[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 8 (Friday, January 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E93]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              PHILADELPHIA TREASURE HEADS FOR COOPERSTOWN

                                 ______


                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 13, 1995
  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special 
tribute to a Philadelphia legend who is headed for a new home.
  For 18 glorious seasons, Mike Schmidt patrolled third base for the 
Philadelphia Phillies. He was a leader on the field and off. His 
achievements spoke volumes about a man who worked hard, never quit, and 
gave generously of his time to the people of the Delaware Valley.
  On Monday, Mike Schmidt was elected to the Hall of Fame. It comes as 
no surprise to anyone who sat in the stands, watching his mastery of 
glove and bat. Schmidt's accomplishments were recognized by Hall of 
Fame voters, as he showed up on 96.5 percent of the ballots. That is 
the fourth highest percentage in the history of Cooperstown.
  Mike Schmidt's career was filled with tremendous achievements. At the 
plate, he was a hitter who could hit for power and for an average. He 
finished his career with 548 home runs, placing him seventh on the all-
time list. He hit the most home runs of any third baseman in the 
history of baseball. His lifetime batting average of .267 included his 
1981 season in which he hit .316, pounded out 31 home runs, and knocked 
in 91 runs. And that year, he only played 102 games. Following the 
season, he was selected for this second consecutive Most Valuable 
Player Award. In 1980, he was also the World Series MVP, leading the 
Phillies to the championship by batting .381 and hitting two home runs.
  But Mike Schmidt could do more than hit the ball. He was an 
outstanding fielder. His reflexes were quick, his glove soft and sure, 
and his throw to first came with plenty of pace. During his career, he 
won 10 Gold Gloves for defensive excellence, more than any other 
National League third baseman.
  Mr. Speaker, perhaps the most revealing fact about Mike Schmidt is 
not his home run total, or the number of doubles he hit. Mike Schmidt 
is loved by the people of Philadelphia. In fan balloting in 1983, Mike 
Schmidt was selected as the greatest Phillie ever.
  Now, 12 years later, the Hall of Fame voters confirmed what we in 
Philadelphia have always known. Mike Schmidt was a great baseball 
player who brought joy to millions of people. I know that the people of 
the Seventh Congressional District and throughout the Delaware Valley 
join me in saluting his accomplishments and congratulating him on his 
selection to the Hall of Fame.


                          ____________________