[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE COLORADO ROCKIES ON WINNING THE NATIONAL LEAGUE 
                              CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 17, 2007

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
resolution congratulating the Colorado Rockies on their National League 
Championship and first-ever franchise appearance in the World Series.
  The entire Colorado delegation joined me in introducing the 
resolution, and it is now cosponsored by more than 50 other Members of 
Congress. I greatly appreciate their support.
  The Rockies defied the odds this year by making it to the World 
Series, capturing the best hopes of Coloradans and giving us all a 
reason to cheer for their success. Despite a tough loss to a great team 
in the Boston Red Sox, we remain proud of the Rockies' efforts and 
astonished at their historic rise to the top of the National League.
  Toward the close of the season, the Rockies were the underdogs in the 
National League pennant race. The challenge of making the playoffs 
seemed as large and daunting as the mountain range for which the 
Rockies were named, but the team maintained an optimism and competitive 
spirit that kept them alive long after commentators had written them 
off. Winning 21 of their last 22 games prior to the World Series--an 
unprecedented feat in baseball history--the Rockies rolled over 
expectations and swept the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS.
  The World Series proved to be a bigger challenge than the Rockies 
could surmount, and they lost in four games to a very talented Red Sox 
team. Despite the losses, the Rockies carried themselves with dignity 
and true sportsmanship, giving Coloradans something to be proud of.
  As the father of two young athletes I can say that the way the 
Rockies carried themselves is a tremendous example for our young 
people. We would have loved to have seen the Rockies bring home a 
victory this year, but, as Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez said during 
the ALCS, there's always next year. I know I am not alone in looking 
forward to watching some great Rockies baseball in the future.
  I urge all our colleagues to join me in congratulating the Colorado 
Rockies on a great season and in thanking them for serving as great 
examples of professional athletes practicing sportsmanship.

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