[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 2 (Thursday, January 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO NOLAN RYAN ON HIS ELECTION TO THE BASEBALL HALL OF 
                                  FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD K. ARMEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay tribute 
to a true Texas legend. Yesterday, former Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan 
Ryan was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  During Mr. Ryan's illustrious career, he became not only one of the 
greatest pitchers to play the game, but also one of the most beloved 
and respected. He struck out a record 5,714 batters, won 324 games, and 
played for 27 years--longer than any other player in history. These 
accomplishments earned him the second highest voting percentage ever 
for a Hall of Fame nominee.
  His most important accomplishment, however, was the way he conducted 
himself as a player. Nolan Ryan played baseball with dignity and 
sportsmanship second to none. He showed our children that good guys do 
win. Tom Schieffer, President of the Texas Rangers, said it best: 
``Players like Nolan Ryan are the way the game endures. They renew 
people's faith in the sport.''
  Congratulations to Nolan Ryan, a true gentleman of sport. I know if 
he picked up a baseball at his ranch today, he'd still be good for 
twenty strikeouts a game.

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