[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2142-E2143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     BRIAN ANDERSON: THE PRIDE OF THE TRIBE AND THE PRIDE OF GENEVA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. STEVE C. LaTOURETTE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 1997

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to salute our beloved 
Cleveland Indians on an outstanding season, and a gutsy, nail-biting 
trip through the playoffs and the World Series. It truly was an 
exceptional series, right down to the edge-of-your-seat, extra-innings' 
game seven finale. While we all wish we could have enjoyed a different 
outcome, we have every reason to be extremely proud of this team and 
all it accomplished this year. We also have reason to be especially 
proud of one of our hometown heroes, and one of the stars of the 1997 
American League Champion Cleveland Indians--Brian Anderson.
  Tribe pitcher Brian Anderson grew up in Geneva and graduated from 
Geneva High School in 1990. He played ball in college at Wright State 
University near Dayton, and was selected by the California Angels in 
the first round of the draft in 1993. In fact, he was the third pick 
overall, and was named the American League's Rookie Pitcher of the Year 
in 1994 by the Sporting News.
  Much to the delight of Anderson's loyal fans, he was traded to the 
Indians in February 1996, and has proven himself to be one of the 
Tribe's most reliable pitchers, and is a part of a formidable bullpen 
that is admired throughout the league. Every young boy who grows up 
near Cleveland and spends his days playing catch with his dad dreams of 
one day playing for his hometown team. Brian Anderson not only achieved 
that dream, he surpassed it this year when he pitched in front of his 
hometown in the World Series. Each time he stepped on the mound, he 
displayed the guts, brawn, and tenacity that are the hallmarks of 
Indians' baseball, and showed the world that he is a force to be 
reckoned with.
  Brian Anderson didn't bow to the pressure of the playoffs or the 
World Series. Instead, he showed remarkable composure, and didn't seem 
the least bit fazed by the magnitude of the task that was before him. 
Two performances in particular stand out--when he pitched 3.2 innings 
of game 3 of the World Series and gave up just two hits, and when he 
and Jaret Wright combined for a 6-hitter in game 4.
  Brian Anderson and the Tribe had 49 years of cruel history placed 
squarely on their shoulders this season, as the Tribe has not won the

[[Page E2143]]

World Series since 1948. Next year, half a century of history will be 
the burden the Tribe must carry, and it is the belief of Tribe fans 
everywhere that the Indians will rise to the challenge and assume their 
rightful place as World Series champions. As a lifelong Tribe fan, it 
will be a great comfort for Brian Anderson to be a part of the new 
generation of Indians who will guide us into the next century.
  On behalf of the 19th Congressional District, I congratulate Brian 
Anderson on his exemplary play this season, and I congratulate his 
folks, Jim and Janice, for raising such an outstanding young man. We 
all look forward to many more years of witnessing Brian's greatness on 
the field as an integral member of the Cleveland Indians.
  Brian Anderson has made his family, friends, and fans burst with 
pride, and he is living proof that with hard work and perserverance, 
and the loving encouragement of a fine family, no dream is too great 
and the biggest dreams of all can come true.

                          ____________________