[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 28, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6736-S6737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING THE VERMONT LAKE MONSTERS

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I would like to take a moment today to 
recognize the iconic Vermont Lake Monsters and their championship 
victory in the team's first season as members of the Futures Collegiate 
Baseball League. The Vermont Lake Monsters have seen various iterations 
over the years, and the determination, grit, and resilience of the 
team's players, coaches, staff, and fans are clear to all Vermonters 
and fans of the team.
  The Lake Monsters began in 1994 with establishment of the Vermont 
Expos, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Montreal Expos. 
When the Montreal Expos moved to

[[Page S6737]]

Washington, DC, and became the Nationals, the Vermont Expos changed 
their affiliation and their name, becoming the Lake Monsters in 2004 
and affiliated with the Oakland Athletics. When Major League Baseball 
elected to shrink the minor league in 2019, the Lake Monsters sadly 
lost their affiliation. The loss of affiliation and the prospect of the 
closure of the Lake Monsters were devastating for the baseball 
community in Vermont.
  Luckily, the Lake Monsters seized the opportunity to join the Futures 
Collegiate Baseball League, bringing the team back to Centennial Field 
in Burlington after a 2-year hiatus. Quickly, a new coaching staff was 
hired, and a roster filled. The Lake Monsters returned to Centennial 
Field on May 21, beginning a fantastic season run that brought them to 
a championship title on August 20.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On page S6737, September 28, 2021, the following language 
appears: The Lake Monsters returned to Centennial Field on May 21, 
beginning a fantastic season run that brought them to a 
championship title on September 17.
  
  The online Record has been corrected to read: The Lake Monsters 
returned to centennial Field on May 21, beginning a fantastic 
season run that brought them to a championship title on August 20.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  The Lake Monsters have garnered an immense following in Vermont and 
have become a mainstay of our community. The team, their games, and 
their fans have been an intrinsic aspect of the summertime fun for so 
many Vermonters. The resiliency of the Lake Monsters and their 
resounding victory in their return to the field, particularly at a time 
of such turmoil and uncertainty in our world, brings a welcome sense of 
joy, hope, and levity to our community.
  Congratulations to the Vermont Lake Monsters for their championship 
victory; may your success continue for years to come. Vermonters will 
look forward to going to Centennial Field for a game next summer to 
enjoy some peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and a Lake Monsters win.

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