[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 104 (Tuesday, September 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO PAUL MOLITOR

 Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, it is truly an honor and a 
privilege to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Paul Molitor, an 
incredible individual and a tremendous baseball player from the city of 
Saint Paul, MN. Paul will forever be remembered as one of the greatest 
to ever play the game, but most of all he will be remembered as a 
hometown hero to many Minnesotans. In recognition of his achievements 
and dedication to the sport, Paul has been inducted into the National 
Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. This is a tribute not only to 
his abilities on the field, but also to his commitment to the 
community. It is my great privilege to highlight his accomplishments 
before the United States Senate and this Nation.
  Paul's humble beginnings were that of many young Minnesotans. At the 
age of four, it was clear that a passion for baseball was developing in 
the heart of this young Midwestern boy. Every where he went, Paul would 
carry his mitt with him. He shined as a star athlete for the Raiders of 
Cretin-Derham Hall High School in Saint Paul. For his college 
education, he stuck close to home and became a Golden Gopher by 
attending the University of Minnesota. At the U of M, Paul was a three-
year starter and a two-time All-American before he made the decision to 
sign with the Milwaukee Brewers as the third overall pick in the 1977 
Major League Baseball draft.
  After only a short time in the minor leagues, Paul earned a role as 
the starting shortstop and leadoff hitter for the Brewers. This 
position would be one of many that this versatile athlete would play 
throughout his record-breaking career. Paul reached many milestones 
that few players would ever meet. He is one of only five players with 
over 3,000 hits and over 500 steals, the others being legendary players 
Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Eddie Collins, and Lou Brock. Paul is in the top 
ten all-time in at-bats, hits, singles, and doubles, and in the top 
twenty all-time in runs scored, triples, and stolen bases. Paul also 
tops the list as the only player in Major League Baseball history with 
3,000 hits, 500 stolen bases, and 200 home runs. All of these are great 
accomplishments, but perhaps his greatest feat came in 1993, when the 
Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series and Paul was recognized as the 
most valuable player.
  Outside of baseball, Paul is well-known as one that actively gives 
back to his community. In 1998, he was honored with the Branch Rickey 
Award, which is given to baseball players that show unparalleled 
devotion to serving their community. In addition to this, Paul was also 
recognized for his strength of character when he was awarded the Lou 
Gehrig Memorial Award, given to those who best exemplify the giving 
character of Lou Gehrig, another hall-of-famer.
  Paul Molitor has come a long way from the sandlots of Saint Paul to 
the ballparks of Major League Baseball. In twenty-one seasons, Paul 
played with three major league clubs, before coming back home to play 
for his hometown team, the Minnesota Twins, in 1996. It is quite clear 
that Paul Molitor is a person whose dedication and hard work brought 
him to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball. His talent, commitment, 
and love for the game have led to his selection into the National 
Baseball Hall of Fame. It is my distinct pleasure to recognize his 
achievements before the United States Senate, and I wish him all the 
best in his future endeavors.
  Paul, you have made many proud--your fans, teammates, and the State 
of Minnesota. You are a true hometown her. Congratulations on your 
induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

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