[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12751]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                NEW MEXICO JUNIOR COLLEGE BASEBALL TEAM

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
New Mexico Junior College baseball team from Hobbs, NM on winning the 
2005 National Junior College World Series. This is a tournament that 
involves baseball teams from junior colleges across the United States. 
The Thunderbirds swept to the national title with a perfect record of 
5-0 in tournament play. Their hard work and dedication is a perfect 
example of what is takes to win a national championship. This is the 
first national championship in New Mexico Junior College history.
  I would also like to recognize Coach Ray Birmingham for winning the 
Coach of the Year award, his seventh in 15 years. The loyalty that 
Coach Birmingham engenders in his players is both heart-warming and 
inspiring. Several of Coach Birmingham's players won awards as well. 
Among the outstanding honors were Renny Osuna, who was chosen for the 
Preston Walker MVP Award; Brian Flores, who was selected as Outstanding 
Pitcher; and Corey Zimmerman, who was named as Best Defensive Player.
  Mr. President, fans lined the streets in Lovington and Tatum as the 
bus carrying the team passed through. A large group of proud supporters 
met the team when the bus rolled onto the campus in Hobbs on Monday. It 
was that kind of community support, along with the determination, skill 
and work ethic of the team, that swept the Thunderbirds to victory. I 
congratulate New Mexico Junior College on its great 
accomplishment.

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