[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO THE OAKLAND ATHLETICS

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, there are times when the 
achievements of an individual athlete or sports team are so dramatic, 
so sensational and exciting, that the entire country stops what it is 
doing to simply watch in wonder. The sport of baseball, in particular, 
has supplied us with many such moments over the years.
  I recall the thrill of Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak; Bobby 
Thompson's ``Shot Heard Round The World'' home run; pitcher Don 
Larsen's perfect World Series game; Hank Aaron's 715th trip around the 
bases; Cal Ripken Jr.'s 2,131st consecutive game; and Barry Bond's 71st 
home run of the season. All of these milestones are embedded in 
America's sports memory.
  There is another baseball milestone that I believe deserves a place 
in the pantheon of remarkable sporting achievements, an accomplishment 
as exciting as Carlton Fisk's 12th inning World Series home run or 
``The Catch'' by Willie Mays in another, earlier World Series. That 
accomplishment, Mr. President, is the 20-game, American League record 
winning streak set this season by the Oakland Athletics--the longest 
win streak in baseball in 67 years.
  Until the Oakland Athletics rewrote the American League record book, 
many had considered the 19-game win streak record held jointly by the 
New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox to be untouchable. Indeed, 
there are only three teams in the entire history of baseball--the New 
York Giants, the Chicago Cubs, and now the Oakland Athletics--that have 
ever won 20 or more games in a row.
  This summer, baseball fans from around the world were caught up in 
the excitement as the Athletics continued to win game after game after 
game. At work, in the car, and at home, and regardless of time zone, 
Americans watched with fascination as the Oakland Athletics approached 
the magic number of 20 victories. I shared in that growing sense of 
excitement and cheered along with the rest of the country when the team 
set the new record on September 4th.
  My hat is off to the Oakland Athletics, to the players and staff, 
Manager Art Howe, and to the fans. I know how proud the Oakland 
community is of its team, and of a win streak record that is one for 
the ages. With this amazing achievement, the 2002 Oakland Athletics 
have secured a special place in baseball history and lore.

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