H7766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 15, 1998 CONGRATULATING MARK The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there record for the most home runs in a sea- MC GWIRE FOR BREAKING THE objection to the request of the gen- son, and among other things, serving MAJOR LEAGUE SIN- tleman from Florida? as a true role model for young people. GLE-SEASON HOME RECORD There was no objection. But not only is he a role model for Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- young people, but it has been well stat- self such time as I may consume. mous consent that the Committee on ed in the media that he gives some- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this after- where in the area of $1 million per year Government Reform and Oversight be noon to congratulate my colleague, the discharged from further consideration to lift up children and to make their gentleman from Missouri (Mr. TALENT), of the resolution (H. Res. 520) congratu- lives better, and for this we applaud for introducing this resolution. him. lating Mark McGwire of the St. Louis On September 8, 1998, Mark McGwire Cardinals for breaking the Major As baseball regains its popularity broke the and more young people flock to ball League Baseball single-season home record for home runs in a single season run record, and ask for its immediate fields across America, it is important and joins such immortals as that our major league players set an consideration in the House. and as legends of our na- Mr. Speaker, I further ask unani- example of hard work, sacrifice, dig- tional past time. But, Mr. Speaker, nity and respect for oneself and one’s mous consent that the debate on the when America watched Mark McGwire resolution be confined to 40 minutes, other players. Mark McGwire exempli- pursue, and then break, Roger Maris’s fies all of these. equally divided between myself and the single-season record, we wit- gentleman from Maryland, (Mr. Parents can speak of McGwire as not nessed far more than a spectacular ath- only a great ball player, but as a good CUMMINGS). letic achievement and a sportsmanship man. After breaking Roger Maris’s The Clerk read the title of the resolu- achievement. In the apt words of the tion. record, McGwire took time to acknowl- gentleman’s resolution, the gentleman edge the Maris family who were sitting The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there from Missouri, he stated, ‘‘Mark objection to the request of the gen- in the stands and hugged and lifted up McGwire conducted himself with un- his own son on the baseball field. Those tleman from Florida? common grace, class, and dignity.’’ At two things, I think, sent a true mes- There was no objection. all times he was, as the resolution goes sage to all of us in America, and that is The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- on to say, a first-rate role model for to never forget from whence we came lows: the young people of our Nation. and never forget those who came before H. RES. 520 But it is not just the young people us. Those were moments that all Amer- Whereas the game of baseball is America’s who can learn from this athlete’s ex- national pastime; ample. Everyone can and should learn icans could be proud of. McGwire’s contributions to baseball Whereas one of the grandest records in by his achievements and the manner in have been memorialized in the Na- baseball, and indeed in all sport, is the which he conducted himself. record for the most home runs in a single More memorable than the home run tional Baseball Hall of Fame in Coop- Major League Baseball season; that he hit that night was the grace erstown, New York. The ball that Whereas during the 1998 Major League with which he conducted himself, the McGwire hit his season record 62nd Baseball season, Mark McGwire of the St. home run, his bat and his St. Louis Louis Cardinals and other fine players have joy with which he greeted his young son as he crossed home plate, the great Cardinals uniform are on display for challenged the Major League Baseball single- current and future generations to see. season home run record, bringing great ex- respect he showed for the Maris family, citement to the 1998 Major League Baseball and the friendship that he and Sammy Fathers and sons and daughters who season and capturing the imagination of the Sosa, who is also challenging the home journey to Cooperstown will be able to people of the and baseball fans run record, demonstrated that night share a historic moment, a moment around the world; and so many millions of Americans that will be further commemorated Whereas Mark McGwire of the St. Louis witnessed. with this resolution in his honor. What Cardinals has been subjected to intense pres- It is, therefore, appropriate that Con- he has done has left a spark in all sure and media scrutiny, but has conducted gress commend and recognize Mark Americans and has left a very, very, himself with uncommon grace, class, and very important memory so that we dignity, and has been a first-rate role model McGwire for breaking this record and for the young people of St. Louis, the State for the manner in which he did it. might cherish it for our entire life- of Missouri, and the United States; and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of times. Whereas on September 8, 1998, Mark my time. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals hit his Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my time. 62nd home run of the 1998 Major League myself such time as I may consume. Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 21⁄2 Baseball season, breaking the Major League Mr. Speaker, I also want to commend minutes to the gentleman from Mis- Baseball single-season home run record: the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. TAL- souri (Mr. TALENT), the author of this Now, therefore, be it ENT) for introducing this very, very im- resolution. Resolved, That the House of Representa- Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I thank tives congratulates and commends Mark portant resolution. Today we honor 2 McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals— true sportsmen, Mark McGwire and the gentleman for yielding me this (1) for breaking the Major League Baseball Sammy Sosa. Last week Mark time. single-season home run record; McGwire tied, and then broke, Roger Mr. Speaker, I admire and appreciate (2) for bringing great excitement to the Maris’s 61st single-season home run the gentleman’s eloquence and that of 1998 Major League Baseball season; and record, making him the new major the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. (3) for being an inspiration to the youth of league leader, with 62 home runs. On CUMMINGS), and I do not know that America and the world and baseball fans ev- Sunday, Sammy Sosa hit his 62nd there is a lot I can add. I just think erywhere. home run, matching McGwire and help- that this resolution is important for a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ing to propel his team to victory in a number of reasons. They have com- ant to the unanimous consent request, crucial game against the Brewers. mented, and I think it bears repeating, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MICA) Last year, this Congress honored the on the class that Mark McGwire had and the gentleman from Maryland, lifetime achievements of another great throughout this whole season as he (Mr. CUMMINGS), each will control 20 baseball player: . Mr. chased this record. He showed the af- minutes. Robinson would be proud to see how fection that he has in his heart for his The Chair recognizes the gentleman McGwire and Sosa have embraced and son; he showed the regard that he has from Florida (Mr. MICA). supported each other in the race to for his competitor, Sammy Sosa; and GENERAL LEAVE break Maris’s record. McGwire and that was returned time and time again. Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- Sosa are making history, and they are I really appreciate the gentleman from mous consent that all Members may doing it with respect for each other and Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) remark be- have 5 legislative days within which to with dignity and integrity. cause that showed how far baseball has revise and extend their remarks on Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 520 come from the days of Jackie Robin- House Resolution 520. honors Mark McGwire for breaking the son. Mark McGwire showed the respect September 15, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7767 that he has for baseball and for the runs to be hit. We really do not know about what it would be like to be the ``King of way that he treated the Maris family, yet what the new home run record will Swing.'' But what truly touched me about and I think all of those things justify be. We do not know who will hold that Tuesday night was the way the entire country this resolution. title and that record. What we do know came together in the last days and weeks I had a personal reason as well for fil- is that Mark McGwire has at all times leading up to this very special event. ing it. I was able to share that evening conducted himself both as a gentleman When Mark MGwire belted number 62 into with my 8-year-old son, and to share and as a true sportsman. His athletic the record books, he put a special and indel- that moment with him when Mark achievements are, in fact, a deed to be ible mark on history that will remain forever. McGwire hit the 62nd home run, and it respected, but the quality of character Tuesday night, MissouriÐthe Heartland of struck me that the experience we had he has demonstrated throughout this America and my homeÐbecame the hallmark together and the way I felt afterwards historic baseball season should be hon- that represents what can be accomplished when my son said it was the best night ored. with dedication, perseverance, hard work and of his life, was probably shared by mil- At a time, Mr. Speaker, when values, a little help from the Man upstairs. Mark lions and millions of families around character, and professional conduct is McGwire recognized that Tuesday night and it the country who were together watch- being challenged both here in Washing- reminded me of how proud we in the Eighth ing this achievement, watching Mark ton and at every level across our land, District are to call Missouri home. McGwire chase this with such class and it is indeed fitting that today Congress But something even more magical hap- achieve it on that night, and they recognize a true role model, Mark pened when Mark McGwire smacked that ball shared that memory then and they will McGwire. the last 341 feet into American history. In that share that memory forever. I think it Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to instantÐand with the help of what ESPN has deserves this memorial. vote for this resolution. called ``the nation's best fans''Ðthe fans This is a class individual. None of it Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, as a life- cheering on the Cardinals in Busch StadiumÐ was a put-on. It is just the way he is. long baseball fan, nothing has been more ex- it felt great to be an American. Again. I am glad the House is taking a few citing than seeing the home run chase this Now that may sound strange to some, but moments to recognize him. I am sure year for Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Not in a time when coverage of the examples of everyone will support this resolution. only has the race brought a great deal of ex- poor role models often overshadows the cov- Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield citement to this year's baseball season, the erage of good role models, it truly is comfort- 1 1 ⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from Mis- grace, dignity and good sportsmanship of ing that today all of America has something to souri (Mr. GEPHARDT), the distin- these two sluggers has brought honor to be proud of. On Tuesday night, America saw guished majority leader. sportsmanship and sports in general. the kindness, honesty and dignity of a man (Mr. GEPHARDT asked and was While we should salute the achievements of whose character is not measured by numbers given permission to revise and extend Mark, we must not forget that the season is and dollars, but by the love of a national pas- his remarks.) not over. Indeed, the fantastic weekend per- time and a respect for all of those who play Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I formance of Sammy Sosa demonstrates that the game. Tuesday night it felt good to be 10- thank the gentleman, and I share his we still do not know who will be the single years-old again rooting for your hero. Tuesday optimism. I want to thank the gen- season home run king until the last game is night, it just felt good to cheer. tleman from Missouri for bringing this played. It also points out how Congress some- My dad, Ab Hermann, also played profes- resolution. times gets ahead of itself. sional baseball. Even though he taught me Mr. Speaker, let me just first say The grace of a home run swing (some 124 countless lessons about life, I remember two that I have been a Cardinal fan my en- at last count), the kind words of mutual re- very distinctly. First, you always have to keep tire life, as I am sure my friend from spect uttered by Mr. McGwire and Mr. Sosa, your eye on the ball. Second, honesty and Missouri has been. The night that the thrills that have been experienced by mil- character really do matter. Like my colleague, Mark McGwire hit this home run was lions of fans remind us all that human J.C. Watts, another great athlete, says ``char- indeed a very important night in the achievement brings out the best in us. Diver- acter means doing what's right when nobody life of any Cardinal fan. In fact, I was sion and recreation is sometimes the best is looking.'' alone watching it on television and antidote for tough times. Amidst all the political tears streamed down my face as I saw trauma of the last few weeks, many were Well, Mark McGwire did that. As Mike Jen- him make this accomplishment. happy, even just for a moment, to forget it all sen of the Standard Democrat noted on Sep- I think that there is a much larger and blissfully discuss the home run race. They tember 9, 1998, ``That monumental home run meaning, however, that comes out of have also taught us some important lessons will neither solve world hunger nor the issues this, in both the case of Mark McGwire like genuine humility which inspires us much in the Mideast. But it did remind us that some- and Sammy Sosa. First, they have both more than stirring words. The magnificent per- times good guys finish first.'' And Tuesday shown love for their families, they formance of Mark and Sammy on the field has night when all America was watching, Mark have shown love for fellow human only been matched by their outstanding han- McGwire, with the class befitting a ``Home Run beings, and they have shown respect dling of the media attention which has been King,'' wrote his own story in American His- for other human beings who have had given to them. They deserve our recognition. tory. Thank you Mark, for giving all of America similar records or their families have Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, whether you a story worth telling. had a connection with similar records. were at the game or enjoying the moment Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to sa- Those are very important messages for elsewhere with family and friends, on the lute Mark McGwire and his extraordinary feat baseball heroes to send to the people, evening of Tuesday, September 8, 1998, in setting a new, single-season home run and I most want to be for this resolu- America witnessed a milestone. As my home- record. tion today because of that and because town newspaper, the Southeast Missourian Throughout this season, Americans have of what that means to Americans and printed Wednesday morning, ``In a nation that been treated to one of the most incredible what that means to all of our people. demands bigger, more, better, faster, Mark sporting achievements of our lifetime. The sin- We commend them, we honor them, David McGwire is now a nameÐand an gle-season home run mark of 61 stood as per- and we wish them well in the days eventÐto be remembered.'' haps the most awesome feat in baseball his- ahead. But there is something even more memo- tory. Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I have no rable about Tuesday night. More memorable I feel privileged to have been able to wit- further requests for time, and I reserve than Mark McGwire hugging his son, Matt, as ness Mark McGwire in action this yearÐevery the balance of my time. he crossed home base. More memorable than baseball fan in America knows that they have Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, we Mark McGwire taking time to share his accom- seen something special in 1998. have no further requests for time, and plishment with the own Sammy Roger Maris set that record 37 years ago, I yield back the balance of my time. Sosa; and yes, even more memorable than topping perhaps the most impressive achieve- Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- the touching moments that Mark McGwire ment of Babe Ruth, the best all-around player self such time as I may consume. shared with Roger Maris' family. ever to take the field in professional baseball. In closing, Mr. Speaker, there is, in Sure, hitting number 62 was great. And Watching McGwire's pursuit of 62 home runs, fact, baseball yet to be played this there isn't any Little Leaguer I know who prob- placing him among icons like Ruth and Maris, year. Perhaps there are more home ably didn't drift off to sleep that night thinking has been a pure joy to witness. H7768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 15, 1998 Mark McGwire is not only an outstanding best overall performances in baseball his- All America has watched with admi- athlete, he is also a man whose conduct epito- tory, which will likely include more than 150 ration as Mark McGwire and Sammy mizes good sportsmanship. RBIs, a batting average of over. 300, nearly 20 Sosa have challenged each other to new He has remained focused on his goal in the stolen bases, exceptional defensive play in heights each and every day during one right field and providing leadership to the face of a media frenzy and a sea of exploding Chicago Cubs in a close race for the playoffs; of the most exciting periods of baseball flash bulbs. And he did it with amazing grace Whereas throughout the intense media history. We watched as the record fell, and real class. scrutiny and public attention that has ac- and we watched as the new record was The chase showed something special about companied his historic home run chase, tied. Mark McGwire. But it also showed me some- Sammy Sosa has consistently conducted Sammy Sosa deserves the respect and thing special about the people of St. Louis. himself with dignity, modesty, and selfless- admiration of all baseball fans for his The fact that seven very lucky fans gave up ness that has been an inspiration to all great athletic achievement, but more Americans; importantly, Sammy Sosa has earned progressively larger amounts of money, return- Whereas as a native of the Dominican Re- ing their souvenir home run balls to Number public, Sammy Sosa has proven to be an out- the esteem of all Americans for the 25, showed that Cardinals fans truly are, as standing role model and source of pride for great and dignified manner in which he the magazine Baseball America called them, all residents of his native country, as well as has conducted himself at all times. ``The Best Baseball Fans in America.'' all Latin Americans and all immigrants to When Mark McGwire became the These fans showed their true spirit when the U.S. from across the globe; first to break Roger Maris’ record, the they stood and cheered not only for St. Louis' Whereas throughout his record-breaking St. Louis Cardinals were playing own Mark McGwire, but also for that other accomplishments and thrilling head-to-head Sammy Sosa’s Chicago Cubs. Sammy race with Mark McGwire to surpass the great athlete, the Cubs' Sammy Sosa. Sosa was among the first to offer his home run milestone Sammy Sosa has em- congratulations, running to congratu- Mr. Speaker, I could not be more proud to bodied the talent, exuberance, team-spirit say I am from St. Louis, and I could not be and determination that Americans associate late Mark from his position in the out- more proud to say I am a Cardinals' fan. with the very best qualities of sports and field. A lesser man would have resented Thank you and congratulations, Mark athletic competition; that another man will always be McGwire. Whereas while Sammy Sosa is almost cer- known as the gentleman who broke Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tainly not done hitting home runs in 1998, Roger Maris’ record, but not Sammy of my time. and has two more weeks to amaze all of Sosa. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The America with tape-measure shots that de- Reflecting the highest ideals of question is on the resolution. light Chicago’s bleacher bums and send Cubs sportsmanship and character, Sammy scattering on Waveland Avenue in pursuit of Sosa graciously saluted that achieve- The resolution was agreed to. a piece of history, and Sammy Sosa will con- A motion to reconsider was laid on tinue to enhance a proud legacy of Chicago ment and embraced Mark McGwire the table. Cubs sluggers in the tradition of Hack Wil- warmly. f son, , and Andre I have no doubt, Mr. Speaker, that it Dawson; was because of Sammy Sosa’s char- CONGRATULATING SAMMY SOSA Whereas on September 13, 1998, Sammy acter that all Americans cheered when FOR TYING THE CURRENT Sosa of the Chicago Cubs hit his 62th home he tied this new record. I am proud to MAJOR LEAGUE RECORD FOR run of the 1998 Major League Baseball season support this resolution to honor an ex- HOME RUNS IN ONE SEASON. and tied the current single-season home run cellent athlete and, in fact, a true gen- record: Now, therefore, be it Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- Resolved, That the House of Representa- tleman. mous consent that the Committee on tives congratulates and commends Sammy Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Government Reform and Oversight be Sosa of the Chicago Cubs— my time. discharged from further consideration (1) for his amazing accomplishments and Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield of the Resolution (H. Res. 536) and ask thanks him for a summer of unsurpassed myself such time as I may consume. for its immediate consideration in the baseball excitement. Mr. Speaker, I first want to con- House. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- gratulate the gentleman from Illinois Mr. Speaker, I further ask unani- ant to the unanimous consent request, (Mr. GUITERREZ), the gentleman from mous consent that the debate time be the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MICA) Illinois (Mr. DAVIS) and the gentleman limited to 40 minutes, equally divided and the gentleman from Maryland, from Illinois (Mr. YATES) for introduc- and controlled by teh gentleman from (Mr. CUMMINGS) each will control 20 ing this very, very important resolu- Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) and myself. minutes. tion. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Today, this Congress pauses to salute tion. from Florida (Mr. MICA). a man named Sammy Sosa. Sammy The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there GENERAL LEAVE Sosa of the Chicago Cubs is being hon- objection to the request of the gen- Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- ored today for being a fine sportsman tleman from Florida? mous consent that all Members may and for conducting himself with dig- There was no objection. have 5 legislative days within which to nity and modesty while in pursuit of The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- revise and extend their remarks on Roger Maris’ single season home run lows: House Resolution 536. record. A native of the Dominican Re- H. RES. 536 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there public, Sammy Sosa is an inspiration Whereas Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs objection to the request of the gen- to Americans, Latin Americans, and all hit two home runs on Sunday, September 13 tleman from Florida? who love the game of baseball. against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley There was no objection. On Sunday, in a critical Cubs-Brew- Field in Chicago; ers game, Sosa caught up to Mark Whereas these home runs were his 61st and b 1700 McGwire and hit his 62nd home run. At 62nd of the 1998 season, tying Mark McGwire Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- that moment, the Cubs were still be- of the St. Louis Cardinals for the current self such time as I may consume. hind, and though he was experiencing a major league record for home runs in one Mr. Speaker, I would like to take personal victory, Sosa did not cele- season and moving him past Roger Maris’ previous single home run record, which had this opportunity to congratulate the brate until his teammate stood unsurpassed—and barely threatened— gentleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIER- hit the winning home run to end the for 37 years; REZ), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. game 11 to 10. Sosa carried Grace a few Whereas Sammy Sosa’s achievement is one YATES), and the gentleman from Illi- steps to the dugout, and the Cubs car- of the most impressive and difficult to ac- nois (Mr. DAVIS) who are authors and ried Sosa. Baseball is a team effort, complish in the , placing who have introduced this resolution. and Sosa’s actions exemplify just that. him in the very exclusive company of the na- This has been indeed, as we have Sosa is the player in Cub’s history, tional pastime’s greatest home run hitters, said, a very historic baseball season. the only player in Cub’s history to hit including legends such as Babe Ruth, , Roger Maris, , and We have not only seen Roger Maris’ 37- 30 or more home runs and steal 30 or ; year-old single season home run record more bases in the same season. In 1997, Whereas Sammy Sosa’s drive toward the broken, we have seen the new record he became the third player in team his- historic home run record is part of one of the tied within just a few days. tory to hit more than 25 home runs at