[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF THE 2008 SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, as the Sacramento River Cats 2009 home 
opener approaches, I rise in tribute of their 2008 season in which they 
defended their title as Pacific Coast League and the Triple-A 
Champions. After marching through the Pacific Coast League playoffs, 
the River Cats defeated the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees to win the 
Bricktown Showdown for the second consecutive year. As the River Cats 
prepare for the 2009 season, I ask all of my colleagues to join with me 
in recognizing their remarkable 2008 accomplishments.
  The River Cats were consistent all year and finished atop the Pacific 
Coast League Southern Division at the end of the regular season with 83 
wins and only 61 losses. Their opening playoff series matched them up 
with the Salt Lake City Bee's. The River Cats made quick work of the 
Bee's, defeating them in four games by scoring a total of 39 runs.
  The second round pitted the River Cats against the Texas Rangers AAA 
affiliate, the Oklahoma City Red Hawks. The River Cats prevailed, 3 
games to 1, led by post-season MVP Chris Denorfia who went 17-35, with 
12 runs scored and four homers in the post-season. By defeating the Red 
Hawks, the 2008 River Cats won their second straight Pacific Coast 
League title and their fourth in the last six years.
  After claiming the Pacific Coast League title in Oklahoma City, they 
stayed in Oklahoma City for one more game, the Bricktown Showdown, an 
annual match up to declare the AAA champion. Led by six different 
pitchers, the River Cats stifled the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 
offense en route to a 4-1 victory. The game and championship season 
concluded in dramatic fashion when River Cats infielder Brooks Conrad 
turned a line drive double-play on an outstanding diving catch.
  For another year, the leadership of Art Savage, the River Cats 
President and CEO, the entire front office, Manger Todd Steverson, and 
the players on the field played a vital role in the team's success. On 
and off the field, the River Cats organization once again was the envy 
of the entire Pacific Coast League. Their success and professionalism 
was reciprocated by the Sacramento fans, as the River Cats led the 
Pacific Coast League in attendance for an astounding 9th year in a row.
  Madam Speaker, as the River Cats prepare for another successful 
season, I am honored to pay tribute to the many hard-working men and 
women of the River Cats organization who brought so much joy and pride 
to the people of Sacramento. Their successes are truly remarkable. I 
ask all my colleagues to join me in celebrating the River Cats 2008 
championship season.

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