[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16267]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JESSE BURKETT LITTLE LEAGUE ALL STARS ANDY 
 FALLON, DAN RICE, KURT SABACINSKI, JOE PETRY, MATT BALL, TEDDY DALY, 
  ZACH FORD, MICAH GOLSHIRAZIAN, BEN LANDERS, KEITH LANDERS, FRANKIE 
                 FLYNN, RYAN GRIFFIN, GORDIE LOCKBAUM.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 5, 2002

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the community of 
Worcester, Massachusetts in celebrating the achievements and 
accomplishments of the 2002 Jesse Burkett Little League All-Star Team. 
Throughout their run from the city title to the U.S. Championship game, 
this terrific team won the hearts of Worcester, of Massachusetts--
indeed, all of New England. By advancing to the National Championship 
game, these fine young men advanced further than any other team in the 
history of Massachusetts.
  This accomplishment is impressive in and of itself, considering that 
this team has only played together for a few short months. They made us 
all proud. Proud not just because of their amazing play on the field--
but also because of the way they conducted themselves off the field. 
The image I'm going to take from the World Series isn't a home run or a 
great defensive play or a nasty breaking ball. I'll remember that after 
the game against Kentucky, this team stood on the field and applauded 
their competitors.
  They acted like true gentlemen, true sportsmen, and that is what we 
are most proud of. That is what we will remember for years to come. 
During a time when the sports headlines are dominated by things like 
revenue sharing and luxury taxes and salary caps, they reminded all of 
us why we fell in love with the game of baseball.
  Mr. Speaker, the Jesse Burkett All-Star Team reminded us of the sheer 
joy that can come from doing your best, playing hard, playing fair and 
playing as a team. This is one of the best stories of the year, and I 
was honored to be a part of celebrating it in Worcester.
  A special thanks needs to be extended to the Manager Fran Granger and 
Coaches Tom Daly, Paul Flynn and Chris Doyle. They have reminded us all 
of what baseball is all about . . . good sportsmanship, teamwork, young 
boys playing their hearts out, and most of all--having fun.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pride that I recognize the 
exceptional players, coaches, parents, family members and other 
supporters of the Jesse Burkett All-Star Team for a remarkable run to 
the Little League World Series. I am tremendously proud of all of them 
and congratulate them on their accomplishments. I wish them the best of 
luck in years to come.

                          ____________________