[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 66 (Thursday, April 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO CUBS ON THEIR 10,000TH FRANCHISE WIN

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2008

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chicago 
Cubs on their 10,000th franchise victory. Last night, the Cubs were 
away from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, located in the heart 
of the Fifth Congressional District, and beat the Colorado Rockies in 
Denver to reach this historic milestone.
  My hometown Cubbies are one of only two teams in MLB history to win 
10,000 games. This year marks the Cubs 138th season, and 100th 
anniversary of our last World Series Championship, but like all Cubs 
fans, I have faith that this is our year.
  Almost 142 years ago today, the Cubs played their first game in the 
National League as the Chicago White Stockings, and they finished in 
first place in that 1876 season. In 1902, the team officially became 
the Cubs, and northsiders have been rooting for our Cubbies ever since.
  The Cubs' home, Wrigley Field, is located at 1060 W. Addison in my 
district, and is the oldest National League ballpark and second oldest 
in the majors. Countless memories have been created at Wrigley Field as 
Chicago families and fans across the country have come to watch the 
wins and losses of our Cubs.
  Chicagoans are very excited about our Cubs this year, with the team 
playing great baseball and sitting in first place in the Central with a 
record of 15-6. Manager Lou Pinella has done a terrific job with an 
outstanding complement of players, from pitchers Carlos Zambrano, Ted 
Lilly, and Carlos Marmol to Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, newcomer Kosuke 
Fukudome, and last night's hero, Ryan Theriot.
  Great players have filled Cubs lore over the years, and we will never 
forget legends like Ernie Banks, Gabby Hartnett, Ron Santo, Billy 
Williams, Mordecai ``Three Finger'' Brown, Ryne Sandberg, Mark Grace, 
and others.
  Last night's victory was hard fought, with the Cubs defeating the 
Rockies in 10 innings to earn that 10,000th victory. Madam Speaker, as 
the Representative of Wrigley Field and all the residents of the 5th 
Congressional District of Illinois, as well as hundreds of thousands of 
Chicago Cubs fans, I congratulate the Cubs on this wonderful milestone. 
I'm looking forward to many more victories and hope to see that ``W'' 
flag flying at Wrigley Field throughout the summer and fall.

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