[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Pages 26242-26243]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 254--COMMENDING THE FLORIDA MARLINS BASEBALL TEAM FOR 
                     WINNING THE 2003 WORLD SERIES

  Mr. NELSON of Florida (for himself and Mr. Graham of Florida) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 254

       Whereas on October 25, 2003, the Florida Marlins defeated 
     the New York Yankees, 2 to 0, in Game 6 of the World Series, 
     to capture their second World Series title in the 11 seasons 
     of the franchise;
       Whereas the Florida Marlins became the first visiting team 
     to celebrate a World Series championship in Yankee Stadium 
     since the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981;
       Whereas under the leadership of manager Jack McKeon, 
     general manager Larry Beinfest, and team owner Jeffrey Loria, 
     the Marlins compiled the best record in baseball since May 
     23, 2003, becoming only the ninth team in Major League 
     Baseball history to rebound from at least 10 games under .500 
     to reach the playoffs;
       Whereas each player, manager, coach, trainer, and 
     administrator of the Florida Marlins contributed to a magical 
     turnaround that resulted in the Florida Marlins reaching the 
     pinnacle of the sport, a World Series Championship;
       Whereas the manager of the Florida Marlins, Jack McKeon, 
     became the oldest manager in Major League Baseball history to 
     win the World Series, and led Florida to the title after 
     joining the team in May of 2003;
       Whereas Florida Marlins pitcher Josh Beckett was named 
     World Series Most Valuable Player, after pitching a complete 
     game,

[[Page 26243]]

     5 hit shutout, on 3 days rest in Yankee Stadium during Game 6 
     of the World Series;
       Whereas young stars like Miguel Cabrera, Juan Pierre, and 
     Luis Castillo combined with established veterans like Ivan 
     Rodriguez and Jeff Conine to produce an exciting, never-say-
     die team that won over fans around the country during an 
     unexpected march to the World Series;
       Whereas the Florida Marlins upset the San Francisco Giants 
     in 4 games to win the Division Series, then stunned the 
     Chicago Cubs by coming back from a 3 games to 1 deficit to 
     win the National League Championship Series in 7 games; and
       Whereas fans of the Florida Marlins and the South Florida 
     community demonstrated commendable team support and pride: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the Florida Marlins for winning the 2003 
     World Series;
       (2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, 
     and support staff who were instrumental in securing a second 
     World Series title for the Florida Marlins;
       (3) commends the support and pride of the fans of the 
     Florida Marlins; and
       (4) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit for 
     appropriate display an enrolled copy of this resolution to--
       (A) the owner of the Florida Marlins, Jeffrey Loria;
       (B) the general manager of the Florida Marlins, Larry 
     Beinfest;
       (C) the manager of the Florida Marlins, Jack McKeon; and
       (D) each player and coach of the 2003 World Series Champion 
     Florida Marlins baseball team.

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