Congressional Record—House H8977
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September 30, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8977 with 122 runs, 209 hits, 44 doubles, 11 triples, Sports fans and non-sports fans alike know ing, inspirational power the Yankees have was 30 homers, 98 RBIs and 22 stolen bases; of George Steinbrenner’s pride in the Yankees in the aftermath of the tragic attacks of 9/11. Whereas in 1998, after acquiring star right- and his drive and desire to win the World It was the City’s darkest hour and New hander Pedro Martinez, the Red Sox pro- duced their first 90-win season since 1996. Championship. Few people, however, know of Yorkers’ most harrowing experience. Collec- The 92–70 finish was good enough to vault his compassion and willingness to come to the tively, New Yorkers rallied around their neigh- them into the playoffs as the AL Wild Card. aid of those most in need. bors, their leaders—and their championship Nomar Garciaparra finished second in AL George Steinbrenner and his son Hal teams. MVP balloting. The Red Sox snapped their Steinbrenner devote much of their personal That year, the Yankees put on an exhila- postseason losing streak of 13 games by beat- time in support of the Warrior Foundation, a rating, magical performance in the World Se- ing the Indians 11–3 in Game 1; nonprofit organization that assists the families ries, constantly fighting back from the brink of Whereas in 2000 Nomar Garciaparra earned of U.S. Special Operations Forces who make his second consecutive batting title and defeat to push the series to the limit. Pedro Martinez earned his third Cy Young the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. That year, the Yankees’ post-season per- award in four years. Garciaparra’s .372 bat- The Foundation provides scholarships for the formance was the first bit of good news many ting average was the best batting average for children of these brave warriors who serve our New Yorkers had received in weeks. a right-handed hitter in the past 50 years; Nation in anonymity. For that, and so many other memories, I am Whereas in 2001 the Red Sox signed super- George Steinbrenner and the New York thrilled to join with my colleagues here and star slugger Manny Ramirez off the free Yankees also show their support of our troops millions of New Yorkers back home in con- agent market, who clubbed a three-run throughout the season, by regularly honoring gratulating the New York Yankees for 100 homer in the first pitch he saw in a home uniform at Fenway Park; them at Yankee Stadium. During New York’s years of thrills, excitement and excellence. Whereas on April 4, 2001, Hideo Nomo Fleet Week, the Yankees honor thousands of Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, we have pitched Boston’s first no-hitter since 1965. sailors, soldiers, marines, airmen, and Coast no additional speakers, and I yield The start against the Orioles at Camden Guardsmen while hosting them at baseball back the balance of my time. Yards was Nomo’s first in a Boston uniform; games. The Yankees regularly pay personal The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas in 2002 the Red Sox began a new visits to our troops when they are hospitalized question is on the motion offered by era, as the ownership group led by John with injuries, and they honor those who are the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino offi- cially took over on Feb. 27. The Red Sox able to travel to Yankee Stadium. SOUDER) that the House suspend the went 93–69 under new manager Grady Little, Few people will ever forget the special bond rules and agree to the resolution, H. but missed the playoffs for the third straight that developed between the Yankees and the Res. 306. year. Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe gave fire and police departments of New York City The question was taken; and (two- the Sox their first 20-win tandem since 1949. following the tragic events of 9/11. Our Nation thirds having voted in favor thereof) The highlight of the season was Lowe’s no- will never forget the spiritual and emotional lift the rules were suspended and the reso- hitter at Fenway on April 27 against the that those same Yankees gave our Nation lution was agreed to. Devil Rays. Manny Ramirez, despite missing with their never say die effort during the 2001 A motion to reconsider was laid on six weeks with a fractured left index finger, World Series. won his first batting title; the table. Back home in the Tampa Bay area that I Whereas Red Sox have appeared in the f post-season seven times (1986, 1988, 1990, 1995, have the honor to represent, George 1998, 1999 and 2003) since 1986;’’ Steinbrenner annually sponsors of series of BOB HOPE POST OFFICE BUILDING After ‘‘Resolved, That the House of Rep- holiday shows with the Florida Orchestra for Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. resentatives and the American people extend underprivileged youth. Having participated in heartfelt congratulations to the New York Speaker, I move to suspend the rules many of these shows, I can tell you that he and pass the bill (H.R. 3011) to des- Yankees on the occasion of its 100th anniver- brings greater happiness to thousands of chil- sary, and express the sincerest gratitude to ignate the facility of the United States the entire organization.’’ Insert ‘‘Resolved, dren at these events each year. Postal Service located at 135 East Olive That the House of Representatives and the He also reaches out to lend a helping hand Avenue in Burbank, California, as the American people extend heartfelt congratu- to individuals and families with special needs ‘‘Bob Hope Post Office Building’’. lations to the Boston Red Sox on the occa- throughout our community. He does not seek The Clerk read as follows: sion of the 100th anniversary of its victory in publicity for his efforts, he just does it because H.R. 3011 the first World Series and express the sin- it’s the right thing to do. cerest gratitude to the entire organization.’’ Mr. Speaker, George Steinbrenner is an Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- So I join, Mr. Speaker, the Red Sox American icon for his success as the owner of resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, nation in congratulating the Red Sox a professional sports team. For me, however, SECTION 1. BOB HOPE POST OFFICE BUILDING. on the 100th anniversary of their vic- he is a true hero for his selfless acts to sup- (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the tory in the first World Series and for port our service members and our neighbors United States Postal Service located at 135 their recent wild-card victory in the most in need. This is the side of George East Olive Avenue in Burbank, California, 2003 play-offs. On behalf of the Red Sox Steinbrenner few will ever see or read about shall be known and designated as the ‘‘Bob fans across the country and the world, but for which thousands are thankful and eter- Hope Post Office Building’’. I hope that the 85th time is a charm nally grateful. (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, and it is this year. Good luck for all As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of map, regulation, document, paper, or other the teams in the play-offs and the Red this storied sports franchise, let us also say record of the United States to the facility re- Sox in particular, as well as the thank you to a great American with the heart ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Bob Hope Post Office Yankees. of a champion. He has given our Nation much Building. Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. speaker, I rise in to cheer both on and off the playing field. strong support of House Resolution 306, Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, to the city of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- which congratulates the New York Yankees on New York, the New York Yankees are truly ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from their 100th anniversary. more than just a baseball team. Michigan (Mrs. MILLER) and the gentle- Others who have spoken before me, and For 100 years, they have captured the woman from California (Ms. WATSON) will speak after me, will have talked about the imagination, brought New Yorkers together each will control 20 minutes. Yankees’ prowess on the baseball field. Cer- and given our city of champions a champion- The Chair recognizes the gentle- tainly their 26 World championships and 38 ship spirit. woman from Michigan (Mrs. MILLER). American League Pennants are unsurpassed The numbers speak for themselves: 26 GENERAL LEAVE in all of professional sports. World Series won. 38 Hall-of-Famers. 6 con- Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. With my time today, however, I want to secutive division titles—and counting. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that speak about one of the legendary New York From Manhattan to Moscow, The Bronx to all Members may have 5 legislative Yankees, a man who has left his mark on this Beijing, you’re likely to see someone wearing days within which to revise and extend organization without ever taking to the field. the distinctive Yankees ball cap wherever you their remarks on the bill under consid- That is George Steinbrenner, who bought the go. eration. Yankees in January 1973 and has since then The world over, everyone knows the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there made it the most valuable sports franchise in Yankees.