an extraordinary speaks volumes about a man who never un- agreed to. duly focused on this achievement, but ac- testament to Cal Ripken’s dedication Ms. MIKULSKI. Thank you, Mr. complished it through years of energy, in- to the game of baseball, his actions President. credible inner resources and an unflagging during the closing days of this streak I suggest the absence of a quorum. passion for the sport. are even more telling. In the early The PRESIDING OFFICER. The But fame is a dual-edged sword, and his is morning of September 6, 1995, as Cal clerk will call the roll. no exception. Incredible pressure has been stood poised on the edge of baseball im- The legislative clerk proceeded to placed on Cal as it became increasingly ap- mortality, he accompanied his daugh- call the roll. parent that this achievement could be real- ter Rachel to her first day of school. Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, I ask ized. In breaking this record, he surpasses the playing streak of Lou Gehrig, an excep- And when asked which event held more unanimous consent that the order for tional baseball player. significance—the breaking of Lou the quorum call be rescinded. I know Cal is honored to be in the company Gehrig’s record or his daughter’s first The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of such a legend, just as we know that each day of school—Cal responded that in objection, it is so ordered.