[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 55 (Tuesday, May 9, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H2198-H2199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING CHRIS CARPENTER ON BEING NAMED THE CY YOUNG AWARD WINNER 
   FOR THE NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR THE 2005 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 627) congratulating Chris Carpenter on 
being named the Cy Young Award winner for the National League for the 
2005 Major League Baseball season.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 627

       Whereas Chris Carpenter of the St. Louis Cardinals was 
     named the Cy Young Award winner for being the best pitcher in 
     the National League during the 2005 Major League Baseball 
     season;
       Whereas during the 2005 season Chris Carpenter posted a 
     record of 21 wins and 5 losses and an outstanding winning 
     percentage of .808;
       Whereas in 2005 Chris Carpenter had an earned run average 
     of 2.83, one of the best in Major League Baseball; and
       Whereas Chris Carpenter has demonstrated an outstanding 
     ability to overcome injury and adversity and won the Player's 
     Choice National League Comeback Player of the Year award in 
     2004: Now, therefore, be it

[[Page H2199]]

       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     Chris Carpenter on being named the Cy Young Award winner for 
     the National League for the 2005 Major League Baseball 
     season.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Mrs. Miller) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Carnahan) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Michigan.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks and to include extraneous material on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 627 offered by the 
distinguished gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Carnahan).
  This resolution would congratulate Chris Carpenter on being named the 
Cy Young Award winner for the National League in 2005.
  After missing the 2003 season while rehabilitating his injured 
shoulder, Chris Carpenter made a miraculous recovery to win the 2005 Cy 
Young Award. He went 21-5 with a 2.83 ERA for the St. Louis Cardinals, 
receiving 19 of 32 first place votes and finishing with 132 points in 
balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
  Carpenter began his career with Toronto. After compiling a 49-50 
record in his first six seasons, Carpenter had surgery in September of 
2002 to repair a tear in his pitching shoulder and the Blue Jays 
contemplated sending him back to the minors. He refused the assignment 
and chose to become a free agent before signing with St. Louis.
  Finally healthy in 2004, Carpenter went 15-5 with a 3.45 ERA to earn 
National League's comeback player of the year honors from his peers. In 
2005, Carpenter won 13 straight decisions from June 14 through 
September 8, helping the Cardinals to the best record in baseball at 
100 wins and 62 losses. He struck out 213 batters and got the best of 
several aces around the league.
  I would urge all Members to come together and honor the perseverance 
and dedication of Chris Carpenter, the winner of one of Major League 
Baseball's most prestigious awards, by adopting House Resolution 627.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this has been a real pleasure to cosponsor this with 
several Members from around the country and on both sides of the aisle. 
I want to offer House Resolution 627, congratulating Chris Carpenter of 
the St. Louis Cardinals on winning the Cy Young Award for the 2005 
Major League Baseball season.
  Chris is a 1992 graduate from Trinity High School in Manchester, New 
Hampshire, where he earned the athlete of the year honors as a senior. 
He was elected to the All State Team for 3 years in both baseball and 
hockey, and as a member of the Globe All Scholastic Team as a senior, 
captured the State championship in baseball in 1992.
  He played American Legion, Babe Ruth, and Little League Baseball. 
Chris and his wife have two children, and they make their off-season 
home in Bedford, Massachusetts. We are proud that he is one of the star 
players, not just in the league but for the St. Louis Cardinals.
  After missing the 2003 season recovering from shoulder surgery, many 
wondered how Chris Carpenter would respond. He responded in 2004 with a 
15-win season and with an earned run average of 3.46. Through his hard 
work, perseverance and skill, he improved upon those lofty numbers and 
turned in a spectacular 21-win season with a 2.83 earned run average in 
the 2005 season.
  He was a major factor in the Cardinals' 100 wins last year and earned 
a place among the most elite pitchers in baseball. For his feats, 
Carpenter was recognized with the Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in 
the National League.
  As a lifelong Cardinals fan, it is an absolute joy to watch a 
thrilling player like Chris Carpenter. I look forward to watching his 
continued success.
  In addition, I would like to mention Chris's teammate, Albert Pujols, 
who won the National League MVP last year. This marks the first time 
since 1968 that the Cardinals have had both the MVP and the Cy Young 
Award winner the same year.
  I have cosponsored a companion resolution with many others in this 
House congratulating Albert Pujols, and I hope the House will have an 
opportunity to take that up in the near future.
  Once again, I wish my heartiest congratulations to Chris Carpenter 
and all that he has accomplished and wish him the best in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I would urge all Members to 
support the adoption of House Resolution 627. I have no further 
requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 627.
  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.

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