[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 251]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ROBERTO ALOMAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 7, 2011

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the 
greatest players in the history of baseball, Roberto Alomar. This week, 
Alomar was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a recognition for 
the many years he played the sport at its very highest level.
  To many, being a 12-time All-Star, a 10-time Gold Glove recipient and 
a four-time Silver Slugger and batting over .300 nine times would 
suffice, but for Roberto Alomar, these were simply milestones along his 
route to the Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame is a time-
honored tradition in America reserved only for the game changers. It is 
not merely that these men played the sport with superior skill, it is 
that they so often transformed the game and our conception of what is 
possible. Roberto Alomar revolutionized the position of second baseman. 
He combined offensive power and consistency with a range and fielding 
ability few had ever seen and fewer still have been able to emulate.
  Roberto is part of a Puerto Rican baseball dynasty that deserves 
recognition, too. His father and brother, Sandy Alomar and Sandy Alomar 
Jr. had distinguished careers in Major League Baseball. They must 
realize that their guidance and support helped guide Roberto to his 
great career and that they, too, deserve recognition as he is inducted 
into baseball's most elite and hallowed club.
  I am sure that the joy of winning the World Series twice was quite 
indescribable for Roberto, but the thrill of being inducted into the 
Hall of Fame must be just as sweet. It is a fitting end to a great 
career. Along with the rest of the baseball world and millions of 
Puerto Ricans on the island and in the 50 states, I applaud Roberto 
Alomar and look forward to seeing his plaque placed among baseball's 
other legends.
  Mr. Speaker, induction into the Hall of Fame is more than the highest 
honor a player can receive--it is how fans and lovers of organized 
baseball are able to say `thank you' to their heroes. Thank you, 
Roberto, for so many wonderful memories. Thank you for pushing the 
sport to new heights. Thank you for giving millions of people so many 
reasons to smile and celebrate and feel joy. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my 
colleagues now join me in saying thank you to Roberto Alomar, a player 
whose character and quality we may never see again.

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