[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    ``MR. BASEBALL'', A TRIBUTE TO SENATOR HARRY WIGGINS OF MISSOURI

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                            HON. PAT DANNER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2000

  Ms. DANNER. Mr. Speaker, as famed baseball legend George Herman 
``Babe'' Ruth once said, ``Baseball was, is and always will be to me 
the best game in the world.'' Well Mr. Speaker, for more than 30 years, 
America's favorite pastime has, indeed, been the best game in the world 
to my former colleague and longtime friend, Missouri State Senator 
Harry Wiggins. Today I honor him for being named ``Mr. Baseball'' by 
the Kansas City Royals.
  As most fans of the Kansas City Royals are aware, Senator Wiggins has 
been a lifelong sports enthusiast who has never hesitated in 
proclaiming the Royals as ``The greatest organization in baseball.'' 
Since becoming a state senator in 1974, Harry has used his position as 
a dedicated public servant to rally behind the needs of the franchise 
while advancing the Royals' image as a team which thrives on the spirit 
and dedication of its fans.
  As a young boy growing up in Kansas City, Harry dreamed of playing 
third base for the Kansas City Blues, a Triple A Farm Team whose glory 
days have long since ended. Although Harry would never join the ranks 
of baseball greats such as Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle and Johnnie Mize 
on the baseball diamond, his love of the game and passion for baseball 
in Kansas City has never diminished. Decades later, and now as a 
seasoned statesman and respected politician, Harry is still the first 
fan to arrive at Kauffman Stadium and the last to leave--his busy 
Senate schedule permitting, of course.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the House of Representatives for allowing me to 
congratulate Senator Harry Wiggins for his many years of support for 
the Kansas City Royals. His love of the game of baseball, commitment to 
the team and unwavering advocacy on behalf of all Royals' fans continue 
to show that he is truly deserving of the title, ``Mr. Baseball''.

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