    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 13, 2001]
    [Pages 1511-1512]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Honoring the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks
    December 13, 2001

        The President. We were looking for a little entertainment for
    tonight's Christmas party--[laughter]--but we didn't find it. [Laughter]
        I want to welcome the mighty Diamondbacks to the White House. It
    didn't take you long to get here. I'm developing a severe case of trophy
    envy. [Laughter] We were lucky to get out of last place

    [[Page 1512]]

    with the Rangers, and here you are--thanks, in part, to you. But I do
    want to congratulate you all.
        First, let me say welcome to the Arizona delegation. I'm glad to see
    the Senator and Members of the United States Congress here. Thank you
    all for coming.
        It's an amazing year, obviously, for our country. And the World
    Series couldn't have come at a better time. It gave the American people
    a chance to think about something other than the war. And what a
    fabulous World Series it was.
        I want to thank--I want to congratulate Bob Brenly, rookie of the year. [Laughter] What a great job he did.
    [Laughter] I still think I remember meeting you after throwing out that
    ball. I was about 5 feet off the ground; I went with kind of a rising
    slider. [Laughter] But it was an amazing experience, and Bob was there
    with Joe Torre. And I really felt proud to be an
    American at that moment. I know the players did, as well.
        I want to congratulate the vice president and general manager, Joe
    Garagiola, Jr.--I'm always suspicious of
    guys who's got a famous father. [Laughter] And Rich Dozer; and of course, Jerry, I want
    to congratulate you and the ownership group; and all the great players.
        The players gave us a fabulous Series. I can't think of a better way
    to end a World Series, particularly in a time of national need, than in
    the bottom of the ninth, in the seventh game--everybody watching in the
    country, people cheering one way or the other, such joy and jubilation.
        So I want to thank the players. I also particularly want to thank
    the players for going to Ground Zero. I know Matt Williams' quote was one that caught my attention, when he said,
    ``We're glad to get a chance to shake the hands and talk to some of the
    true American heroes.''
        It really meant a lot to the people of New York to see the
    Diamondbacks, kind of the foe of the mighty Yankees, go to Ground Zero
    and to thank those people whose lives were hurting a lot, people who had
    spent enormous amounts of energy trying to rescue a fallen brother or
    sister because of what the enemy had done. And I really want to thank
    you all for doing that. It was a true class act; not only a great
    baseball team but you're obviously a group of really fine human beings.
    And for that the Nation is grateful, and thank you.
        God bless the players here and their families. It's a fabulous time
    of year, as you can see. The White House is just majestic in its beauty.
    It's a special honor to be the President of the United States at any
    time. It's especially a special honor to be at a time when our Nation is
    bound together for a common cause, and that's to fight and win the war
    against terror.
        So welcome to the White House, congratulations, and may God bless
    you all.

    [At this point, Jerry Colangelo, Arizona
    Diamondbacks chairman and chief executive officer, made brief remarks,
    and pitchers Curt Schilling and Randy
    Johnson presented the President with a gift.]

        The President. Thanks. You can just stay down there, and I'll stand
    here--[laughter]--kind of like the jockey. [Laughter] Curt, thanks; I love the relationship you have with your
    son. [Inaudible] Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:50 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Bob Brenly, manager, Rich Dozer,
    president, and Matt Williams, infielder, Arizona Diamondbacks; and Joe
    Torre, manager, New York Yankees.