[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 288]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE CAREER OF BASEBALL LEGEND GARY CARTER

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                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2003

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a constituent of mine, 
Mr. Gary Carter of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for his election to 
baseball's most coveted fraternity, the Hall of Fame. Over a successful 
19-year professional career, Gary Carter exemplified what it takes to 
be a big league ball player. Playing the difficult position of catcher, 
Gary compiled an impressive array of statistics and accolades. In 1975, 
his first full year with the Montreal Expos, Gary exploded onto the big 
league scene. Seventeen years later, Gary returned to Montreal, after 
stints in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, finishing his career 
where it all started. What a ride it had been. Following the 1992 
season, Gary retired with numbers that foretold an eventual trip to 
Cooperstown. Games played: 2,296; Hits: 2,092; Home Runs: 324; Runs 
Batted In: 1,225 and a batting average of: 262.
  Each year, Gary's teammates and fan could always count on his 
durability and consistency. Season after season, Gary's presence in a 
big league lineup made opposing pitchers fear his bat and power. In 
1986, Gary lead the New Yorks Mets to a seven game World Series win 
over the Boston Red Sox. Although that series is remembered for a 
series saving error at first base, many fans remember Gary's clutch 
hitting when he was needed most. In the end, Gary had his World Series 
championship and ring.
  Mr. Speaker, the baseball writers across the country paid tribute to 
Gary's career by bestowing on him the highest honor in professional 
sports. To be a member of the Hall of Fame means more than just another 
accomplishment; it means having the ability and dedication to rise 
above the hundreds of other noteworthy players and become one of 
baseball's greatest players of all-time. In the 100 year history of 
American baseball, players have come and gone. However, baseball fans, 
young and old were thrilled to watch Gary Carter play the game he loved 
throughout his 19-year playing career. His teammates bestowed upon him 
the nickname ``The Kid.'' A fitting tribute to a man always eager to 
play an adult sport with a childlike enthusiasm.
  Mr. Speaker, Gary Carter becomes the newest member of baseball's Hall 
of Fame on July 27, 2003. Congratulations to, ``The Kid.''

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