[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 54 (Thursday, March 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 1969 NEW YORK METS UPON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR 
                       WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 28, 2019

  Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise, on this, the greatest 
day of the year, Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season to 
honor the 1969 New York Mets upon the 50th Anniversary of their World 
Series Championship. This scrappy team, led by the remarkable Gil 
Hodges, disproved their doubters, united a city, and offered hope 
during a dark time in our country's history. A season that began with a 
loss to the expansion Montreal Expos ended with Joan Hodges screaming 
``We're Champions'' in an exuberant clubhouse under the beautiful Shea 
Stadium. With a rotation led by the powerful arms of Tom ``The 
Franchise'' Seaver and Jerry Koosman and a lineup packed with the 
ability of the likes of Ed Kranepool, Bud Harrelson, Cleon Jones, and 
Art Shamsky, these Mets jumped over the moon and won the World Series. 
The team that had been stumbling since the year of its creation somehow 
managed to outlast the historic Chicago Cubs with three future Hall of 
Famers, the imposing Atlanta Braves led by Hammerin' Hank Aaron, and 
the awe-inducing Baltimore Orioles led by Frank and Brooks Robinson. 
The characters that were these Mets offered hope to a struggling New 
York City and optimism for a country suffering through the Vietnam War. 
Fifty years ago, my New York Mets reminded the country why baseball is 
truly America's pastime. I, along with so many others who were cheering 
them during those exciting days, say thank you, congratulations on 
their 50th Anniversary, and Let's Go Mets.

                          ____________________