[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 29, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H10071-H10074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING THE FLORIDA MARLINS FOR WINNING THE 2003 WORLD SERIES
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree
to the resolution (H. Res. 415) congratulating the Florida Marlins for
winning the 2003 World Series.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 415
Whereas Pro Player Stadium, located in the City of Miami
Gardens and Miami-Dade County, is the home field for the
Florida Marlins;
Whereas Major League Baseball is celebrating the 100th
anniversary of the World Series this year;
Whereas on October 25, 2003, the Florida Marlins won the
2003 World Series in a six game series;
Whereas by defeating an excellent New York Yankees team--
the American League Champions and the latest team in a
storied franchise which, with 26 World Series victories,
dominated professional baseball's first 100 years--the
Florida Marlins have captured their second World Series title
in the brief ten year history of the team;
Whereas, during the World Series, Marlins pitcher Josh
Beckett struck out 19 Yankee batters in two games, maintained
a 1.10 earned run average, including a 2-0 shutout during the
crucial 6th game, and was named the 2003 World Series Most
Valuable Player;
Whereas the Marlins won 91 games during the regular season
to earn a playoff berth by clinching the National League Wild
Card slot;
Whereas the Marlins have never lost a post-season series;
Whereas the Marlins defeated the Western Division Champion
and defending National League Champion San Francisco Giants
in the National League Divisional Series;
Whereas the Marlins defeated the Central Division Champion
Chicago Cubs in the National League Championship Series;
Whereas, during the National League Championship Series,
Marlins catcher Ivan Rodriguez batted .321 with 2 home runs
and ten runs batted in while playing stellar defense, and was
named the 2003 National League Championship Series Most
Valuable Player;
Whereas the Marlins team of skilled players, including Josh
Beckett, Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Pierre, Jeff Conine, Mike
Lowell, Luis Castillo, Alex Gonzalez, Miguel Cabrera, Derek
Lee, Juan Encarnacion, Brad Penny, Carl Pavano, Mark Redman,
Dontrelle Willis, Ugueth Urbina, Braden Looper, Chad Fox,
Michael Tejera, Nate Bump, Rick Helling, Mike Redmond, Brian
Banks, Lenny Harris, Mike Mordecai, Todd Hollandsworth,
Armando Almanza, Toby Borland, Blaine Neal, Kevin Olsen,
Tommy Phelps, Tim Spooneybarger, Justin Wayne, Ramon Castro,
Josh Willingham, Andy Fox, Kevin Hooper, Jesus Medrano,
Wilson Valdez, Josh Wilson, Chad Allen, Chip Ambres, Abraham
Nunez, Gerald Williams, and A.J. Burnett, contributed
extraordinary performances during the regular season, the
playoffs, and the World Series;
Whereas Manager Jack McKeon, who was hired on May 11, 2003,
provided strong and wise leadership and bold strategy for a
young and resilient baseball team during the regular season
and in the postseason and, in the words of one columnist, ``.
. . recapture[d] much of what baseball once was, how tangy it
tasted, what a field of honor it celebrated and how its
central emotion should be joy'';
Whereas the Marlins coaching and support staff, which
included Pitching Coach Wayne Rosenthal, Bench Coach Doug
Davis, Hitting Coach Bill Robinson, First Base and Infield
Coach Perry Hill, Third Base Coach Ozzie Guillen, Bullpen
Coaches Pierre Arsenault and Jeff Cox, Team Physician Dr.
Daniel Kanell, Trainer Sean Cunningham, Assistant Trainer
Mike Kozak, Equipment Manager John Silverman, Assistant
Equipment Manager Mark Brown, Visiting Clubhouse Manager
Bryan Greenberg, Clubhouse Attendant and Umpire's Room
Assistant Michael Hughes, and Visiting Clubhouse Assistant
Michael King, exhibited exemplary leadership and guidance to
the team;
Whereas Jeffrey Loria purchased the Florida Marlins
franchise on February 12, 2002, and stated: ``Our goal is to
restore the organization to championship form.'';
Whereas Jeffrey Loria, Chairman, CEO, and Managing General
Partner of the Florida Marlins, David Samson, President of
the Florida Marlins, and Larry Beinfest, Senior Vice
President and General Manager of the Florida Marlins, have
shown a positive commitment to the Marlins franchise by
successfully acquiring, assembling, and maintaining a team of
high-quality, winning players;
Whereas the dedicated Marlins fans supported their team
with joy and enthusiasm; and
Whereas the Marlins captivated the United States with their
``never-say-die'' playing style during this historic
performance: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates--
[[Page H10072]]
(A) the Florida Marlins for winning the 2003 Major League
Baseball World Series championship and for their outstanding
performance during the 2003 Major League Baseball season; and
(B) Florida Marlins pitcher Josh Beckett for winning the
2003 World Series Most Valuable Player Award;
(2) recognizes and praises the achievements of the Marlins
players, coaches, management, and support staff whose hard
work, dedication, and resiliency proved instrumental
throughout their World Series Championship Season;
(3) commends the Florida community and the Marlins fans for
their dedication; and
(4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to--
(A) the Marlins players;
(B) Marlins Manager Jack McKeon;
(C) Marlins Chairman, CEO, and Managing General Partner
Jeffrey Loria;
(D) Marlins President David Samson;
(E) Marlins Senior Vice President and General Manager Larry
Beinfest;
(F) the Marlins Coaches;
(G) The Honorable Shirley Gibson, Mayor of the City of
Miami Gardens, Florida;
(H) The Honorable Manny Diaz, Mayor of the City of Miami,
Florida;
(I) The Honorable Alex Penelas, Mayor of Miami-Dade County,
Florida; and
(J) The Honorable Jeb Bush, Governor of the State of
Florida.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).
General Leave
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, the Florida Marlins are World Series champions, again.
``The Fish,'' as they are affectionately known in our hometown, this
low-budget baseball team that plays in a football stadium, amazed the
sports world by defeating the New York Yankees in the World Series on
Saturday night.
Who would have expected the Marlins, in only their 11th year of
existence, after starting the year with only 19 wins in their first 48
games, after firing their manager in May, that they would rebound to
win their second World Series in the last 7 years. But it was not easy.
The Marlins' road to the championship was nearly as bumpy as it was
unexpected.
When the Marlins struggled early in the season, many commentators
speculated that the season was hopeless and that the team would soon
unload many of their veteran players to save money for the future.
Instead, the Marlins did the opposite, aggressively acquiring key
players midway through the summer who proved integral to their eventual
championship run. Under the direction of new manager Jack McKeon, the
Marlins turned it around and began winning. The Marlins finished the
season with a relatively astonishing record of 91 wins and 71 losses,
and earned the wild card berth in the National League.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Marlins were slated to take
on the most feared slugger in baseball, Barry Bonds, and the defending
National League champions, the San Francisco Giants. After dropping
game one, the Marlins defeated the Giants in three straight games to
win the series. Who could forget Jeff Conine's clutch throw from left
field to catcher Ivan Rodriguez for the final out in game 4 that
clinched the series.
In the League Championship Series, fate seemed to challenge the
Marlins as much as their opponents, as the Marlins squared off against
the Chicago Cubs. The red-hot Cubs, who had not even advanced to the
World Series since 1945, seemed to have a date with destiny as they
took a 3-games-to-1 lead on the Marlins in the best-of-7 series.
Incredibly, the Marlins again bounced back to win three straight games
and the last two in Chicago to defeat the Cubs in this unforgettable
classic.
The unlikely Marlins advanced to the World Series to play the giants
of baseball, the New York Yankees. Just like during the regular season,
and the two previous playoff series as well, no one besides the Marlins
themselves and their fans believed they had a chance. Once more, the
Marlins fell behind in the series; this time the Yankees captured a 2-
games-to-1 advantage. But remarkably, the Marlins were not to be
denied. Paced by their pitching ace, World Series Most Valuable Player
Josh Beckett, they triumphed in three consecutive games to win a series
for the third time. The entire baseball world was stunned as the
Florida Marlins became the World Series champions.
The standouts on this Marlins team were many during the season and
through the playoffs, and it seemed like a different player excelled
each game. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez seemed to always deliver timely hits
and great defense. Pitchers Josh Beckett, Mark Redman, Dontrelle
Willis, Carl Pavano, and Brad Penny provided underrated performances
all year long, and 20-year-old Miguel Cabrera was called up from the
minor leagues in mid-June and was one of the most valuable hitters down
the stretch; and their double-play combination of Alex Gonzalez and
Luis Castillo was perhaps the league's best.
And we must certainly recognize the manager, Jack McKeon, a man who
took over the struggling team midway through the year and led them all
the way to a World Series crown. Jack kept the Marlins from unraveling
early and motivated them to reach unthinkable heights.
Mr. Speaker, this was the Marlins' second world championship in their
short history. It is important to note that the Marlins have never lost
a playoff series, winning all six in which they have played.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 415,
and I strongly support its speedy adoption. I commend both of my
colleagues, the gentleman from Miami, Florida (Mr. Meek), as well as
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), for introducing
this timely measure. I congratulate the Florida Marlins for their
unforgettable season.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, the Chicago Bears, Bulls, White Sox and Black Hawks are
all in my congressional district; but today, they take a back seat to
the Marlins.
Inspiration is what we call this. That is the best way to describe
the Florida Marlins, who rose from the ashes, going from 10 games under
500 on May 22 to winning the 2003 World Series.
{time} 1515
The road to the World Series title was grueling and draining. The
Marlins had to get by Barry Bonds and Company, the Giants, in the
division series. Then after trailing 3-1 to the Cubs, again the Marlins
came through, beating Mark Prior and Kerry Wood in back-to-back
victories at Wrigley Field, sending Dusty Baker and the Cubs back into
hibernation, saying wait until next year.
Then the Marlins, who captured the World Series in 1997, won the
final three games against the Yankees. They kept their streak intact of
never losing a series in the postseason with the help of a 23-year-old
right-hander who dominated the playoffs. Josh Beckett threw a five-hit
shutout, with nine strikeouts, to clench the World Series with a 2-0
victory over the Yankees in Game 6. Beckett was subsequently named the
series Most Valuable Player.
Marlin's manager Jack McKeon said of Beckett, ``Whether it is 3 days
or 4 days, guys have a tendency to lose a little, but this guy is
special. This guy has got the guts of a burglar. He is mentally tough.
I was not about to take him out. It is a spectacular job for a 23-year-
old kid that has come on and matured in the postseason. And you are
looking at a possible All-Star next year and a 20-game winner. This guy
is going to be something special,'' end of quote.
In the 100th World Series game played at Yankee Stadium on the 100th
anniversary of the first World Series, another team got to celebrate on
the field other than the 26-time champions.
[[Page H10073]]
I am sure that that was not only an inspiration for all of the Marlins,
but that was an inspiration to baseball lovers all over the country.
That was a kind of rejuvenation, if you will, in many instances of the
love of the game of baseball.
So we congratulate the Marlins.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln
Diaz-Balart), lead cosponsor of this resolution.
Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues
in celebrating the Marlins' win of the World Series. I think we have to
recognize that Major League Baseball has perhaps provided the country
and the world with the best postseason ever in this month that has just
ended. It was an extraordinary series of games, series of series topped
off by a wonderful and extraordinary World Series, won by a young and
dynamic team that has earned the admiration of the entire world.
Obviously, in south Florida we are extremely proud of our Florida
Marlins. They embody in many ways south Florida, from Jack McKeon, the
manager, who at age 72 became the oldest manager to lead a team to the
World Series, after being called just a few months earlier when he was,
in fact, out of a job and many thought that he would never again manage
in the Major Leagues, was asked by the front office of the Marlins to
come and turn the team around, that they needed someone at the helm
with the experience and leadership qualities of Jack McKeon. And what a
job he did.
And I think for that job, he needs to be commended. And the front
office starting with Jeffrey Loria, the chairman and CEO and managing
general partner of the Marlins, and David Samson, the president of the
Marlins, and Larry Beinfest, the senior vice president and general
manager, what a job they did putting together this young team that
faced and defeated a New York Yankees team with over three times the
payroll. And, yet, because of the young talent in the Florida Marlins,
the Marlins were able to prevail.
What can we say? We can pick example after example that really leaves
us in awe. That cleanup hitter, 20-year-old cleanup hitter who just a
few months earlier was in AA baseball, in the Minors, and he was called
up because he showed such extraordinary talent and Miguel Cabrera
became the first 20-year-old since Ty Cobb to bat in the cleanup
position in the World Series. What a future he has.
As with so many others in the Florida Marlins, we can go down the
roster and analyze and really celebrate the excitement that all of the
players represent, from Juan Pierre, that dynamic and really exciting,
extraordinarily exciting center fielder, to obviously Ivan Rodriguez,
the catcher, who electrified us all with his plays and his hitting day
after day, what a World Series it was. So I am glad that the gentleman
from Florida (Mr. Meek) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) have come forth with this resolution which I have joined.
And I think we not only should commend the Marlins for their
extraordinary victory and share, obviously, in the celebration that all
of south Florida is engaged in, but also remember that this is an
opportunity for some tasks that remain undone to be finished.
First I think it is important, and I have full faith and confidence
that the front office, the leadership of the Marlins, is not going to
do what the ownership did after the last World Series, and that is to
basically eliminate that great team, but rather it is our hope, and I
am sure that we will see that the nucleus of this team will remain
together so that the community can see that team again playing next
year and winning, as I am sure that it will.
And we also have in south Florida a great task, which my brother, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), was heavily involved in
just a few years ago when he was in the State legislature in attempting
to put together all the pieces that are required for a new stadium. And
south Florida needs a new baseball stadium. And I hope that this
impetus now that has been gained by this marvelous victory can serve
for the community to come together and perhaps dust off the plan that
almost succeeded just a few years ago that was a very good and
interesting plan, and that a baseball stadium can be built because this
team, this dynamic, wonderful team deserves it, and the community
deserves it.
And so congratulations to that wonderful team, the Florida Marlins.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek), who himself was an
outstanding athlete at Florida A&M, playing outside linebacker before
he became an outstanding elected official.
Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) for his very kind remarks as it relates to not
only good sportsmanship but recognizing an outstanding team in the
Florida Marlins.
We have had many conversations during the series of the Cubs and the
Marlins, and he was quite honorable. He was a man of faith in his own
team, but not only perseverance but a little magic moved the Marlins
along.
I want to thank my colleagues, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen), also the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart),
who are very fine friends of mine, who are all Marlin fans in Miami-
Dade County, including my colleague the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Mario Diaz-Balart.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to not only congratulate the Marlins, but
congratulate those individuals that live in south Florida and
throughout the world that are fans of the Marlins, some old and some
new. I think the Marlins' victory in the World Series was very good for
the country, taking the lead from my good friend, the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Lewis), when he was sharing with me that it would be good
for the country if the Cubs in Boston would be able to make it to the
World Series.
But watching those games, which I had the opportunity to witness some
personally in south Florida, I cannot forget the experience not only
that the Marlins experienced when we went to Yankee Stadium during the
Series, not on Saturday night but the night before that, and we were
there, and I ran into my good friend Armando Cadina and his wife
Margerete and also his daughter Ann Marie, it was quite an experience
because we seemed to be the only Marlins fans in the whole stadium.
Yankees fans, my hats are off to you. You are my future constituents
in Florida, so I have to be nice to you. But I just want to say that it
was quite an experience for the Marlins to actually win a victory, a 0-
2 victory, an outstanding series, an outstanding game in New York on
Saturday that I witnessed on television in low temperatures. We are
used to 80-plus in south Florida. It was just outstanding.
Mr. Speaker, I brought the Miami Herald that was thrown on my lawn on
Sunday morning that just simply said ``Amazing.'' And I must say that
the Marlins' season was amazing.
Both of my colleagues referenced the manager of the Marlins. I must
say that it is a story that I believe that Americans can buy into, that
older Americans and wiser Americans still have a lot of contribute to
this country. And I think it was his leadership that led this very
young team to their second world championship.
And I must say being a young person myself and having great respect
for wiser and older individuals, I think that we need to understand in
this country, even through the love of baseball, that we need to put
that love in our own life practices, making sure that we give those
that have contributed in the past an opportunity to contribute again.
And I want to commend not only the Marlins leadership, the president,
but also the vice president and managers that they hired Jack McKeon to
be the manager of the Marlins once again.
Mr. Speaker, I also would like to add that it is important that we
continue to not only honor those individuals that won the World Series
but also that they put it on behalf of Americans, at a time of war and
a time of conflict overseas. It is always good for us to come together
as Americans. It is always good for colleagues to come together in such
a resolution as this.
This Resolution 415 is a resolution sponsored by every member of the
Florida delegation, all 25 members. I
[[Page H10074]]
would like to commend them for doing so.
Once again, to the Florida Marlins, we appreciate you, we commend
you. We like our New York fans, we like our Cubs fans, we like our
Giants fans, but we love our Marlins fans. And the people of Miami had
three celebrations, Mr. Speaker, for the Marlins yesterday, one down
Flagler Street where they had an outstanding ceremony at the end of
that, one in Little Havana, and another one in Ft. Lauderdale with a
boat parade.
Marlins, you deserved what you received. I want to thank Mr. Beckett
for being the MVP of the World Series. I wish him many, many more
seasons.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
a very frustrated Cubs fan, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton).
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the resolution. I also want
to commend the Florida Marlins. They are a terrific team. Their
outfield speed, their pitching, their fans, their coach, is really
outstanding. I think it is a pretty good deal.
I saw in the paper the other day that they are only a 15 to 1 team to
repeat next year. I think that is a pretty good deal, by the way,
particularly now that they signed, resigned Jack McKeon.
I just have one question, though, for the gentlewoman from Florida
(Ms. Ros-Lehtinen). And I was a good loser. I helped participate with
the Chicago folks in providing Chicago pizza and a few other things for
the delegation. I want to ask if there is anything in this resolution,
and I admit that I have not read it yet, that either praises that right
fielder for the Giants that dropped that ball at the critical point in
the play-offs, or Steve Bartman?
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman yield?
I am sure that we will be glad to consider any further resolutions in
the future, but right now we are just so very proud of the Fish. And I
am sure that you would agree that there is always next year.
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, there is always next year. We have been
saying that for a lot of years, though.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I do not have any additional
requests for time, but just simply the words of the Cubs: Wait until
next year. And we congratulate the Marlins for an exciting year. We
will see what happens in the future.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I want to
congratulate again the Marlins manager Mr. McKeon, the Florida Marlins
team, all the administrators, and everyone involved, including the
fans, for the remarkable World Series championship.
I also want to congratulate my colleagues from Florida once again,
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek) and the gentleman from Florida
(Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart) for giving their support to this resolution
being considered by the House today. I urge its adoption. Go Fish.
Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 2003 World
Series Champions, the Florida Marlins. Earning the reputation of a team
that does not quit or tire, the Marlins defeated the famed New York
Yankees in a thrilling 6-game series. Having never lost a post season
series, the Marlins defeated the San Francisco Giants in four games and
the Chicago Cubs in an exciting seven game 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. 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 across the country an exciting two-hit,
complete game shutout sending the series back to Chicago. Down 3 games
to 2, the Marlins 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. 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.
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. In just 10 short years, the Marlins were headed back to their
second World Series--participating in Major League Baseball's 100th
World Series.
Behind the outstanding leadership of Jack McKeon, the Marlins stole
the show in Yankee stadium by defeating the Yankees in Game 1. Heading
back to South Florida, Marlins fans packed Pro Player Stadium cheering
this exciting young team on the home field. Battling past the hype of
Roger Clemens' final start, the Marlins battled the Yankees winning
Game 4 and in a thrilling 12 innings thanks to the game ending heroics
of shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Last Thursday, the Marlins, behind stellar
pitching by Carl Pavano, sent the Series back to Yankee Stadium leading
3 games to 2. With the stage set for Game 6, Jack McKeon decided on the
arm of Josh Beckett to deliver the championship to South Florida.
Beckett pitched a gem. A nine-inning complete game, shut out by holding
Yankee hitters to five hits in a 2-0 win. What a performance!
Mr. Speaker, this Marlins fan congratulates Chairman and CEO Jeffrey
Loria, Skipper Jack McKeon, the Marlins coaching staff, MVP Josh
Beckett, each player and the entire Marlins organization and fans on an
exciting 2003 World Series.
Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to rise today and join my
colleagues from the Florida Delegation in commending the World Champion
Florida Marlins. It was your classic Cinderella story in which the
Marlins knocked out the heavily favored Yankees in a comeback season
not soon to be forgotten. Led by skipper Jack McKeon, the Marlins,
dealing with the adversity of a coaching change, rebounded from a 16-22
record to finish 91-71, making them only the ninth team in Major League
history to rally from at least 10 games under .500 to reach the
playoffs. In Game 6 in front of a hostile crowd, McKeon's Marlins,
aided by the stout pitching of Josh Beckett, took the World Series
title, four games to two. With their second title in the franchise's 11
years, I believe the Marlins are in good hands. Jack McKeon who turns
73 next month, is the oldest coach in any major U.S. professional sport
to lead his team to a championship, and I surely hope that he will
agree to return for a run at it again in 2004.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the
Florida Marlins on winning the 2003 World Series. The team is a great
source of pride for my home state and proved, against the odds, exactly
what it was capable of.
The Marlins certainly had to work hard for their second championship.
Their opponent, the New York Yankees, had won four of the last eight
World Series. This Florida team surprised many with its victory, but
they deserve every bit of praise. Even changing the team's management,
mid-season, did not keep them from obtaining baseball's top award.
I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 2003 World Series
Champions, and I congratulate the Florida Marlins on a fantastic
season. Your Congress is proud of what you have accomplished.
{time} 1530
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 415.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________