[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24159]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX ON WINNING THE WORLD SERIES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 27, 2005

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the players, 
owners and staff of the Chicago White Sox on their tremendous victory 
in the 2005 World Series. Loyal White Sox fans across Illinois have 
been waiting 88 long years for this moment and it is every bit as 
satisfying as any of us could imagine.
  Not many picked the Chicago White Sox to win the World Championship 
when the season started. After all, they had not won a playoff game in 
more than a decade, they did not have a group of high-priced superstars 
on their roster, and they are from the city of Chicago--which had not 
even seen a World Series game in nearly half a century. But this team 
never stopped believing in itself and quickly showed the experts and 
the Nation that championships are won through tireless effort, 
consistent teamwork, and a spirit that says anything is possible.
  History will record that the 2005 Chicago White Sox marched through 
the season with a 99-63 record, the best in the American League. It 
will further show that this team went on to dominate in the postseason 
with an 11-1 record that included an unimaginable World Series sweep. 
But no historic record can convey the excitement this team created in a 
city desperate for a baseball championship, or the joy felt in the 
hearts of White Sox fans everywhere. And it certainly cannot capture 
the pride felt throughout our state in having this tremendous group of 
young men represent us in the World Series.
  It is my honor to congratulate owner Jerry Reinsdorf, General Manager 
Kenny Williams, Manager Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox players for 
this extraordinary accomplishment. From the first day of this season, 
you have conducted yourself with class on and off the field and truly 
exemplified what it means to be a champion. In the process, you have 
set a standard of excellence for others to follow and provided 
cherished memories that so many dreamed of, but feared impossible.

                          ____________________