[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 206 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





           HONORING THE LIFE OF GEORGE THOMAS ``TOM'' SEAVER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam, Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Major 
League Baseball legend, Hall of Famer and military veteran, Mr. George 
Thomas ``Torn'' Seaver. He was a beloved father, husband, friend and 
one of the finest baseball pitchers our country has had the pleasure of 
watching.
  Tom was born in Fresno, California to Betty Lee and Charles Henry 
Seaver. He attended Fresno High School and played on the baseball team. 
After graduating high school, Tom worked for his father's company in 
the raisin industry before joining the United States Marine Corps 
Reserve in 1962 stationed at 29 Palms in California until 1963. He 
served his eight-year commitment, remaining in the reserves until 1970.
  Tom attended Fresno City College, while working and serving in the 
reserves. He began the 1964 season two inches taller and 30 pounds 
stronger at 6'1'' and 190 pounds and quickly caught the attention of 
scouts. Tom had an 11-1 season, throwing at 90-mph for the Fresno City 
baseball team. He was recruited to the University of Southern 
California (USC) under the guidance of legendary coach Rod Dedeaux.
  His talent and potential as a pitcher was evident from the start. In 
his first season at USC, Tom went 10-2, striking out 100 batters in 100 
innings. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers before returning to 
school for his junior year. He was signed by the Atlanta Braves in 
1966, before landing with the New York Mets via a lottery.
  In 1967, Tom was named an All-Star and won the National League Rookie 
of the Year award, after a 16-13 season and 2.76 earned run average. 
The Met's new manager Gil Hodges immediately saw Tom's potential and 
the two formed a strong bond. He was a part of the ``Miracle Mets'' 
that won their first World Series in 1969. From 1968 to 1976, Tom had a 
record nine consecutive 200-strikeout seasons. Tom would go on to play 
11 seasons for the Mets, 6 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds, 2 seasons 
with the Chicago White Sox, before retiring with the Boston Red Sox.
  A right-hander who earned the nickname ``Tom Terrific,'' Tom won 311 
games and struck out 3,640 batters over his 20-year major league 
career. He earned 12 All-Star selections, led the National League in 
wins 3 times. He also won three National League Cy Young Awards. He was 
elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992, earning 98.8 percent of 
the ballots cast by members of Baseball Writers Association of America. 
This was the highest voting percentage ever earned at that time. In 
1988, the Mets honored his storied career by retiring Tom's number 41.
  After his career in baseball, Tom worked as an announcer for the New 
York Yankees and the New York Mets. Tom and his wife established a 
winery in Calistoga, California, Seaver Vineyards along with his 
family. Tom enjoyed time with his family and his vineyard.
  He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their two daughters, Sarah and 
Anne.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and 
honoring the life of baseball legend, Tom Seaver. His legacy will be 
remembered for many years to come. He truly was terrific. We join his 
family, friends and community in honoring his great life and legacy.

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