[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I come before my colleagues today 
to pay tribute to the San Francisco Giants and their exceptional 
achievements on their road to the National League Pennant. On October 
14, the Giants won the National League Championship Series in the 
bottom of the ninth inning on three consecutive hits in a rally that 
began with two outs. This game, and this particular conclusion, were 
emblematic of their entire season--hard fought, dramatic and filled 
with contributions from the entire lineup.
  Earlier in the season some said that the team did not have a serious 
chance to make the post-season. One local sports columnist said the 
Giants should play minor league prospects in September because their 
situation was effectively hopeless--the Giants were 11\1/2\ games out 
of first place in the Western Division with a week left in August.
  Manager Dusty Baker said throughout the season that the Giants were a 
team of veterans, and he expected them to have a strong second half of 
the season. He was right, as he has been so many times. After their low 
mark in August the team went on a run that never ended. The Giants have 
won 32 of their past 43 games, including eight straight at the end of 
the season.
  This will be the first World Series appearance for the San Francisco 
Giants since 1989. Their only other trip to the Series was in 1962. 
Giants fans are rightly thrilled. This has been a special season for 
the Giants, marked by savvy decisions in the front office, great 
leadership from the manager, key contributions from the entire team and 
outstanding fan support. This pennant is a result of organization-wide 
commitment and effort.
  In a world with much cause for anxiety, our national pastime provides 
a welcome break. I invite my colleagues to join me in saluting the San 
Francisco Giants, baseball's 2002 National League Champions.

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