[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E918-E919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               SCRAP IRON

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is that time of year again; 
backyards and ballparks are back in swing. I remember when it only cost 
a few bucks to go to a ball game. Recent news reports show that it 
costs nearly $200 for a family of four to go to a major league baseball 
game these days--that is if you want to park your car, eat a hot dog, 
drink a Coke and maybe buy your kids a baseball cap.
  I remember going to the Houston Buff's games over on the Gulf 
Freeway, where Finger's is now, and to Colt Stadium to watch the Colt 
45s. When the wind blew, the wooden bleachers at Colt Stadium would 
sway. It was a big deal back then to go to a game. Most of the time, we 
listened to the broadcast on a transistor radio. (Are there any of 
those left?) Okay, now I am sounding really old, but there's still 
nothing better than listening to a game on the radio.
  I will never forget the first game in the Eighth Wonder of the 
World--the Astrodome. I was there, as a high school student, on April 
9, 1965, to see the Astros beat the Yankees, 2-1 in 12 innings. 
Governor John Connally threw out the first pitch and President Lyndon 
B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird joined Astros President Roy 
Hotheinz in his suite.

[[Page E919]]

There were so many flashes going off it was blinding. It was a marvel 
to the world, the ushering in of indoor baseball.
  I've got to say, there was nothing else like the Dome. I remember the 
players would stand in centerfield and hit balls straight up to see if 
they could hit the roof. And who could forget the gun slinging cowboy 
on the scoreboard? It was the best.
  My kids remember going to the games, wearing Nolan Ryan's number 34, 
and cheering for players like Terry Puhl, Joe Niekro, Craig Reynolds, 
Alan Ashby, Billy Doran and yelling out Jose Cruni-u-u-u-u-u-z. Of 
course we have had many greats along the way, including Biggio, Bagwell 
and Berkman--the Killer B's. But one of my all-time favorite players 
happens to be none other than Kingwood's own, ``Scrap-Iron'' Phil 
Garner. You may not have known it, but we have been living amongst a 
legend right here in our own backyard.
  Phil Garner was known for his hard-nosed style of baseball. His 
defense as an infielder, playing both second and third base in his 
career, earned him the nickname ``Scrap-Iron.'' He was known for 
breaking up double plays, diving for balls, and always playing tough. 
He left it all on the field every play, every game. He didn't start his 
career in Texas, but like I say about all great transplants--he got 
here as fast as he could. And lucky for us he did.
  As a two-time All-American for the Tennessee Volunteers, he was 
drafted by Oakland in 1971. Ten years, three All-Star appearances and a 
.500 average in a World Series victory with the Pirates later, he 
landed in Houston. After hanging up his cleats, he hired on as an 
assistant coach under then Astros Manager Art Howe. He went on to later 
become manager for the Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers before 
coming back to Houston. And like I said, lucky for us he did.
  As Skipper for the Astros, Garner led the team to greater success 
than any other manager in franchise history. Among the many successes 
the team had under his leadership, nothing was greater than the team's 
first and only World Series appearance. Even though I lost the bet with 
a Chicago Congressman and had to send them some real Texas barbeque 
from the ``Tin Roof'' Bar-B-Q when the White Sox beat the Astros, I 
went down swinging with ``Scrap Iron.''
  I have known Phil and his family for many years. His example and 
character has had a tremendous impact on my son, Kurt, as well as many 
other young people that have had the pleasure of knowing him. The 
Astros, and the entire city of Houston, are lucky to call him one of 
our own.
  The great thing about baseball is everyone can enjoy the game. You 
don't have to be the biggest or the fastest to play. And if you don't 
want to take out a loan to go to a major league game, there's still 
plenty of ball to been seen. You will be hard pressed not to find a 
little league, high school or college game just about any day of the 
week and I can assure you our local talent won't disappoint and won't 
break the bank.
  I can't wait to start baseball all over again--this time as a 
grandfather and take my grandsons and granddaughters to the ``National 
Pastime.'' I wish all the area youth leagues, high schools, colleges 
and of course, the 'Stros the best of luck this season. Now, let's play 
ball!
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________