[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 173 (Thursday, December 13, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S13140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  WELCOME TO THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

  Mr. McCAIN. Madam President, I recognize the presence today of our 
world champion Arizona Diamondbacks who are visiting with the President 
later this morning.
  We in Arizona are especially proud of them, as I know are all 
baseball fans across America who hate the Yankees as well. So I 
express, on behalf of myself, my colleague Senator Kyl, and the people 
of the State of Arizona, how pleased and proud we are of the 
Diamondbacks and the fact that the President will be greeting them 
later on; he has a very deep connection and affection for professional 
baseball.
  We are especially proud to have our Diamondbacks with us this morning 
to see our Capitol and know that all Americans, in a very difficult 
time in American history, were uplifted by the incredible series that 
was played by both teams; it diverted our attention and made us 
appreciate the greatness and strength of America.
  Mr. HARKIN. Will the Senator yield? I want to compliment him and the 
Arizona Diamondbacks. What a great series, one of the best World Series 
I have ever watched, being a baseball nut like I am. I think what the 
Diamondbacks showed is not to ever count anyone out and never give up. 
I think the thing that came through with that team was people did not 
think they would be up for it and counted them out in the beginning. 
This team never gave up, and I think, as the Senator from Arizona said, 
at this time in our national life we needed to be reminded to never 
give up.
  Mr. McCAIN. I thank my friend from Iowa. It is also important to 
mention my friend from Missouri whose team also played a wonderful 
series early on with the Diamondbacks, and I think helped them prepare 
for the World Series.
  Mr. BOND. Madam President, a couple of months ago I never thought I 
would say I am glad to see Curt Schilling again. We saw far too much of 
him as a Cardinal fan.
  We congratulate the Diamondbacks on an outstanding year, a great 
victory and, as I think they used to say in Brooklyn, wait until next 
year we look forward to renewing the contest.
  The Diamondbacks were magnificent and, yes, I guess I am even glad to 
see Curt Schilling.
  Mr. McCAIN. I thank my colleagues for their indulgence, and I 
appreciate them taking a moment to congratulate this wonderful group of 
Americans.

                          ____________________