[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23833-23834]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE ALTOONA CURVE BASEBALL CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Altoona 
Curve Baseball Club of Altoona, Pennsylvania, for winning the Minor 
League Baseball's 2006 John H. Johnson President's Trophy. This award, 
given annually since 1974, is the highest honor given

[[Page 23834]]

by Minor League Baseball each year to one of their 176 member clubs for 
being the top franchise in the league. This award is Minor League 
Baseball's equivalent of college football's Heisman Trophy. The 
President's Trophy was presented to the Altoona Curve on December 7, at 
Minor League Baseball's annual awards banquet.
  The presentation of the John H. Johnson President's Trophy marks the 
third occasion that the Altoona Curve Baseball Club has received one of 
Minor League Baseball's most important awards. In the last two years, 
the Altoona Curve has also received the Larry MacPhail Promotional 
Trophy, as well as Baseball America's Bob Freitas Award. The Curve Club 
is just the 11th franchise to have received all 3 awards, and is also 
the first team to receive these awards in just 3 year's time.
  The Altoona Curve's commitment to the communities of central and 
western Pennsylvania has been impressive from day one. In the short 8 
years since their establishment in 1999, The Altoona Curve has 
certainly become a significant and positive part of our region's 
identity. Living up to their slogan as ``Everybody's Hometown Team'', 
the Altoona Curve's accomplishments will surely make them a great part 
of the memories of the three million fans who have cheered for them at 
the Blair County Ballpark. Next year, the Altoona Curve will open their 
season on April 12, 2007, to do what they do best--play ball.

                          ____________________