[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 315 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                    September 10, 2003.
Whereas Rafael Palmeiro hit the 500th home run of his career on May 11, 2003 at 
        The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, becoming only the 19th player in 
        baseball history to accomplish such an achievement;
Whereas Rafael Palmeiro's achievement places him in the company of baseball's 
        elite, including Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Ted Williams;
Whereas Rafael Palmeiro's power swing has been consistent over his 17 years in 
        the major league and this consummate quiet professional is still going 
        strong;
Whereas, with eight consecutive seasons with at least 38 home runs, Rafael 
        Palmeiro has established himself as one of the game's great power 
        hitters;
Whereas, in addition, Rafael Palmeiro has mastered the intricacies of playing 
        his position, first base, becoming a four-time All Star and earning 
        three consecutive Gold Gloves from 1997 to 1999;
Whereas, through dedication and hardwork, Rafael Palmeiro has become one of the 
        superstars of baseball and a future Hall of Famer;
Whereas Rafael Palmeiro is the personification of hard work and determination, 
        and is an inspiration for Cuban Americans, having fled Havana, Cuba with 
        his family in 1971;
Whereas Rafael Palmeiro has become a role model for people of all ages, taking 
        time to work with foster children at the Lena Pope Home in Ft. Worth, 
        Texas, including raising more than $160,000 for supporting foster 
        children and for encouraging foster parenting; and
Whereas, in addition to all of Rafael Palmeiro's other endeavors, he dedicates 
        time to his wife Lynne and his two children, thirteen-year-old Patrick 
        Ryne and eight-year-old Preston Connor: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates Rafael Palmeiro of 
the Texas Rangers for hitting 500 major league home runs and thanks him for 
being a role model for the Cuban American community, and all Americans, and for 
inspiring all Americans to persevere and work hard to achieve their dreams.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.