[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY BASEBALL COACH JIM BROCK

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, on Sunday, June 12, 1994, Arizona State 
University's baseball coach, Jim Brock, passed away. During the past 
year, Coach Brock was engaged in a fierce battle against cancer. His 
illness took a heavy toll and extracted a great price. But through it 
all Jim Brock displayed the tenacity, courage, and the heart he 
required of his teams. Coach Brock proved to all of us that even if you 
don't always win you can still be a winner.
  Over his 23-year baseball coaching career at Arizona State, Jim Brock 
won 1,100 games, 2 NCAA Division 1 championships, appeared in 13 World 
Series, and finished second 4 times. Four of his teams won over 60 
games during the season and Jim Brock received Coach of the Year honors 
in 1977 and 1981. Continuing the tradition established by Bobby 
Winkles, Coach Brock developed one of the premier college baseball 
programs in the country. A perennial powerhouse built on talent, 
determination and intense competitive fire, ASU's baseball dynasty 
flourished under the stewardship of Jim Brock.
  Perhaps his greatest legacy is the youth he served so well. Jim 
Brock's impact on his players is legendary, and these remarkable 
individuals have gone on to distinguish themselves in all facets of 
life. A source of tremendous pride to their families and Arizona State 
University, these men and women lead by example.
  Jim Brock's lasting impression on professional baseball is 
noteworthy. It is reported that approximately 64 current and former 
major leaguers are Jim Brock proteges. The list includes some great 
players, among those are Barry Bonds, Mike Devereaux, Hubie Brooks, 
Bump Wills, Floyd and Alan Bannister, Oddibe McDowell, Ken Landreaux, 
and Pat Listach. There are many common threads among these ballplayers. 
One that is indisputable is that they learned how to win under the 
auspices and tutelage of Jim Brock. But there are other valuable 
lessons Jim Brock taught his players and those who follow ASU baseball. 
Jim Brock showed all Americans that life like baseball, poses may 
challenges. He proved that no matter how formidable the challenge may 
be, one must never give up hope. One must forever strive to prevail. 
Like former North Carolina basketball coach Jim Valvano, Jim Brock 
showed all of us, that winning isn't everything. How one conducts their 
life and how they confront the challenges they face is a greater 
testament of the individual. In fact, it is a far more lasting legacy 
than one's won-loss record.
  The State of Arizona and Arizona State University have lost a good 
friend, mentor, and leader. We will never forget Jim Brock the coach 
and his exceptional accomplishments. But I shall also remember Jim 
Brock the man. His indomitable spirit, strength of character, and 
enduring courage was a source of inspiration to us all. Our thoughts 
and prayers are with his wife and family.

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