[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 30, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H7369-H7372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING BARRY BONDS FOR RECORD-BREAKING SEASON

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 266) congratulating Barry 
Bonds on his spectacular, record-breaking season for the San Francisco 
Giants and Major League Baseball.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 266

       Whereas Barry Bonds has brought distinction to Major League 
     Baseball and excellence to the San Francisco Giants, 
     following in the baseball footsteps of his father, Bobby 
     Bonds, and his godfather, Willie Mays;
       Whereas Barry Bonds has had an outstanding career that so 
     far includes 3 Most Valuable Player awards, 10 All-Star Game 
     appearances, 8 Rawlings Gold Glove awards, and the 
     distinction of being named Player of the Decade for the 1990s 
     by the Sporting News;
       Whereas in 2001 Barry Bonds had one of the greatest seasons 
     in Major League Baseball history, achieving 73 home runs, a 
     slugging average of .863, and an on-base percentage of .515;
       Whereas Barry Bonds has established himself as the most 
     prolific single-season home run hitter in Major League 
     Baseball history, hitting his 73rd home run on October 7, 
     2001, eclipsing the previous record of 70 home runs set by 
     Mark McGwire in 1998;
       Whereas Barry Bonds has attained the rank of 7th place on 
     the all-time Major League Baseball home run list with 567;
       Whereas Barry Bonds drove in 136 runs to set a Giants 
     franchise record for runs batted in by a left fielder, and 
     has recorded at least 100 RBI's in each of 10 different 
     seasons;
       Whereas of Bonds' 73 home runs, 24 gave San Francisco the 
     lead and 7 tied the game;
       Whereas Barry Bonds also hit the 500th home run of his 
     career during the 2001 season, a 2-run game-winning home run 
     which landed in the waters of McCovey Cove, San Francisco;
       Whereas Barry Bonds, at age 37, is the oldest player in 
     Major League Baseball history to hit more than 50, 60, and 70 
     home runs in a single season;
       Whereas Barry Bonds has recorded 484 stolen bases in his 
     career, becoming the only Major League Baseball player to 
     both hit more than 400 home runs and steal more than 400 
     bases;
       Whereas Barry Bonds' 233 stolen bases achieved while 
     playing for San Francisco place him 6th on the Giants 
     franchise list behind his father, Bobby, who is 5th with 263 
     stolen bases;
       Whereas Barry Bonds has proven himself to be an active 
     leader not only in the Giants clubhouse but also in the 
     community, donating approximately $100,000 to the September 
     11th Fund to aid the victims of the terrorist attacks in New 
     York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania; and
       Whereas Barry Bonds has also devoted his time and money to 
     support the Link & Learn Program of the United Way, and has 
     been an active participant in numerous other San Francisco 
     Bay area community efforts: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     Barry Bonds on his spectacular record-breaking season in 2001 
     and outstanding career in Major League Baseball, wishes him 
     continued success in the seasons to come, and thanks him for 
     his contributions to baseball and to his community.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann 
Davis).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and 
extend their remarks on H.Res. 266.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend my distinguished colleagues, the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Pelosi), the author of this resolution; and the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Ose), who sponsored a similar 
resolution, House Resolution 262, for introducing these measures.
  This resolution congratulates Barry Bonds for his spectacular record-
breaking season in 2001 and his outstanding career, wishes him 
continued success, and thanks him for his contributions to baseball and 
his community.
  Mr. Speaker, no player has hit as many home runs, 73, in a single 
season, as San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds did during this 
baseball season; but he also accomplished much more than just setting 
this record. To fully appreciate the remarkable season that Barry Bonds 
had this year, we must also consider these other achievements.
  During this season, Barry Bonds had the highest slugging percentage 
in a single season at .863. He joined the immortal Babe Ruth as the 
only hitter to finish a season with a slugging percentage over .800. 
Furthermore, Barry Bonds had an on-base percentage of .515 in the past 
100 years, only four other players finished a season above the .500 
mark. Barry Bonds is the first to do so since 1957. He also broke the 
single-season record for walks with 177.
  These accomplishments further adorn a career noted for excellence. 
Barry Bonds has received three Most Valuable Player awards, eight Gold 
Gloves, and was named Player of the

[[Page H7370]]

Decade for the 1990s by the Sporting News.
  Mr. Speaker, Barry Bonds's roots in California run deep. He was born 
in Riverside, California. He graduated from Sierra High School in San 
Mateo. After attending college at Arizona State, he now both plays 
professional baseball and resides in California.
  His community activity has included generous support of the United 
Way's Link & Learn Program and many other San Francisco Bay Charities. 
He also donated around $100,000 to the September 11 fund to aid the 
victims of the terrorist attacks.
  Barry Bonds has been a beacon of quiet resolve and hard work and an 
inspiration to his teammates and to all Americans. I urge all Members 
to recognize Barry Bonds's extraordinary athletic achievements and his 
community spirit by supporting this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I must confess that I grew up as a Brooklyn Dodgers and 
St. Louis Cardinals fan; and then after moving to Illinois, I became a 
White Sox and a Cubs fan. But on Sunday, October 7, I think everybody 
who loves baseball was a San Francisco Giants fan, because it was on 
Sunday, October 7, 2001, that Barry Bonds, the San Francisco Giants 
outfielder, hit his 73rd home run, a Major League record, and shattered 
the slugging percentage record that Babe Ruth held since 1920.
  16 years ago, Bonds started out as a Pittsburgh Pirate, when he was 
sixth in Rookie of the Year. Today, Bonds has passed some of baseball's 
greatest legends on the career home run list.
  Bonds finished the season with a .328 batting average, career high 
137 RBIs, and a slugging percentage of .863, easily surpassing the mark 
of .847 that Ruth set in 1920. Bonds also broke Ruth's major league 
record by walking 177 times this season, ending up with an on-base 
percentage of .515, best in the majors since 1957, and tops in the 
National League since John McGraw's mark of .547 in 1899.
  Bonds homered every 6.52 at-bats this season, beating the Major 
League record of a homer each 7.27 at bats that Mark McGwire set while 
hitting 70 home runs in 1998.
  Voted Player of the Decade for the 1990s by the Sporting News, Bonds 
was the first player ever to win the league's Most Valuable Player 
award three times in four seasons.
  This resolution congratulates Barry Bonds for his hard work and 
extraordinary achievements, and I certainly join with the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Pelosi) in supporting House Resolution 262.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he 
may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose).
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia for 
yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot tell you how pleased I am to be down here. 
Having been born and raised in California, I have been a life-long San 
Francisco Giants fan, even though they only arrived in 1958.
  It gives me great pleasure to stand today and commend this resolution 
to my colleagues. My connection with Barry Bonds is not only that I 
come from Northern California and bleed San Francisco Giants colors; 
but his agent is a family friend of mine, Mr. Scott Boras.
  How many of you can recall the names McCovey, Mays, Marichal, Haller, 
Tito Fuentes, Jimmy Davenport, Jim Ray Hart? It is a long list of names 
that are steeped in Giants history that lead us to today's proceedings.
  Barry Bonds, in fact, may have started with the Pittsburgh Pirates; 
but in fact he is a San Francisco Giants. His father, Bobby Bonds, came 
up into the majors serving with the San Francisco Giants; and in his 
first at-bat hit a grand slam home run, something that has not been 
often repeated in the major leagues.
  Orlando Cepeda, the Hall of Famer with the San Francisco Giants, is 
one of those who also served with the Giants; Ron ``Bear'' Bryant, who 
in 1973 won 24 games; John ``The Count'' Montefusco, anybody from San 
Francisco or Northern California knows that name. Frank Robinson, who 
was the National League's first black manager, served with the Giants 
beginning in 1981. Jim Ray Hart and Jim Davenport; Tom Haller, Will 
Clark, ``Will the Thrill'' Clark. And his teammate Kevin Mitchell, who 
last took the Giants to the World Series with the Oakland A's.
  More recently we have had others. We have had Jeff Kent, Rich 
Aurilia, and Robb Nen, all adding to the Giants legacy.
  But in 2001, we had Barry Bonds and no one else. On August 11, he 
became the oldest player to ever hit 50 home runs. But do you know 
what? He did not stop there. He kept swinging. He kept popping that 
ball out into McCovey Cove, and the Giants kept winning.
  As the gentleman from Illinois said, on October 7, as everyone sat 
riveted in their living rooms and their family rooms across this 
country, Barry Bonds went yard a 73rd time.

                              {time}  1500

  In the process, he broke Mark McGuire's single season record and, I 
have to say, a few years back when I watched Mr. McGuire make his 
challenge, that was a stirring time also.
  Bonds broke Maris' record for the most home runs for a left-hander; 
no asterisk, no nothing, he just did it. He broke McGuire's and Babe 
Ruth's record for most home runs on the road and, as the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) said, with a home run every 6.5 at bats, he broke 
McGuire's record there also. He broke Babe Ruth's record of 170 walks 
in a single season by walking 177 times. Can anyone imagine that? In 
the major leagues, the pitchers chose to walk Barry Bonds 177 times. 
Let me tell my colleagues, the other 29 franchises in the major 
leagues, you guys are a bunch of chickens; you would not pitch to him. 
Who knows how many he would have had. He could have had 100 home runs 
if you would have pitched to him.
  He had a slugging percentage of 863, breaking Roger Hornsby's 
previous single season record of 76 and passing Babe Ruth's major 
league record of 847. He was on base over half the time. Counting the 
walks, he was on base every other time he came to bat. That is the 
first time since 1957 anybody has bat over 500 and the first time in 
the National League since 1924.
  Mr. Speaker, the San Francisco Giants are a long and storied 
franchise. I have to say these names: Mays, Marichal, McCovey, Cepeda, 
Tito Fuentes, and the others that I grew up rooting for. These are all 
great giants, but none have been greater than Barry Bonds in this past 
year. Just remember that number: 73.
  We have struggled over the past 6 or 7 weeks in this country trying 
to keep things together. My heart goes out to everybody who has 
suffered a loss. In this time of trouble, and in this time of tragedy, 
and in this time of trial, I have to say that America has looked to 
those boys of spring and those boys of summer and, finally, we have 
looked to Barry Bonds to give us that shining example of what one 
person can do, even when the other 29 teams are working against him.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend this resolution to my colleagues in this 
House. I compliment the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) for 
bringing this forward. I am a Giants fan from day one and I will be a 
Giants fan to the last day and the last breath. Thank God for Barry 
Bonds and the Giants this year. I urge an ``aye'' vote on this 
resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 6 
minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos). I do not know 
how many home runs the next speaker has hit, but I can tell my 
colleagues that he has struck many a blow for human rights and for the 
rights and liberties of people all over the world.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I first would like to thank my dear friend 
and distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Illinois, for yielding. 
I want to congratulate the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), my 
friend, neighbor, and whip-elect, for bringing this resolution to the 
floor. I am truly delighted that my training, Mr. Speaker, is in 
economics, because a knowledge of statistics is indispensable in

[[Page H7371]]

 dealing with this giant in American politics.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to urge all of my colleagues to join the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) and me in supporting House 
Resolution 266, which congratulates Barry Bonds for his achievement in 
breaking the major league baseball record for home runs in a single 
season, and to thank him for his contributions both to baseball and our 
community.
  On October 7 of this year, in beautiful PacBell Stadium in San 
Francisco, Barry Bonds hit his 73rd home run. This took him past Mark 
McGuire's previous record of 70 home runs in a single season. In 
addition, Barry also broke Babe Ruth's record for slugging average, 
once thought to be untouchable. Mr. Speaker, Barry Bonds did not merely 
eclipse Ruth's record; he shattered it, setting the new average 16 
points above the previous mark. He also set the major league record for 
walks, drawing 177, a testament to the fear he instilled in opposing 
pitchers.
  Mr. Speaker, at the end of this year's baseball season, Barry Bonds 
had finished in the top 10 in four major offensive statistical 
categories: home runs, batting average, runs batted in, and runs 
scored. He finished the season in seventh place on the all time home 
run list with 567 career home runs, and I can relate to that, Mr. 
Speaker. He became the oldest player in major league history to hit 
more than 50, 60 or 70 home runs in a single season. This dazzling 
offensive output is what the fans of the San Francisco Giants as well 
as baseball fans around the Nation have come to expect from this three-
time National League Most Valuable Player. This past Sunday, Barry's 
peers added yet another accolade to his resume: 2001 Players' Choice 
Player of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, I say this with local pride, but I firmly believe that 
Barry Bonds' talents can be traced to the fact that he grew up in San 
Mateo, California, which, I might add, is at the very heart of my own 
congressional district. His domination of the baseball diamond at 
Sierra High School in San Mateo is legendary to this very day. Barry 
grew up around baseball and from a young age he showed star potential. 
Both Barry's father Bobby and his godfather, Willie Mays, were 
professional baseball players.
  In addition to his baseball exploits, Barry Bonds has been actively 
involved in community and public service. Since September 11 he has 
donated $100,000 to the fund to aid the victims of the September 11 
terrorist attacks. His generous contribution was matched by both major 
league baseball and the San Francisco Giants, bringing the total of 
$300,000 for the assistance of the victims of this horrific tragedy. 
Barry's involvement in the community also includes the Barry Bonds 
family foundation, which he established 7 years ago, which is headed by 
his mother, Pat Bonds. The foundation supports activities and programs 
to improve education and quality of life for the Bay Area's African 
American youth. The foundation also supports other charities, such as 
the Adopt a Special Kid Program and the Joe DiMaggio Children's 
Hospital. Both Barry Bonds and his foundation are also involved in the 
United Way's ``Link and Learn'' program. This educational program 
focuses on raising student achievement by increasing parent 
involvement, access to tutoring, and exposure to interactive 
educational technology among low-income children and their families.
  Mr. Speaker, it is crystal clear that Barry Bonds is an exceptional 
baseball player, and he used his celebrity and talents to benefit our 
community. I encourage all of our colleagues to join me in supporting 
this resolution, which appropriately honors Barry Bonds for his record-
breaking achievement.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 5\1/2\ 
minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the author of 
this resolution, who functions with the passion of a gladiator herself 
and is victorious most of the time in whatever it is that she sets out 
to do.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis), the ranking member, for his generosity in yielding time and his 
kind words, and the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) for 
bringing this resolution to the floor. I am pleased to join my 
colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), a big Giants 
fan, in representing San Francisco and in honoring Barry Bonds today. I 
want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose), who also had a 
resolution about Barry Bonds, for his generosity in allowing the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and I to bring this resolution 
to the floor as we represent San Francisco. But as the gentleman knows, 
the Giants family extends well beyond that, and we are pleased to share 
this honor for Barry Bonds today with our California colleague, and I 
thank the gentleman. I appreciate his kindness. I also thank the 
Republican leadership for allowing a Democratic resolution honoring 
Barry Bonds to come to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, in an uncertain time in our country's history, this fall 
has been as bad as it gets for us. Our spirits were lifted as Barry 
Bonds hit his 73rd home run on October 7. For those of us who go to the 
Giants games, we could only say, just think what he would have done if 
they would have pitched to him, as my colleague said in his remarks. I 
was there for number 58 on Labor Day. I kept going to the games 
thinking I would see many more home runs and I saw some, but again, 
they did not always have the courage to pitch to Barry Bonds. I really 
hope that all of our colleagues will, in the spirit of friendship and 
competition, join in congratulating Barry Bonds on his spectacular 
record-breaking season for the San Francisco Giants and major league 
baseball.
  Our resolution says, whereas Bonds has brought distinction to major 
league baseball and excellence to the San Francisco Giants, he was 
following in the footsteps of his father Bobby Bonds and his godfather 
Willie Mays. My colleagues have to come to San Francisco to see the 
Willie Mays statue on Willie Mays Plaza there. Barry Bonds has had an 
outstanding career and that so far includes 3 Most Valuable Player 
awards, 10 All Star Game appearances, 8 Rawlings Gold Glove awards and 
the distinction of being named Player of the Decade for the 1990s by 
Sporting News; whereas also, in 2001, Barry Bonds had one of the 
greatest seasons in major league baseball history, achieving the 
aforementioned 73 home runs, a slugging average of 863, and an on-base 
percentage of 515. Barry Bonds has established himself as the most 
prolific single season home run hitter in major league baseball 
history, again hitting his 73rd home run on October 7, 2001, eclipsing 
the previous record of 70 home runs set by Mark McGuire in 1998, and 
that seemed like an unachievable goal to break that record. Of Bonds' 
73 home runs, 24 gave San Francisco the lead and 7 tied the game.
  Bonds also hit the five-hundredth home run of his career during the 
2001 season, a two-run game-winning home run which landed in the waters 
of McCovey Cove, something my colleagues must come visit as well when 
they come to San Francisco to our PacBell Stadium, which, by the way, 
is privately funded, very exceptional, again under the leadership of 
the Giants family headed by Peter McGowan.
  Barry Bonds at 37 is the oldest player in major league baseball 
history to hit more than 50, 60 and 70 home runs in a single season. My 
daughter is 37 years old, and I remember when we went to Barry Bonds' 
30th birthday, which seems like just yesterday. But in any event, he 
has even at that ripe old age of 37 broken many records.
  Barry Bonds has recorded 484 stolen bases. Can we imagine that: 
Becoming the only major league baseball player to hit both more than 
400 home runs and to steal more than 400 bases. Barry Bonds' 233rd 
stolen bases achieved while playing for San Francisco placed him sixth 
on a Giant franchise list behind his father, Bobby, who was fifth, with 
263 stolen bases. So this is indeed a family affair.
  Perhaps more important to Barry Bonds than even his baseball success 
is his record of community service. He has proven himself to be an 
active leader, not only in the Giants' club house, but also in the 
community, donating privately approximately $100,000 already to the 
September 11 Fund to aid the victims of the terrorist attacks in New 
York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Barry Bonds has also devoted his 
time and personal financial resources to support the ``Link and Learn'' 
program of United Way and has been an active participant in numerous

[[Page H7372]]

 other San Francisco Bay Area community efforts, just too numerous to 
mention.

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join in very 
enthusiastically and resolve that the House of Representatives 
congratulate Barry Bonds on his spectacular, record-breaking season in 
2001, and outstanding career in major league baseball.
  This House wishes him continued success in the seasons to come, and 
thanks him for his contribution to baseball, and especially his 
contribution to the community.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my 
colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose).
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to just share with the gentlewoman from San 
Francisco, I know Mr. Bonds hit number 73 against the Houston Astros, 
but in San Francisco, and in fact in the northern California area, in 
baseball, the ultimate opponent is the Los Angeles Dodgers, without any 
doubt.
  I have to say, I do not know where the gentlewoman was when he hit 
number 71, but it was against the Los Angeles Dodgers. I just want to 
get that in the Record. When he turned on that fast ball, imagine the 
audacity on number 71.
  It was the ninth inning and the Dodgers had some rookie in pitching, 
a little right-handed pitcher. He was throwing heat. Bonds was up and 
the game was basically over. This guy kept bringing the heat, and he 
would pitch one and it got by Bonds on strike one, and I think on 
strike two, I think Bonds actually turned to the catcher and said, 
``You just put that ball there one more time.''
  And the pitcher brought the fast ball again, and Bonds turned on, and 
there was never any doubt. I have to tell the Members, all over San 
Francisco and in northern California, Mr. Speaker, people jumped to 
their feet and said ``Yes, we broke the record against the Dodgers; 
life is good, congratulations, Barry Bonds; and we won the game.''
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  As one who used used to try and emulate those basket catches of 
Willie Mays, I am pleased to urge strong support for this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I again commend the distinguished gentlewoman and the 
gentleman from California for introducing the resolution to recognized 
Barry Bonds' achievements and working so hard to assure passage. I 
thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), the chairman of the 
Committee on Government Reform, and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Waxman), the ranking member, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Weldon) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the chairman and 
ranking member of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency 
Organization, for expediting consideration by the House.
  I might add that the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton) wanted it 
known that he was personally very pleased that Mr. Bonds hit number 73.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 266.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________