[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18] [House] [Pages 24059-24064] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]{time} 2310 CONGRATULATING BOSTON RED SOX ON WINNING THE 2004 WORLD SERIES Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 854) congratulating the Boston Red Sox on winning the 2004 World Series, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from California? [[Page 24060]] Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I will not object because this is a resolution congratulating the greatest team in the history of baseball, the Boston Red Sox, who after 86 years finally relieved all New Englanders, and all wonderful people in America, of the greatest burden in the history of sports, 86 years of drought. No more. No more. The Cubs come next. Mr. Speaker, down three to nothing against one of the greatest teams in baseball, they staged the greatest comeback in the history of sports, sweeping four games in a row against a fantastic Yankees team and one of the greatest rivalries in professional sports today, and then sweeping a four-game series against the Cardinals, another fantastic team, that many of us thought would win the World Series this year. Not only did they do that, when they came home, we were fortunate enough a few years ago to have the Patriots win their championship in football. We had a million people in downtown Boston celebrating that. The Red Sox won, and we had well over 3 million people. That is half the population of the State of Massachusetts. We had people flying in from all over the country to witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I heard that many people went to cemeteries and gave hats and gave baseball cards to their loved ones who were not here to see this. I heard that some people brought the ashes of their loved ones to the parade because there were those of us who just had no understanding of how to win with our beloved Red Sox. Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield? Mr. CAPUANO. Further reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California. Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, what did they bring to the parade? Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, we will have to get a translator. Mr. Speaker, this resolution congratulates the men of the Red Sox and the owners of the Red Sox for their dedication and their commitment to the sport and to their fans. They have opened up the park, I will translate that word, too, later on. They have opened up the park to the public. They have had the players out there talking to the people who come to the games. They have closed off a piece of public turf so we can expand the experience of Fenway. For those fortunate enough to come to the convention this summer in Boston, I am hoping most Members got to go to Fenway Park, still the smallest ballpark in the major league, yet always sold out because the people of New England support their team. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a thank you to the best of our ability to thank the men of the Red Sox and the owners and to the entire Red Sox nation for 86 years of unflagging support and dedication to a team that has so often let us down but every year came back and gave us more to cheer for. Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? Mr. CAPUANO. Further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from New Hampshire. Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Massachusetts knows that I am from New Hampshire. There is a friendly rivalry between our States, as Members know. We have gone back and forth for years and years on a number of things, but the one thing that we have always shared in common with other New England States is our love of the Red Sox. I, too, like the Members from Massachusetts here tonight, wondered if I would ever live long enough to see the Red Sox win the World Series ever. When Dave Roberts stole that base and changed the tide against Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer ever, and then David Ortiz hit a home run, and then David Ortiz hit a bloop single the next night, Curt Schilling the next day pitched that great game, and then Derrek Lowe on 2 days' rest came back, and we won four games and then did it again against the Cardinals, there was a dream that most of us in New England thought would never happen. People wondered where we would be on the night that the Red Sox won. I do not know where the gentleman from Massachusetts was, but I was with my sons who are younger, and they had never been through Bill Buckner and through Carlton Fisk or Jim Lamborg, or even Johnny Peske, and all of the memories that those of us who have grown up in New England have known for years and years and years. But, finally, we have done it. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and may our States always be friends and always rooting for the Red Sox. Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield? Mr. CAPUANO. Further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts. Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I have an offering for the House this evening with apologies to Ernest L. Thayer entitled ``The Curse Has Struck Out.'' The outlook wasn't guaranteed for the Red Sox nine this year. Since 1918 the boys had left us crying in our beer. And when they lost twice in New York and lost again at home, A pall-like silence fell upon the loyal Red Sox fans. A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. ``Wait 'til next year,'' they said. Resignation filled the air. The rest clung to that hope that springs eternal in the human breast. ``It ain't over 'til its over'' they muttered half in jest. They thought, ``If only our boys could put some bat on that ball, We'd put Bambino's curse to rest once and for all.'' And then Ortiz let fly a homer, to the wonderment of all. And Johnny Damon, bases loaded, tore the cover off the ball. And when the dust had lifted on that memorable night, We had come back from three games down, the Curse was in our sights. Then from all of Red Sox nation's throats there rose a wild call, It echoed on the Common, it shook Fanueil Hall. It pounded on the River Charles, and splashed upon the Bay, The Yankees were all through, kaput, a World Series we would play. And they rolled out to St. Louis, jewel of the Midwest. The Cards had won their league with ease, but now they faced a test. Were they ready for the Boston boys? The town was dressed in red. The fans could not be nicer, the team was so well led. But the Red Sox took the first three games, competing nobly one and all. They overcame their errors, they answered every call. And as game four proceeded, and a series win now loomed, All New England shivered with the thought we might still be doomed. {time} 2320 What deus ex machina would fall down from the sky? What Bucky Dent/Bill Buckner ghost might steer things all awry? Keith Foulke climbed up upon the mound, ball burning in his hand. The Curse stepped up to face him, to make a final stand. There was ease in the Curse's manner as he stepped into his place. There was pride in Bambino's bearing, a smile on the Curse's face. And when, responding to his fans, he lightly doffed his hat, No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas the Curse at the bat. A nation's eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt. 60,000 tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt. Then, while Foulke rubbed the ball into his shifty hip, Defiance flashed in the Curse's eye, a sneer curled on his lip. And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air, And the Curse stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there. Close by the portly batsman the ball unheeded sped-- ``I just can't hit that,'' said the Curse. ``Strike one!'' the umpire said. From the canyons of Manhattan, there rose a muffled roar. New York fans were screaming, ``Would the Curse really be no more?'' ``Kill him, kill the umpire,'' they shouted in Yankee land. The Curse looked smug. In 86 years the Curse had never fanned. With a smile of overconfidence, the Curse's visage shone. [[Page 24061]] He stilled the rising tumult, he bade the game go on. He signaled the Red Sox closer, and once more the dun sphere flew, But the Curse couldn't hit it, and the umpire said, ``Strike two.'' ``It's over,'' thought the Cardinals fans, who are brought up so well. But the Curse gave a scornful look and an eerie silence fell. They saw his face frown stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain. And they really thought the Curse wouldn't let that ball go by again. The sneer has fled from the Curse's lip, the teeth are clenched in hate. He pounds, with cruel violence, his bat upon the plate. And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go, And now the air is shattered by the force of the Curse's blow. Oh, all across this favored land the sun is shining bright. The band is playing happily and our hearts are oh so light. And Red Sox Nation smiles and laughs, and little children shout. And there is pure joy in Beantown--the Curse has struck out. Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan). Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would like to also congratulate all of the Red Sox, but I especially would like to congratulate my longtime friend Johnny Pesky. Johnny Pesky, at the age of 85, still dresses out every day with the Red Sox. Nobody loves the Red Sox more than Johnny Pesky, a longtime player, coach, manager, broadcaster, one of the most popular figures in all of New England. I had the privilege as an 11 and 12-year-old boy of serving as his batboy for the Knoxville Smokies minor league baseball team and got to know him starting in 1959. He has had me right in the dugout at Fenway Park. I know that no one is more excited or happy over these great events of the last few weeks than my friend Johnny Pesky. I would like to offer a special congratulations to a really fine man and great American, Johnny Pesky. Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I am going to submit this for the Record but I would just like to read the first two paragraphs of an article that appeared in the Boston Herald: ``When Margaret `Peg' Coyne lost her desire to eat, when she could no longer rise from her parlor chair, walk to the kitchen and fix herself a cup of tea, there was still the Red Sox. ``When the grand nieces who kept a vigil by Aunt Peg's hospice bed were sure the pain, the morphine and the Ativan had eased her into a tranquil delirium, Johnny Damon would step into the batter's box and Peg's 93-year-old eyes suddenly opened.'' It is a longer article than that that I will submit for the Record. But I think those two paragraphs catch the tenor of how the Red Sox Nation feels. This is something we have waited for a long time and many people have come and gone. There have been fantastic players that have been with the team over the years that have given us joy. Johnny Pesky. The right field foul pole is named after Johnny Pesky because he gave us so many thrills while he was playing. [From the Boston Herald, Nov. 1, 2004] Angel in the Outfield Sends Heavenly Miracle From Above (By Peter Gelzinis) When Margaret ``Peg'' Coyne lost her desire to eat, when she could no longer rise from her parlor chair, walk to the kitchen and fix herself a coup of tea . . . there was still the Red Sox. When the grand nieces who kept a vigil by ``Aunt Peg's'' hospice bed were sure the pain, the morphine and the Ativan had eased her into a tranquil delirium, Johnny Damon would step into the batter's box and Peg's 93-year-old eyes suddenly opened. ``Come on, Johnny! Come on, Johnny!'' she cried out at the television screen, her voice frail but unbowed. ``We couldn't understand how she knew the inning, let alone the batter,'' Jeannie Boutin recalled. ``When we asked her, Peg just said, `Because I pay attention, what do you think, Besides,' she'd say, `they run the numbers along the top of the screen.' And, of course, she always wanted to see her Johnny.'' ``Oooh, my sister loved Johnny Damon all right,'' Nora Coyne said. ``She loved how he managed to get on base. Peg loved Johnny's heart. But then, of course, she was always saying, `I wish Johnny would cut his hair and shave that beard.''' Nora betrayed the kind of self-conscious blush one might expect from a fan of, say, 19 . . . or maybe 29. She happens to be 89. Ah, but when you venture this deep into the heart of Red Sox Nation--to the cozy sanctuary of a South Boston parlor where two easy chairs sit side-by-side--age is little more than a state of mind. And baseball is what keeps you forever young. The Coyne sisters didn't particularly care for Babe Ruth. Why? ``Because Peg and I were there at Braves Field, when the Babe came to play for the Braves at the end of his career,'' Nora explains. ``We used to sit in this box right there beside the Braves' dugout. We knew all the Braves. Really, they were our favorites for a long time. We always like the National League guys, because they were a lot more friendly. ``Oh . . . I'm sorry, back to Babe. Well, you see, all these little kids came down from the grandstands to get his autograph, and the Babe . . . well, he just ignored all the little kids. My sister and I thought that was really awful. We never forgot it. And, of course, don't get me started on the Southie girl Babe married. Her name was Nora, too. She lived on Fourth Street, just above F (Street), I think. And what did the Babe do but leave her for a New York showgirl.'' In between caring for several generations of family--my wife and our son among them--and stitching curtains in factories throughout Southie, Roxbury and Dorchester, Peg and Nora didn't just watch baseball . . . they lived it. There are tales of how the ancient Sox pitcher Boo Ferris charmed Peg and Nora with a ``Hello Girls,'' on his way into the Harvard Club, or how Ted Williams fired off a string of ``bad words'' when the sisters stepped in front of his Caddie. ``Dizzy Trout, the Detroit pitcher, was sitting next to him in the front seat,'' Nora remembered, ``and he just laughed.'' On the final day of this past August, during a Red Sox winning streak, Peg Coyne's vantage point on this season shifted from a blue parlor to a celestial box seat. My son's theory was that in return for letting go and coming to heaven, God had surely promised Peg that the Sox would catch the Yankees down the stretch. When Johnny Damon finally emerged from his playoff slump in truly miraculous fashion, Nora's phone rang off the hook. ``It's Peg,'' all the nieces screamed, ``Peg's there in the outfield with him.'' ``When Keith Foulke made the last out,'' Nora said, ``I leaned over to say something to Peg. But there was only an empty chair. I wanted her to know what just happened. The Sox finally won it all. They took the Series. But then, of course, my sister already knew. She was watching everything from a much better seat . . . way up there. And she was smiling.'' Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch). Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I have the wonderful honor of representing the city of Boston with my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano). This is a special moment for us. I want to rise here tonight just to remember a couple of great Red Sox fans from this body, a couple of people who just embodied the spirit of loyalty to the Red Sox and who I wish were here to share in this. Those two gentlemen are Silvio Conte who served in this body for such a long time representing western Mass, and also my predecessor, Congressman Joe Moakley. Two finer Red Sox fans there never were. I think Silvio Conte would have the full Red Sox uniform on tonight making his remarks if he were here. The hour is late. I do want to before this resolution passes congratulate the Boston Red Sox and their superb management team, Larry Lucchino, John Henry, Tom Werner and also Theo Epstein and Terry Francona for putting together a wonderful team of just extraordinary gentlemen who not only carried out their athletic roles with excellence but also did it in a way that young people from Massachusetts and all through New England and through the country can really look up to. They really handled themselves with extreme class. The players of the 2004 World Series champion Red Sox, I do not have to name them tonight because their names as we all know will be forever written in the hearts of the citizens of Boston and of New England and of Red Sox Nation. I join with my colleagues in the House in congratulating them for their wonderful, wonderful accomplishment. Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver). [[Page 24062]] Mr. OLVER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I was not intending to speak but I am now, because I am not a poet and cannot really compete with my colleague from Alden, but I am now goaded into speaking out of respect for my predecessor Silvio O. Conte who has just been referenced by my esteemed colleague from Boston (Mr. Lynch). And so, Mr. Speaker, I am adding my congratulations to the Boston Red Sox for overcoming what many thought was impossible, namely, the toppling of the New York Yankees and ultimately overcoming the Curse of the Bambino. While our Nation is often described as polarized and divided, this Red Sox team managed to bridge these gaps and bring fans from all corners of the country into the Red Sox Nation. All the 2004 Boston Red Sox team will be remembered for their stars, Curt Schilling, Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz, the real underlying message of this team is that the impossible can occur when people come together with the right attitude. In their march to the world championship, the Red Sox overcame obstacles not through individual triumphs but rather through team effort. Players who had been stars with other teams selflessly accepted lesser roles in the interest of the team. Such players could have easily sulked and pined for personal glory. Instead, they encouraged those who were participating and did their job when they were called upon. The triumph of the 2004 Boston Red Sox was twofold, physical and mental. While the Red Sox players, coaches and management would tell you they did not believe in curses, the fans and the media were convinced that there were forces at work far greater than those who give the curveball its break or cause a knuckleball to dance. Still, despite 86 years of expectations, capped by disappointments, this self- labored ``bunch of idiots'' managed to overcome preordained demise and ultimate collapse and they did it all with a goofy smile on their face, goofy styles in their hair and a love for the game that is a breath of fresh air in professional sports. The 2004 World Series run will always hold a special place in the heart of Red Sox fans in the New England region as a whole. {time} 2330 Gone is the label of lovable loser and all the ``what if'' speculation in the papers and on the airwaves. For the first time in 86 years, the Red Sox Nation can breathe a deep sigh of relief this off- season and enjoy the fruits of the hometown team's labor. Gone are the columns speculating on the cause of their most recent demise, and in their place are columns about long-suffering fans able to rest knowing that they have seen in their lifetime what others in the past were not so lucky to see. Mr. Speaker, 2004 will be a year remembered for many reasons; and while some of those reasons may fade with the passing of time, I am sure that the citizens of the Red Sox Nation will keep a not-so-silent vigil to ensure that 2004 is remembered as the year an impossible dream became a reality, the hopes of the faithful and long suffering were met in full, and the season that was always going to be next year was finally this year. Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin). Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to privately say we finally did it. The Boston Red Sox have won the World Series for the first time in 86 years. Not only did they win, but they made history in the process. Congratulations to the gentlemen. They have done what so many thought was impossible. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I can honestly say that this is a dream come true. Like millions of other fans, I had such high hopes year after year only to see the World Series slip through our fingers. We have had so many opportunities during our long drought, but something was always missing. Time and time again when victory seemed to be within our grasp, fate intervened and the season would end once again with us muttering the line ``there is always next year.'' Next year was finally this year. Self-confidence is the hallmark of this team embodied by Curt Schilling and is now classic mantra of ``why not us?'' History is in the past, and we must live and play for today, and that is what the 2004 Red Sox have taught all of us. We also learned that over the course of this season that redemption cannot come easy. The Red Sox were three outs away from packing their bags for the winter, as they have so many times in the past. But perhaps the first time, these men knew they could not allow their arch rivals to celebrate at Fenway Park. More than that, Terry Francona knew that the Sox were not done and masterfully managed his team with four straight victories with the help of David Ortiz's amazing performances. Red Sox fans know that the game is never over until the last out, but we have got to believe. We have all finally seen a dream come true. And it said that Red Sox, the Red Sox play 162 home games, the support of their amazing fans follows them everywhere and is a key factor that propelled the team to victory. Finally, I am happy to be able to say this in my lifetime, that we did it and I look forward to the 2005 season when the Red Sox defend their World Series title. Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, just yesterday the gentleman who runs the Democratic cloak room was brought to the hospital for a little problem, and I understand that as he was heading towards the hospital clutching his chest, he was heard to say, ``It's okay, I've seen the Red Sox win. It's okay.'' He will be back soon. But I will tell my colleagues that though many of the Sunday morning pundits are now thinking that some of us in Boston are scratching our heads wondering what happened on some issues this year, the truth is we are all looking at each other wondering how do we enter next year's baseball season now that we have won. We know what to do when we lose: do not worry, next year is it, we are going to make this trade. We have not got a clue how to deal with a win. So all of us at home are really kind of standing wondering now what do we do. We will figure it out, and we will stumble through. And the only thing I will say for the rest of the night is in 86 years, I will be back again to do this one more time. Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 854, congratulating the Boston Red Sox on winning the World Series. The 2004 Boston Red Sox were no ordinary champion. I would urge my colleagues to remember the scene at Fenway Park as midnight neared on October 17, 2004. The Sox had dropped the first three games of the American League Championship Series--a deficit that no team had ever surmounted. The night before, they were drubbed 19-8 before the hometown fans. The Boston bats were silent. Their arms were spent. Their gloves were shaky. Their ace pitcher's foot was stapled to the rest of his leg. Now trailing 4-3 in Game Four, they came to bat in the bottom of the ninth just three outs away from another close call, another heartbreak for another generation of Sox fans. In the other dugout was a Yankees team that dashed our hopes last year and won 101 games this year--a team packed with talent and carrying a monster payroll of $184 million. On the mound was Mariano Rivera, the best and most reliable closer in the history of the game. Hovering over all of New England was the ghost of Babe Ruth. Only a ``band of idiots'' could have believed that they could come back. And only the 2004 Boston Red Sox could have actually pulled it off. But the slugger Kevin Millar patiently worked out a walk. The speedy pinch-runner Dave Roberts stole second, leaving third baseman Bill Mueller with the chance to tie it. He promptly did, smacking a single through Rivera's legs, and he--and all of the Red Sox Nation--watched Roberts speed home. The game was tied. The Sox were alive. The Bambino rolled over in his grave. The Yankees' historic choke had begun. David Ortiz ended the game with a twelfth-inning homer, and less than 24 hours later, the heroic ``Big Papi'' won Game Five with a fourteenth-inning single. [[Page 24063]] Game Six was won by the clutch Mark Bellhorn, the mythical Curt Schilling and the medical miracle workers who put his ankle back together. In Game Seven, the Yankees succumbed to the biblical slugging of Johnny Damon and the untouchable sinkerballs of Derek Lowe. The Series wasn't even close. The Cardinals had a great season, but they picked the wrong year to win the National League. 2004 belonged to Red Sox Nation. After the bitter endings of 1948, 1978, 1986 and 2003, we deserved it. All of New England breathed a collective sigh of relief as the always dependable closer Keith Foulke grabbed the final ground ball of Game Four and tossed it to Gold Glove first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for the final out. For the first time in 86 years, the Red Sox are the World Champions of baseball--truly World champions, with a roster assembled from the Dominican Republic, South Korea, Colombia, Red-State and Blue-State America. Congratulations to the brilliant general manager Theo Epstein. Congratulations to our field general, Terry Francona, and his lieutenants on the coaching staff. Congratulations to the top brass--John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino. Congratulations to World Series MVP Manny Ramirez. Congratulations to the dean of the Red Sox, Tim Wakefield. Congratulations to the bullpen saviors Mike Timlin and Alan Embree. Congratulations to the steady veterans Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon, and Doug Mirabelli. Congratulations to recent arrivals Bronson Arroyo, Orlando Cabrera, Gabe Kapler, and Pokey Reese. Congratulations to the unparalleled Pedro Martinez--Pedro, please don't go! Congratulations to the entire Red Sox team, who will be remembered forever as the conquering heroes who Reversed the Curse and brought a baseball championship to New England for the first time since the Wilson Administration. (Woodrow Wilson, not Mookie.) Congratulations also to all the great Red Sox players of the past, including Johnny Pesky, Dom Dimaggio, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, and Luis Tiant--this victory was as much for them as anyone., The same can be said of Ted Williams and all the other Sox greats who have passed on, but who no doubt watched from the heavens above, smiling. And most importantly, congratulations to baseball's most loyal and passionate fans: Red Sox Nation. Mr. Speaker, on April 11, 2005, the Red Sox will raise the 2004 World Championship banner at Fenway Park alongside its counterpart from 1918. In the visiting dugout, watching the Sox try on their rings, will be a team that has suffered without a championship since the year 2000--the New York Yankees. Don't worry, Yankees fans, there's always next year. Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Franks of Arizona). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Massachusetts? There was no objection. The Clerk read the resolution, as follows: H. Res. 854 Whereas on October 27, 2004, the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series title in 86 years in a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals; Whereas the Red Sox won their sixth world title in the 104- year history of the storied franchise; Whereas the 2004 Red Sox World Champion team epitomized sportmanship, selfless play, team spirit, determination, and heart in the course of winning 98 games in the regular season and clinching the American League Wild Card payoff berth; Whereas the 2004 Red Sox World Champion team honored the careers of all former Red Sox legends, including Joe Cronin, Bobby Doerr, Carlton Fisk, Jimmie Foxx, Carl Yastrzemski, Cy Young, Johnny Pesky, Dom DiMaggio, Jim Rice, and Ted Williams; Whereas the 2004 postseason produced new Red Sox legends, including Derek Lowe, Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Jason Varitek, Keith Foulke, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Johnny Damon, Trot Nixon, Orlando Cabrera, Kevin Millar, Mike Timlin, Alan Embree, Mark Bellhorn, Bill Mueller, and Dave Roberts; Whereas Red Sox Manager Terry Francona brought fresh leadership to the clubhouse this year, and brought together a self-proclaimed ``band of idiots'' and made them into one of the greatest Red Sox teams of all time; Whereas Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner and Red Sox President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Lucchino never wavered from their goal of bringing a World Series Championship to Boston; Whereas Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein assembled a team with strong pitching, a crushing offense, and most important, the heart and soul of a champion; Whereas the Red Sox never trailed in any of the 36 innings of the World Series; Whereas the Red Sox set a new major league record by winning eight consecutive games in the postseason; Whereas Derrek Lowe, Pedro Martinez, and Curt Schilling delivered gutsy pitching performances in the postseason worthy of their status as some of the best pitchers in Red Sox history; Whereas the Red Sox starting pitching in Games 2, 3, and 4 of the World Series had a combined earned run average of 0.00; Whereas Manny Ramirez won the 2004 World Series Most Valuable Player award in the World Series after batting 0.350 in the postseason with two home runs and 11 runs batted in; Whereas the Red Sox staged the greatest comeback in baseball history in the American League Championship Series against their rivals, the New York Yankees, by winning four consecutive games after losing the first three games of the series; Whereas the Red Sox prevailed in four consecutive American League Championship Series games, while producing some of the most memorable moments in sports history, including Dave Roberts stealing second base in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 4, David Ortiz securing a walk-off home run in the 12th inning of Game 4, David Ortiz singling in the winning run in the bottom of the 14th inning in Game 5, and Johnny Damon making a grand slam in Game 7; Whereas the entire Red Sox organization has a strong commitment to charitable causes in New England, demonstrated by the team's 51-year support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Jimmy Fund in the fight against childhood cancers; Whereas fans of the Red Sox do not live only in Boston or New England, but all across the country and the world, and a grateful ``Red Sox Nation'' thanks the team for bringing a World Championship home to Boston; Whereas the 2004 Boston Red Sox and their loyal fans believed; and Whereas this IS next year: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) congratulates-- (A) the Boston Red Sox for winning the 2004 Major League Baseball World Series and for their incredible performance during the 2004 Major League Baseball season; and (B) the eight Major League Baseball teams that played in the postseason; (2) recognizes the achievements of the Boston Red Sox players, manager, coaches, and support staff whose hard work, dedication, and spirit made this all possible; (3) commends-- (A) the St. Louis Cardinals for a valiant performance during the 2004 season and the World Series; (B) the fans and management of the St. Louis Cardinals for allowing the Red Sox fans from Boston and around the Nation to celebrate their first title in 86 years at their home field; and (4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to-- (A) the 2004 Boston Red Sox team; (B) Red Sox Manager Terry Francona; (C) Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein; (D) Red Sox President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Lucchino; (E) Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry; and (F) Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. The resolution was agreed to. Amendment to the Preamble Offered by Mr. Ose Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment to the preamble. The Clerk read as follows: Amendment to the preamble offered by Mr. Ose: On page 1 line 10 strike the word ``payoff'' and insert the ward ``playoff''. Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I do want to speak to the amendment, if I might, because I know the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano) comes from district eight in Massachusetts, and clearly there has been an error in the third paragraph of the resolution. We are going to call this E-8 in the gentleman from Massachusetts' (Mr. Capuano) memory because I do not believe he meant to put the word ``payoff'' in there, and we are attempting to correct this. And I just want to assure folks of the district that the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano) represents that it was an error made in good faith and that it was an error much like many errors in the past like Mr. Buckner has made, and I hope to never see such an error again in the next 86 years. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the amendment to the preamble. The amendment to the preamble was agreed to. [[Page 24064]] A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________