[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 144 (Thursday, November 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX ON WINNING THE 2005 WORLD SERIES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chicago 
White Sox for their historic 2005 season which culminated in their 
first World Series victory in 88 years.
  Earlier this year, many Chicagoans realized that this team was 
something special. For example, their style of play was unique. The 
White Sox placed emphasis on aggressive base running, solid pitching, 
strong defense and strategic hitting. This style of play became known 
around the league as ``Ozzie ball,'' named after the White Sox former 
shortstop and now manager, Ozzie Guillen.
  The White Sox front office caught on to this trend and began 
marketing the Sox with their ``Grinder Ball Rules'' ad campaign. One of 
these ``rules,'' Grinder Ball Rule #7, was demonstrated in a print ad 
featuring White Sox closer and Japan native, Shingo Takatsu with the 
line: ``To win, you need defense, speed and discipline . . . And 
immigration.''
  That ad captured two of the important components of this historic 
team: the hard nosed ball playing of the Sox and the diversity of 
players that came together to win the championship as a team.
  The White Sox dugout at times sounded as if it were a mini-United 
Nations. Jose Contreras and Orlando Hernandez from Cuba. Damaso Marte, 
Luis Vizcaino, Pablo Ozuna, Juan Uribe and Timo Perez from the 
Dominican Republic. Freddy Garcia and manager Ozzie Guillen from 
Venezuela. Tadahito Iguchi from Japan. And last, but not least, the 
Korean baseball hero, always smiling bullpen catcher, ``the Hulk,'' Man 
Soo Lee.
  Their story is so familiar, so hopeful, for so many immigrants in 
this country--men and women who, like them, come to the United States 
to work hard, to provide for their families and loved ones, so that 
they, too, can live a better and safer life and pursue the American 
Dream.
  And that is why this resolution is so important, deserving and 
justified. Throughout history people have associated baseball with the 
strengths of American culture and equated the game with the best of our 
country's character and resolve.
  And in Chicago, we have found a team that embodies the character of 
our great city, especially the South Side of Chicago, where part of my 
District lies. The team, much like the South Side, is composed of 
close-knit friends who do their work diligently and without much 
fanfare. You can see it in the fan base, especially when you watch 
games on television. When the White Sox swept the Red Sox in the first 
round of the playoffs, celebrities like Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, 
Matt Damon, and Robert Redford were easily identified by the television 
cameras panning around Fenway Park. But when the next round came back 
to Chicago, the cameras weren't as active looking for Bernie Mack, 
James Denton (the plumber from ``Desperate Housewives'') and Dennis 
DeYoung of Styx.
  And I think that's just fine with the South Side and our city at 
large. The White Sox didn't win the World Series by relying on the star 
power of a few individuals. Instead they had to work together and grind 
out every game with blood, sweat and, after the champagne popped in the 
clubhouse, after the last game of the year, tears of White Sox heroes 
who all share the spotlight equally with some of the best fans in 
baseball. Congratulations.

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