[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 21, 1994]



                 A TRIBUTE TO THE INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS

                                 ______


                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 1994

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. ``Play Ball!'' Mr. Speaker, this sound has not 
been heard in any major league baseball city for almost 2 months, 
however in our country's minor league cities this cry has been bellowed 
with increasing popularity since the big league ball players went on 
strike. Minor league baseball has been the main course for famished 
baseball fans during the latter part of the summer. Games have even 
been televised on ESPN and TBS. The races for the International League, 
the Carolina League, and the American Association titles have replaced 
their major league counterparts, the divisional and pennant races, 
which we have lived and died for, for more than a century. Mr. Speaker, 
let me tell you, the minor league races are just as exciting.
  In my home town, Indianapolis, we have the Indianapolis Indians, a 
AAA team in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Mr. Speaker, I have 
attended several games, thrown out the first pitch, and I am extremely 
proud of the way the Indians organization has represented the city of 
Indianapolis. Many may not understand the additional effort it takes to 
promote and operate a minor league team, but the extra effort the 
Indians organization has put forth, certainly has shown through over 
the years. The Indians are one of the premier minor league 
organizations.
  The Indians organization has seen many future major league ball 
players pass through historic Bush Stadium on West 16th Street. From 
the flame throwing Rob Dibble to fan favorite Razor Shines, the Indians 
have built a great tradition. This season was no exception, as they 
defeated the Nashville Sound to capture the American Association 
Championship, their fifth in the last 9 years.
  As you can see, Mr. Speaker, the Indians have a tradition of winning, 
and this year's championship would be worthy of praise under any 
circumstance, however with the strike-riddled major league season, it 
adds even more significance to their achievement.
  The people of Indiana and Indianapolis are very proud of the Indians, 
and I would like the U.S. House of Representatives to lend its praise 
to the players, coaches, and the rest of the Indians organization. In a 
season when minor league baseball has gained such prominence, it is 
only fitting that Congress salutes the efforts put forth by the people 
who are carrying on the tradition of the game.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the Indianapolis Indians for their 1994 
American Association Championship, and I know the people of 
Indianapolis are looking forward to a repeat next season.

                          ____________________