[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 28, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FLORIDA MARLINS

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                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 1997

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Florida 
Marlins for having won the 1997 World Series Championship. Created by 
Wayne Huizenga, administered by Don Smiley, built by Dave Dombrowski, 
and managed by Jim Leyland, this young team achieved the top honor, to 
which 28 teams aspire, in just 5 years. By reaching the World Series in 
record time, the Florida Marlins is the youngest franchise ever to win 
the World Series and has thus assured itself a place in history.
  Before this reason, the Florida Marlins had never been in the play-
offs. Throughout the 1997 division series, however, they never trailed 
in games won. They initiated their quest by overpowering the San 
Francisco Giants and then went on to win the National League 
Championship Series by upsetting the Atlanta Braves. Then, in a 
dramatic, extra-inning, seventh game, they defeated the Cleveland 
Indians to become the 1997 World Series champions. Within 5 years, the 
Florida Marlins attained a monumental goal that has historically taken 
championship teams decades to accomplish.
  The 25 players who achieved this feat are: Kurt Abbott, Moises Alou, 
Antonio Alfonseca, Alex Arias, Bobby Bonilla, Kevin Brown, John 
Cangelosi, Jeff Conine, Dennis Cook, Craig Counsell, Darren Daulton, 
Jim Eisenreich, Alex Fernandez, Cliff Floyd, Felix Heredia, Livan 
Hernandez, Charles Johnson, Al Leiter, and Greg Zaun.
  The Marlins' victory was a victory for all Floridians. In a community 
as diverse as ours, people from different backgrounds have united in 
their admiration and pride for our baseball team. I applaud the 
athletic prowess of these men and commend the dedicated efforts of 
their coaches and manager. I know that the Florida Marlins will 
continue to give Floridians as a spirit of unity and strength in years 
to come and look forward to another championship season in 1998.

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