[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21819]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    ARIZONA'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT--HOME OF THE 2001 WORLD 
                     CHAMPION ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 6, 2001

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay tribute 
to the World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks dethroned 
the mighty New York Yankees in a thrilling Game 7 to claim the 2001 
World Series Championship in what many are calling the most exciting 
Series in history. I am proud to say that I am a Diamondback fan, but 
also I am proud to say that their home, Bank One Ballpark, resides in 
the Second Congressional District of Arizona, of which I have the honor 
of representing.
  The Diamondbacks are the youngest expansion team to win a Major 
League Baseball World Series Championship, accomplishing this feat in 
only four years of existence. There was a tremendous amount of 
dedication and work by a great number of individuals toward reaching 
this goal and all involved should revel in this great accomplishment. 
And what is more important, these dedicated individuals came together 
to form a team--a championship team.
  First, let me commend all the owners, especially the Managing General 
Partner Jerry Colangelo. For over 30 years, Jerry has not only been 
dedicated to building championship teams in Arizona but is highly 
regarded for his commitment to improving his community.
  The Diamondback front office must be recognized as well. Rich Dozer, 
President of the club has supported the efforts of everyone associated 
with the Diamondbacks, and we would not be champions without him.
  I want to congratulate General Manager Joe Garagiola, Jr. for his 
work in assembling this championship team. His foresight in combining 
the unique talents of each player into a formidable contender, truly 
deserves recognition.
  I want to pay tribute to the man who steered the Diamondbacks to the 
pinnacle of baseball and became the first manager since 1961 to win the 
championship in his first year, Manager Bob Brenly. His coaching staff, 
Bob Melvin, Dwayne Murphy, Eddie Rodriguez, Glenn Sherlock, Chris 
Speier, and pitching coach Bob Welch, were all instrumental in the 
success experienced all year.
  My granddaughter's favorite Diamondback, the mascot D. Baxter the 
Bobcat, who keeps us all laughing, even when things might not be going 
our way.
  All these people have played an important role in bringing Arizona 
its first professional Championship and they each have staffs that have 
helped them every step of the way. The city of Phoenix, the surrounding 
communities, and the State of Arizona thank you all.
  But, Mr. Speaker, we will never forget Jay Bell crossing the plate in 
the bottom of the 9th Inning of Game 7, with the winning run. We will 
never forget Luis Gonzalez, after hitting 57 home runs during the 
season, dropping a bloop single over second base--one of his shortest 
hits of the year, but his longest hit in the hearts of Diamondback 
fans--to drive in that winning run. Who can forget Tony Womack's clutch 
hit to drive in the tying run.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the three Most Valuable 
Players. Craig Counsell was selected the MVP of the National League 
Championship Series. Craig's performance throughout the post season was 
outstanding. His clutch hitting and tenacious defense served as an 
inspiration to his fellow players and helped to propel the Diamondbacks 
to victory after victory.
  However, the Diamondback pitching tandem who garnered World Series 
MVP honors will go down in history as one of the greatest pitching 
combinations of all time. The names Johnson/Schilling will be 
synonymous with each other in baseball, just as Ruth/Gehrig and Koufax/
Drysdale. Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson are both masters of their 
craft who dominated pitching this year. They were first and second in 
the National League this year in both strikeouts and earned run 
average, and they set a record for combined strikeouts by teammates.
  Mr. Speaker, November 4, 2001 will be a day long remembered by 
Arizonans. It was a day in which we shared the joy and glory of a 
Diamondback victory and welcomed the first World Championship to 
Arizona. The City of Phoenix, the State of Arizona, and the whole 
country congratulate these World Champions on a job well done!

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