[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 145 (Friday, October 22, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE NEW YORK YANKEES AND THE NEW YORK METS ON THEIR 
                           SUCCESSFUL SEASONS

 Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, I rise today to add my voice to 
those of millions of New Yorkers to thank two treasured teams for a 
most memorable baseball season in the Empire State. We seldom enjoy 
such sweet success from both our major league teams, and in this regard 
our season has been unique. Our revered Bronx Bombers competed in 
typical Yankee fashion and have earned yet another World Series berth: 
their third in four years, 36th of the century. Meanwhile, our equally 
cherished Mets brought us an emotionally-lifting season and for a 
remarkable month faithfully lived up to their moniker ``The Amazin's.'' 
Each team achieved its success with character and class, and I would 
like to speak on these attributes.
  This year's Mets provided us with a look into the gloried past as 
they continually conjured up wins worthy of the fabled '69 Miracle 
Mets. The last month of the season was a window into the Mets heart and 
soul, the view enthralling. Each time their prospects dimmed the 
gentlemen from Queens rose to the challenge. From a one-game playoff to 
enter the Division Series, to the final 26 roller-coaster innings of 
games five and six of the National League Championship Series, the 
Amazin's captivated New York with their relentless play.
  These victories were earned by a collection of individuals 
epitomizing all that makes New York great. Al Leiter's pivotal shutout 
of the Reds advanced New York to the Division Series. Todd Pratt, 
substituting for the mighty Mike Piazza, won the Division Series with a 
storybook home run. Rookie Melvin Mora led the Mets in hitting in the 
NLCS. Perhaps the ultimate New York moment was Robin Ventura's ``Grand 
Single'' in the bottom of the 15th inning of Game 5 to win. Together, 
these players captivated us for a month of remarkable baseball. No game 
was out of reach and we watched in awed appreciation. Unfortunately, 
even these Miracle Mets reached the end of the road, a mere two wins 
shy of the World Series. But there is great pride in New York today for 
these Mets have soared.
  We are blessed with another baseball team in New York. The Yankees 
are the greatest franchise in the history of sports and this season 
they have continued to meet their own lofty standards. Their quiet 
confidence and unassailable professionalism have powered them to a 
rematch with their 1996 World Series opponents, the Atlanta Braves. 
This matchup will determine who is the best team of the '90's and there 
is little doubt that the Yankees will bring their best to this pursuit.
  The character of the Yankee team is unassailable. Joe Torre has 
fashioned a team in his own typically modest image. When an early 
season bout with cancer stole Torre from the team the Yanks rallied 
around their manager and maintained the unity that he created. This 
toughness of character was displayed throughout the season and into the 
playoffs. Paul O'Neill's gritty play with a broken rib best exemplifies 
the type of play the Yankees have given for Torre. With the dominance 
of ``El Duque'' Orlando Hernandez and Mariano Rivera the Yankees 
intimidated the Rangers and defeated the Red Sox. And of course the 
perpetually unflappable Ramiro Mendoza was pivotal in carrying us in 
times of trouble. With this team effort the Yankees have given Torre 
their best. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to the 
Yankees picking up the banner for the honor of New York.
  Near the end of the regular season, as the Mets prospects looked 
bleak, one Atlanta player uncharitably suggested that New York fans 
shed their loyalty for the Mets and give their allegiance to the 
Yankees. The Mets very nearly proved this player wrong.
  With great charity a united New York responds; Chipper, we'll see you 
in the Bronx.

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