[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11148-S11149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ANAHEIM ANGELS

  Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 357, submitted earlier today by 
Senators Feinstein and Boxer.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 357) commending and congratulating 
     the Anaheim Angels for their remarkable spirit, resilience, 
     and athletic discipline in winning the 2002 World Series.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President, I rise today with my friend and 
colleague from California, Senator Barbara Boxer, to commend and 
congratulate the Anaheim Angels for winning the 2002 World Series 3 
weeks ago.
  The Angels are world champions for the first time in their 42-year 
history. After defeating the New York Yankees in the first round of the 
playoffs and then going on to beat the Minnesota Twins for the American 
League Championship, the Angels battled my hometown team, the San 
Francisco Giants, in an exciting all-California World Series. The 
Angels have proven to the world their outstanding ability to win and 
work as a team.
  Led by manager Mike Scioscia and players Scott Spezio, Garret 
Anderson, and Darin Erstad the Angels offense destroyed even the 
mightiest pitchers through October. Most Valuable Player Troy Glaus 
batted an astounding .385 average with three homeruns in the seven-game 
series.
  Another key player in the Angels' march to glory is Troy Percival. 
The veteran closing pitcher stifled the Giants' hitters in pivotal game 
7 and throughout the playoffs. Furthermore, Troy Percival would not 
have been able to perform his masterful pitching had it not been for 
starting pitcher John Lackey who pitched five strong innings in game 7.
  Manager Mike Scioscia's leadership proved to be invaluable to the 
team. His experience as a catcher with Southern California's other 
major league franchise, the Los Angeles Dodgers, helped the Angels 
through what started as Anaheim's worst season ever and turned it into 
a glorious year.
  The Anaheim Angels truly epitomize the importance of teamwork, as 
nearly every member of the roster contributed to their phenomenal 
season. It should be noted that the championship could not have been 
won without the dedication of the entire team: David

[[Page S11149]]

Eckstein, Tim Salmon, Adam Kennedy, Bengie Molina, Brad Fullmer, Jarrod 
Washburn, Kevin Appier, Brendan Donnelly, Ben Weber, Ramon Ortiz, and 
Francisco Rodriguez.
  I also would like to congratulate chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney 
Company Michael Eisner, General Manager Bill Stoneman and all of the 
Angels' staff on their hard work assembling Anaheim's first 
championship team. I should also congratulate Jackie Autry, widow of 
former Angels owner Gene Autry. One of her husband's greatest dreams 
was to see the Angels win a World Series.
  And, most importantly, I would like to thank the Angels fans in 
Southern California who have earned national recognition for their 
enthusiasm and unbridled support of their team.
  Finally, it is nearly impossible to congratulate the Angels or their 
fans without mentioning the ``Rally Monkey,'' the adorable mascot that 
has become Anaheim's symbol of resilience and refusal to give up hope 
in the most difficult situations.
  The Angels have begun a new era of baseball in Southern California 
and will certainly defend their title with the same heart and 
determination that brought them to the World Series this year. The 
Anaheim Angels are a team with an unquenchable desire to win.
  They have made the city of Anaheim, the county of Orange, and all of 
California proud.
  Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc; that the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or 
debate; and that any statements relating to the resolution be printed 
in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 357) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 357

       Whereas the Anaheim Angels have won the first World 
     Championship in the 42 year history of the franchise;
       Whereas the Anaheim Angels completed their best season in 
     franchise history with 99 wins, staging one of the most 
     significant team improvements in Major League Baseball since 
     the 2001 season;
       Whereas the 2002 World Series was the Anaheim Angels' first 
     appearance in the Fall Classic;
       Whereas the Anaheim Angels have fielded such superstars as 
     Nolan Ryan, Rod Carew, Bobby Grich, Reggie Jackson, Jim 
     Abbott, Wally Joyner, Brian Downing, Jim Edmonds, Gary 
     DiSarcina, and now Troy Percival, Jarrod Washburn, Garret 
     Anderson, Troy Glaus, and Tim Salmon;
       Whereas third baseman Troy Glaus received the World Series 
     Most Valuable Player Award for his stellar defensive plays, 
     .385 batting average, and 3 home runs during the series;
       Whereas pitcher Francisco Rodriguez became the youngest 
     pitcher to win a World Series game and tied the postseason 
     record for games won with 5 outstanding wins;
       Whereas Manager Mike Scioscia won his first World Series 
     title as a manager;
       Whereas Tim Salmon made his first playoff appearance in 10 
     seasons as a major league baseball player, the only current 
     player to have played that long without having reached the 
     postseason;
       Whereas the spirit of Gene Autry, the ``Singing Cowboy'' 
     and former owner of the Angels, was undoubtedly ever-present 
     with the Anaheim players throughout the series as he was an 
     inspirational force to all who played for him and knew of his 
     legacy;
       Whereas the Anaheim Angels battled another California team 
     deserving of acknowledgement: the San Francisco Giants;
       Whereas the San Francisco Giants were a worthy rival for 
     the Anaheim Angels and set the stage for an exciting and 
     suspenseful World Series that was watched with great interest 
     by many Californians;
       Whereas the Anaheim Angels epitomize California pride with 
     their incredible focus, dedication to winning, team 
     cohesiveness, and devotion to playing America's pastime with 
     class, athleticism, and enthusiasm; and
       Whereas the Anaheim Angels demonstrate the rewards of 
     perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and championship as they 
     prepare to defend their title of World Champions: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the Anaheim Angels 
     on winning the 2002 Major League Baseball World Series title.

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