[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 132 (Monday, October 4, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H9243-H9244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SPORTS MILESTONES FOR HOUSTON

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of two 
important sports milestones that were achieved yesterday in my 
congressional district in the City of Houston.
  The first milestone was the Houston Astros' clinching the National 
League Central Division title for the third year in a row. While their 
97-win season was impressive, equally impressive was the division race, 
which lasted until the final day of the regular season. Yesterday, 
Astros 22-game winner Mike Hampton took the mound on only 3 days' rest 
and delivered a decisive performance, guiding the Astros to the Central 
Division title.
  Despite a year plagued by injuries, forcing the team to use the 
disabled list 16 times, the Astros managed to finish the season with 
the second highest win total in franchise history.
  Starting with the loss of outfielder Moises Alou in the off season, 
this season was undoubtedly a test for Astros players and fans alike. 
The only Astros position players who did not spend time on the disabled 
list were first baseman Jeff Bagwell and second baseman Craig Biggio, 
both of whom who have had career years leading the National League in 
RBIs and doubles respectively.
  The team also weathered the temporary loss of manager Larry Dierker, 
whose rapid recovery from brain surgery revealed the strength and 
breadth of his character. But in the end, what drove the Astros to 
victory was the team performance on the field: great pitching, 
fielding, defense and timely hitting.
  Of particular note was the Astros' amazing pitching staff: Mike 
Hampton, who set a team record with 22 wins, the best in the National 
League; Jose Lima, whose animation and love for the game delighted fans 
and whose commitment to succeed resulted in 21 wins; Shane Reynolds, 
with 16 impressive, hard-fought wins; and Billy Wagner, the best closer 
in baseball, with 39 saves; and a bullpen that set a remarkable record 
for winning every game in which they held a lead after eight innings.
  With the steady veteran presence of fan favorites Craig Biggio, Jeff 
Bagwell, Ken Caminiti, and Carl Everett, the Astros were able to 
overcome the adversity of injuries and find a way to win 97 games.
  A second important Houston sports milestone was also achieved 
yesterday in the Astrodome, with the end of the 1999 regular season. It 
is special because, after 35 years, yesterday's division-clinching game 
was the last Astros regular season game in the place known in Houston 
as the Dome.
  Next year, the Astros will begin play at Enron field, a new ballpark 
in the heart of downtown Houston. But the Astros' history, for better 
or worse, has been established in the Astrodome, the Eighth Wonder of 
the World. The brainchild of Judge Roy Hofheinz, the Astrodome has been 
the site of 35 years of great sports memories.
  The Dome saw Elvin Hays meet Lew Alcindor for a classic college 
basketball game in 1968. Mohammed Ali fought there, Elvis and Selena 
performed there, Evel Knievel jumped, Billy Graham preached, and Billie 
Jean King and Bobby Riggs played a score-settling tennis match.
  The Oilers won big games and lost a few there, the University of 
Houston Cougars called the Dome their home, and the Houston Livestock 
Show and Rodeo have maintained one of Houston's most important 
traditions with countless concerts and rodeos that have thrilled 
millions.
  But the Astrodome will always be identified first with the Houston 
Astros. The Astrodome's opening in 1965 was so special that the New 
York Yankees traveled to Houston for an exhibition game, which saw the 
very first

[[Page H9244]]

 Dome home run hit by none other than Mickey Mantle, witnessed by 
President Lyndon B. Johnson, who attended the game with tens of 
thousands of his fellow Texans, including myself.
  The scoreboard, unlike any other in sports, shared color, lights, and 
Texas pride for all who entered. The team, with their often colorful 
uniforms, played their hearts out, rain or shine, in the 72-degree 
comfort of the Dome.
  The list of players who wore the Houston Astros uniform is legendary, 
from Jimmy Wynn to Joe Morgan, Larry Dierker to Rusty Staub, Nolan Ryan 
to Mike Scott, Art Howe to Dickie Thon, Phil Garner to Ken Caminiti, 
Don Wilson to Billy Wagner, Glenn Davis to Jeff Bagwell, Bill Doron to 
Craig Biggio, Craig Reynolds to Doug Rader, Cesar Cedeno to Jose Cruz, 
Joe Niekro to Alan Ashby, and J.R. Richard to Dave Smith.
  There have been many unforgettable moments and unforgettable athletes 
who have played the game of baseball for the Astros. Now, as the final 
chapter of the 1999 Astros season is being written in the playoffs, 
this generation of Houston Astros players will have a chance to bring 
home the team's first World Series title to the city of Houston.
  The next generation of Astros stars will play their games in the new 
ballpark, in itself a modern marvel. But there is only one Astrodome, 
and Houston fans and the athletes who performed so greatly there will 
never forget it or the franchise that proudly played there for the 
great fans of the city of Houston.

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