E1976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 3, 2003 legislation is just one piece of the overall strat- determination, and teamwork that have made enjoyed such unparalleled success during the egy. With anti-choice leaders now controlling them a great source of civic pride and a local 2003 season. both the House and Senate, banning abortion attraction. I ask all of my colleagues to join In addition to a wonderful roster, the 2003 is once again becoming a top legislative pri- with me in saluting the remarkable 2003 Sac- River Cats also benefited greatly from the tu- ority. ramento River Cats. telage of one of the best coaching staffs and Why when there are so many other pressing Throughout the course of the season, the the leadership of one of the most progressive issues in this Nation, would Congressional Sacramento River Cats never left any doubt front offices in all of professional baseball. On leaders choose to introduce legislation that that they were top of the class of the Pacific the bench, the River Cats were lead by the has already been held unconstitutional? In Coast League. The River Cats displayed tre- 2003 Sporting News Minor League Manager 2000, the Supreme Court found Nebraska’s mendous consistency and excellence as they of the Year Tony DeFrancesco. Mr. DeFran- so-called ‘‘partial-birth’’ abortion ban unconsti- finished with a league best record of 92 wins cesco and his able assistants were able to tutional. The Court found that the law was an and 52 losses, a remarkable 18 games better harness one of the greatest collections of gift- unconstitutional burden on a woman’s right to than the closest competitor. The River Cats ed players in the Pacific Coast League into a choose. The Nebraska law banned safe abor- truly dominated the competition as 51 of the balanced team that is epitomized by fair play tion procedures and lacked the constitutionally River Cats’ victories were decided by more and an unyielding commitment to teamwork. In required exception to protect a woman’s than 3 runs. Backed by a spirited and loyal fan the front office, the River Cats are led by the health. These same issues are present in the base, the River Cats won a league-leading 50 visionary leadership of President and CEO Art bill now before Congress. games at home during the regular season. Savage and the astute management of Execu- I urge Congress to reject this ban on partial- The River Cats also won the franchise’s third tive Vice Presidents Warren Smith and Robert birth abortion. I support a woman’s right to division championship since relocating to Sac- Hemond. Under this leadership team, the make choices on her own behalf. The govern- ramento in 2000. By combining a high-octane River Cats have taken great steps to forge ment should stay out of important health deci- offense; a tenacious pitching staff, and a one of the strongest and most unique relation- sions, and leave those important health deci- steady defense, this year’s River Cats posted ships in all of sports with their team sup- sions to the woman, her family and her doctor. the best overall record and road record in porters. Given the River Cats front office’s f franchise history. It is clear that the 2003 Sac- commitment to the city of Sacramento, it is no RECOGNIZING THE SACRAMENTO ramento River Cats are one of the most domi- wonder why the River Cats have led all of RIVER CATS FOR WINNING THE nant teams in the illustrious 100-year history Minor League Baseball in attendance during 2003 PACIFIC COAT LEAGUE of the Pacific Coast League. each of their four years in Sacramento. CHAMPIONSHIP The 2003 Sacramento River Cats are com- Mr. Speaker, as the Sacramento River Cats prised of an outstanding blend of seasoned conclude their greatest season in franchise HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI veterans with major league experience and history and prepare to achieve greater tri- OF CALIFORNIA exciting young players who are destined to be umphs in the future, I am honored to pay trib- the superstars of tomorrow. This River Cats ute to the many hard working men and women IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES team is spearheaded by the all around excel- of the River Cats organization who brought so Friday, October 3, 2003 lence of Pacific Coast League’s Rookie of the much joy and pride to the people of Capitol Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Year Bobby Crosby, Pitcher of the Year Justin Region and River Cats fans everywhere. Their the 2003 Sacramento River Cats, the deserv- Duchscherer and Most Valuable Player successes are considerable, and it is a great ing winners of the 2003 Pacific Coast League Graham Koonce. The 2003 River Cats be- honor for me to have the opportunity to pay Championship. The 2003 River Cats trium- came the first team to claim the three major tribute to their accomplishments. I ask all my phantly completed the season by winning all individual awards in the history of the Pacific colleagues to join with me in congratulating its postseason games, including a three-game Coast League. This dazzling array of players, the Sacramento River Cats on a wonderful sweep of the Nashville Sounds. The 2003 combined with a selfless commitment to team season and wishing them greater success in River Cats demonstrated remarkable courage, play, are major reasons why the River Cats future seasons. 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