[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21309-21310]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE 2004 RIVER CATS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 2004

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the 2004 River Cats, 
the deserving winners of the 2004 Pacific Coast League Championship. 
The 2004 River Cats successfully recaptured the Pacific Coast League 
championship for the second consecutive year by sweeping the Iowa Cubs 
in a hard fought thrilling three-

[[Page 21310]]

game series. The 2004 Sacramento River Cats displayed their trademark 
determination and teamwork that continue to make them a great source of 
civic pride and a prominent local attraction for years to come. I ask 
all of my colleagues to join with me in saluting the triumphant 2004 
Sacramento River Cats.
  The 2004 Sacramento River Cats are comprised of an outstanding blend 
of experienced professionals with major league experience and bright 
young prospects who are destined to become the stars of tomorrow. The 
2004 River Cats team is led by the excellent all-around play of 2004 
Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player and Playoff Most Valuable 
Player Dan Johnson. In addition, the outstanding roster was anchored by 
the consistent contributions of recently promoted major leaguers: Nick 
Swisher, Jairo Garcia, Esteban German, Joe Blanton, and Justin Lehr. 
All the aforementioned River Cats are among the best touted prospects 
in all of baseball. Whether a seasoned veteran or an up and coming 
prospect, every member of the 2004 River Cats demonstrated outstanding 
commitment to team play and hard work as they march toward the 2004 
Pacific Coast League Championship.
  In addition to a wonderful roster, the 2004 River Cats also benefited 
greatly from the tutelage of one of the best coaching staffs and the 
leadership of one of the most accomplished and innovative 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 
cultivate a spirit of camaraderie and an unyielding commitment to hard 
work and fair play in the clubhouse. In the front office, the River 
Cats are led by the extraordinary 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 five years in Sacramento.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Sacramento River Cats conclude its second 
consecutive championship season 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 the Capitol Region and River Cats fans 
everywhere. Their successes are highly commendable, 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.

                          ____________________