[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS

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                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2007

  Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute my hometown 
baseball team, the Midland RockHounds, as they received the John H. 
Johnson President's Trophy honoring them as the best team in Minor 
League Baseball.
  The Midland RockHounds, owned by Miles Prentice and Bob Richmond, are 
a community institution in the Permian Basin. Miles and Bob both have a 
deep passion for America's pastime, and it shows in the success of the 
RockHounds. Together with their management team, headed by longtime 
General Manager Monty Hoppel, Miles and Bob have created one of the 
most successful teams in the history of the Texas League.
  Under the direction of Miles, Bob, and Monty, the RockHounds have 
twice won the Texas League Championship and have been honored as the 
Double-A organization of the year. In choosing the RockHounds as the 
recipients of the President's Trophy, Minor League Baseball has 
recognized the many years of hard work and deep community involvement 
as the best in the nation.
  The RockHounds would not be the team they are today without the 
people of the Permian Basin who have generously rewarded their efforts 
with over 270,000 clicks of the turnstile this year alone--a franchise 
attendance record.
  In addition to fielding a great ball club, the RockHounds management 
works tirelessly to raise money for the community--especially local 
schools and youth sports organizations. Led by the hugely successful 
West Texas Sports Banquet and Memorabilia Auction, the RockHounds 
participated in over 80 fundraisers this year and helped to raise over 
$100,000 this year for programs in the Permian Basin.
  The President's Trophy is the most coveted award in Minor League 
Baseball as it is given in recognition of ``overall franchise 
excellence''. It takes into account the success of the franchise, its 
relationship with the surrounding community, and its contributions to 
baseball. On all of these measures, the Midland RockHounds are a model 
team and I am honored to represent the organization and its fans here 
in Washington.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and tremendous respect that I 
recognize the achievements of the Midland RockHounds today. Their 
successes on and off the baseball field have made the Permian Basin a 
better place to live and I can think of no team more deserving to earn 
the 2007 John H. Johnson President's Trophy.

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