[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2092-E2093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2003 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 20, 2003

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Major League 
Baseball's 2003 National League Champions, the Florida Marlins. Earning 
the reputation of a team that does not quit or tire, the Marlins will 
now compete in their second World Series in only 10 short years. Down 3 
games to 1 to the San Francisco Giants, the Marlins fought their way 
back earning two thrilling victories at home to the delight of 
thousands of South Florida fans. Many will never forget Game 4 of the 
National League Division Series where the Giants and Marlins battled 
back and forth to finally conclude on a spectacular play at home plate. 
Thanks to the solid hands of catcher Ivan ``Pudge'' Rodriquez, the 
Marlins were on their way to face the Chicago Cubs in the National 
League Championship Series.
  The National League Championship Series garnered the excitement and 
thrill baseball fans have not witnessed in some time. Playing in famed 
Wrigley Field, the Marlins took Game 1 and headed home to the friendly 
confines of Pro Player Stadium with a split in the series.

[[Page E2093]]

Games 3 and 4 went the way of the Cubs resulting in a 3 to 1 deficit 
that looked monumental to overcome. However, under the leadership of 
Manager Jack McKeon and behind the arm of pitcher Josh Beckett, the 
Marlins and Beckett gave baseball fans an exciting two-hit, complete 
game shutout sending the series back to Chicago. Down 3 games to 2, the 
Marlin players were never swayed from their sheer competitive spirit 
and gamesmanship. With the undaunting task of facing Cubs ace Mark 
Prior, the Marlins battled the Cubs the entire game. However, with one 
out in the top of the eighth inning, a World Series berth seemed out of 
reach. Throughout the 2003 regular season and the postseason to date, 
the Marlins have fought back when trailing an opposing team. Game 6 was 
no different. In a span of 10 minutes, the Marlins had turned Game 6 
from being down 3-0, to leading 8-3 due to the solid hitting of men 
like Juan Pierre, Pudge Rodriquez, Miguel Cabrera, Jeff Conine, Derek 
Lee, and utility fielder Mike Mordecai. The thrilling series was now 
deadlocked 3 games apiece.
  Last night's Game 7 is every fan's postseason dream. Two teams tied 
and playing with everything on the line with the chance of being 
crowned National League Champions and a trip to the fall classic. As we 
all know, the Marlins came out swinging against Cubs star pitcher Kerry 
Wood. Despite losing a lead, the Marlins continued their case of 
consistent and timely hitting. In the end, the Marlins once again 
shocked the baseball world.
  Mr. Speaker, this Marlins fan congratulates Chairman and CEO Jeffrey 
Loria, Skipper Jack McKeon, the Marlins coaching staff, MVP Pudge 
Rodriguez, each player and the entire Marlins organization and fans on 
a wonderful National League Series and much luck in the World Series.

                          ____________________