[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 26105]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              IN PRAISE OF METS OUTFIELDER BENNY AGBAYANI

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, the boys of summer rarely disappoint 
us, and last night's final game of the National League playoffs once 
again confirmed that baseball is truly America's pastime. The series 
captivated television audiences as the Mets and Braves went head to 
head in extra innings in their last two games: Sunday's game was the 
longest in playoff history--lasting more than five hours, and last 
night's game was not decided until the bottom of the 11th--just past 
midnight.
  I want to single out Hawaii's own, Benny Agbayani, the star New York 
outfielder, who proudly wears number 50 for the 50th state. Benny had 
an illustrious playoff season and proved he is an invaluable addition 
to the Mets starting lineup. After playing in Triple A since 1993, the 
Hawaii outfielder was called up by the Mets in early May to replace the 
injured Bobby Bonilla. He secured his slot by batting .400 and hitting 
10 home runs by mid-June. The former St. Louis School and Hawaii 
Pacific University all-state athlete has made Hawaii proud and has 
captured the nation's attention with his strength at bat, agility on 
the field, and grace in waiting for his place in baseball history.
  My aloha to Benny, his recent bride Niela, and their 
families.

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