III 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 712 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 20, 2008 Mr. Specter (for himself, Mr. Casey, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Lautenberg, and Mr. Bunning) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Congratulating the Philadelphia Phillies on winning the 2008 World Series.

Whereas, on October 29, 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win the 2008 World Series; Whereas the 4 to 3 Phillies victory in Game 5 of the Fall Classic secured for Philadelphia a World Series title for the first time since 1980, and for the second time in team history; Whereas the Tampa Bay Rays deserve congratulations for a stellar 2008 season, in which, after 10 consecutive losing seasons, they posted a regular season record of 97–65 and won the American League Championship Series; Whereas Tampa Bay Rays Manager and Hazelton, Pennsylvania-native Joe Maddon established himself as among the premier managers in Major League Baseball during the 2008 season, and aptly was named American League Manager of the Year; Whereas Philadelphia sports fans have consistently demonstrated their love for, and devotion to, Philadelphia teams, even after 25 years without winning a major sports championship; Whereas, since taking the helm as manager in 2005, Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel has guided the young Phillies team to become the best in Major League Baseball; Whereas recently-retired General Manager Pat Gillick, who joined the Phillies in 2006, played an integral role in assembling the World Series-winning team; Whereas 24-year old pitcher Cole Hamels was named the Most Valuable Player for both the National League Championship Series and the World Series, with a 4–0 record and 1.80 Earned Run Average in the post-season; Whereas starting pitchers Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, and Souderton, Pennsylvania-native Jamie Moyer delivered outstanding performances throughout the post-season; Whereas the Phillies’ bullpen distinguished itself as among the greatest in Major League Baseball, particularly closer Brad Lidge, who finished the 2008 season with 48 out of 48 save opportunities, including the final game of the World Series; Whereas the Phillies were led by a talented and tough group of players including: 2006 MVP Ryan Howard; All-Star Chase Utley; 2007 MVP and 2007 and 2008 Gold Glove winner Jimmy Rollins; third baseman Pedro Feliz; veteran outfielder Pat Burrell; 2008 Gold Glove winner, the “Flyin’ Hawaiian”, Shane Victorino; outfielder Jayson Werth; and catcher Carlos Ruiz; Whereas numerous reserve players made significant contributions to the Phillies’ World Series title run, including Geoff Jenkins, Chris Coste, Eric Bruntlett, Greg Dobbs, and Matt Stairs; and Whereas more than 1,000,000 fans packed the streets of Philadelphia on October 31, 2008 for a parade along Market and Broad Streets ending at Citizens Bank Park; Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)congratulates— (A)the Philadelphia Phillies for winning the 2008 World Series; (B)the Phillies manager, coaches, and support staff, whose commitment to the Phillies franchise has sustained this proud organization and allowed the team to reach the pinnacle of success in 2008; (C)all Phillies fans, whose tenacity, perseverance, and enthusiasm are matched only by that of the team to which the fans are dedicated; and (D)the Tampa Bay Rays on an outstanding 2008 season; and (2)directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to— (A)Phillies manager Charlie Manuel; (B)Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr.; and (C)Phillies advisor Pat Gillick.