[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 124 (Thursday, August 25, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES

 Mr. DURENBERGER. Mr. President, there was some outstanding 
baseball played in America this past week and not a single player 
received a salary. The Little League World Series was played at 
Williamsport, PA, and the Nation was again reminded that the spirit of 
competition and a love for the game are the ingredients which have 
sustained the game of baseball in America for 150 years and made it our 
national pastime.
  But this year's series was special for Minnesotans because we were 
represented by a team from Brooklyn Center, MN. The U.S. Central Region 
Champions opened the tournament with an upset victory over Northridge, 
CA, and ended it with a disappointing loss to Springfield, VA.
  I read a quote in the Minneapolis newspaper which I'm sure 
illustrated the mood of the players and the coaches when Jason Erklouts 
stated ``It was hard. I've never been this important before. I went 
from nobody to being a star.'' Luckily, Jason got half of the equation 
right. These young people were never ``nobodies'' and, judging from the 
heart and drive they displayed during their games, they will always be 
``stars.'' This says much more about their character than the outcome 
of a baseball game. That final score will soon be forgotten.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the players and 
coaches of the Little Leaguers from Brooklyn Center who reminded us all 
that the spirit of sportsmanship is alive and well.

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