[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24215]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS FOR WINNING THE 2003 PACIFIC 
                       COAST LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2003

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the 2003 Sacramento 
River Cats, the deserving winners of the 2003 Pacific Coast League 
Championship. The 2003 River Cats triumphantly completed the season by 
winning all its postseason games, including a three-game sweep of the 
Nashville Sounds. The 2003 River Cats demonstrated remarkable courage, 
determination, and teamwork that have made them a great source of civic 
pride and a local attraction. I ask all of my colleagues to join with 
me in saluting the remarkable 2003 Sacramento River Cats.
  Throughout the course of the season, the Sacramento River Cats never 
left any doubt that they were top of the class of the Pacific Coast 
League. The River Cats displayed tremendous consistency and excellence 
as they finished with a league best record of 92 wins and 52 losses, a 
remarkable 18 games better than the closest competitor. The River Cats 
truly dominated the competition as 51 of the River Cats' victories were 
decided by more than 3 runs. Backed by a spirited and loyal fan base, 
the River Cats won a league-leading 50 games at home during the regular 
season. The River Cats also won the franchise's third division 
championship since relocating to Sacramento in 2000. By combining a 
high-octane offense; a tenacious pitching staff, and a steady defense, 
this year's River Cats posted the best overall record and road record 
in franchise history. It is clear that the 2003 Sacramento River Cats 
are one of the most dominant teams in the illustrious 100-year history 
of the Pacific Coast League.
  The 2003 Sacramento River Cats are comprised of an outstanding blend 
of seasoned veterans with major league experience and exciting young 
players who are destined to be the superstars of tomorrow. This River 
Cats team is spearheaded by the all around excellence of Pacific Coast 
League's Rookie of the Year Bobby Crosby, Pitcher of the Year Justin 
Duchscherer and Most Valuable Player Graham Koonce. The 2003 River Cats 
became the first team to claim the three major individual awards in the 
history of the Pacific Coast League. This dazzling array of players, 
combined with a selfless commitment to team play, are major reasons why 
the River Cats enjoyed such unparalleled success during the 2003 
season.
  In addition to a wonderful roster, the 2003 River Cats also benefited 
greatly from the tutelage of one of the best coaching staffs and the 
leadership of one of the most progressive front offices in all of 
professional baseball. On the bench, the River Cats were lead by the 
2003 Sporting News Minor League Manager of the Year Tony DeFrancesco. 
Mr. DeFrancesco and his able assistants were able to harness one of the 
greatest collections of gifted players in the Pacific Coast League into 
a balanced team that is epitomized by fair play and an unyielding 
commitment to teamwork. In the front office, the River Cats are led by 
the visionary leadership of President and CEO Art Savage and the astute 
management of Executive Vice Presidents Warren Smith and Robert Hemond. 
Under this leadership team, the River Cats have taken great steps to 
forge one of the strongest and most unique relationships in all of 
sports with their team supporters. Given the River Cats front office's 
commitment to the city of Sacramento, it is no wonder why the River 
Cats have led all of Minor League Baseball in attendance during each of 
their four years in Sacramento.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Sacramento River Cats conclude their greatest 
season in franchise history and prepare to achieve greater triumphs in 
the future, I am honored to pay tribute to the many hard working men 
and women of the River Cats organization who brought so much joy and 
pride to the people of Capitol Region and River Cats fans everywhere. 
Their successes are considerable, and it is a great honor for me to 
have the opportunity to pay tribute to their accomplishments. I ask all 
my colleagues to join with me in congratulating the Sacramento River 
Cats on a wonderful season and wishing them greater success in future 
seasons.