[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H7693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GREENVILLE TAR HEEL LITTLE LEAGUE ALL STARS

  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Farmville, North Carolina, 
playing Little League Baseball. In fact, it is one of my favorite 
childhood memories. Little League helped me to learn early in life the 
importance of responsibility, trust and teamwork. It continues to do 
the same today for 14 boys from Greenville, North Carolina, and the 
nearly 3 million young men and women who participate in Little League 
Baseball worldwide.
  In August, 14 young men, members of the Greenville Tar Heel All 
Stars, brought together a community, and in doing so they brought 
excitement and hope to the citizens of North Carolina.
  Each summer, from the time Little League Baseball held its first 
World Series in 1947, young men and women have dreamed of reaching the 
U.S. finals. This dream came true for the Greenville Tar Heel All 
Stars.
  Last month the team from the Third District of North Carolina 
traveled to Pennsylvania to compete for the World Series title. This 
marked the first time since 1952 that a team from North Carolina has 
made it to the World Series. After a week of competition, I am proud to 
congratulate the Tar Heel team for finishing second in the Nation to 
the world champion team from Toms River, New Jersey. This is an 
outstanding achievement for the Greenville All Stars, whose motivation 
and dedication helped them reach their goal and perform as true 
champions.
  Being home during the August recess, I had the opportunity to see 
several of these games on TV. As it always seems to happen when young 
people excel, the community of families, friends and fans rallied 
together to support the hard work and dedication of the young team that 
came to serve as examples for us all.
  To the Greenville All Stars, the world champion Toms River team and 
all Little League teams, congratulations. You performed as true 
winners. And to the 14 members of the 1998 Greenville Little League 
team, Richard Barnhill, Sam Byrum, Taylor Gagnon, Zachary Garris, 
Justin Hardee, Kevin Hodges, Jordan Lee, Michael Lilley, Brack Massey, 
Jon-Durham Morgan, Shelton Nelson, Patrick Warrington, Alex White, 
Brandon Brown; and coaches Mason Lilley, Randy White, Greg Benner, Pete 
Carraway; Manager Wayne Hardee and Commissioner Lynn Cherry, 
congratulations. You have made North Carolina proud.
  The achievements of the Greenville Tar Heels on the regional and 
state level created a wave of excitement that brought together the 
citizens of Pitt County and all of North Carolina to support and 
celebrate in their success. The boys' hard work and winning attitude 
filled us with a sense of pride as we cheered on the hometown team.
  Participating in a team sport like baseball can teach children some 
of the most important values they will learn in life, responsibility, 
hard work and the importance of working together. Little League 
Baseball also works to instill character and courage in today's youth. 
In fact, the Little League pledge is this:
  ``I trust God. I love my country and will respect its laws. I will 
play fair and strive to win. But win or lose, I will always do my 
best.''
  These are ideals that are important to remember at any stage of life. 
The Greenville Tar Heel Little League team played well, and in the eyes 
of all North Carolinians they are winners. Not only did they succeed on 
the field, but they succeeded in bringing together and strengthening 
the community that watched, cheered and shared in their achievement. 
Through their success, we have all learned that with hard work, 
dedication and the support of family and friends, success is within the 
reach of all who wish to achieve it.
  The Greenville All Stars brought pride to our community and will 
forever remain winners in our hearts and in our minds. Congratulations.

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