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[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10772-S10773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  CONGRATULATING THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ON WINNING THE 2008 WORLD 
                                 SERIES

  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 712, which was submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 712) congratulating the Philadelphia 
     Phillies on winning the 2008 World Series.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I have sought recognition to submit a 
resolution congratulating the Philadelphia Phillies on winning the 2008 
World Series. On October 29, 2008, the Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay 
Rays 4 to 3 in Game 5 to secure a World Series title for the first time 
since 1980 and second time in team history.
  This historic victory was the culmination of a hard-fought 2008 
regular season and an exhilarating postseason run for the Phillies. On 
September 27, the Phillies beat the Washington Nationals to clinch the 
National League East Division for the second consecutive year. They 
would go on to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers in 
the Division Series and National League Championship Series, 
respectively, to advance to their first World Series since 1993.
  In the World Series, the Phillies faced a young and talented Tampa 
Bay Rays team, led by Manager, and Pennsylvania native, Joe Maddon. 
With strong performances from their starting pitchers, an outstanding 
bullpen and well-timed hitting, the Phillies beat the Rays in five 
games to clinch the title.
  On behalf of the Senate and as an ardent Phillies fan myself, I 
congratulate the Philadelphia Phillies on winning the 2008 World Series 
and bringing to my hometown of Philadelphia a major sports championship 
for the first time in 25 years. In particular, I offer my heartfelt 
congratulations to manager Charlie Manuel, who, since taking the helm 
as manager in 2005, has guided this young Phillies team to become the 
best in Major League Baseball. Further due special recognition is 24-
year-old pitcher Cole Hamels, who was named the Most Valuable Player 
for both the National League Championship Series and World Series with 
a 4-0 record and 1.80 earned run average in the postseason.
  Also deserving of much praise are the 2008 American League 
Championship Rays. Though they had endured 10 consecutive losing 
seasons and the worst record in baseball last season, the Rays won 
their division and the 2008 American League Championship Series. The 
Rays have a bright future and I wish them continued success.
  Finally, and perhaps more importantly, I congratulate all Phillies 
fans, who could finally enjoy that parade

[[Page S10773]]

down Broad Street they so well deserve. Philadelphia sports fans have 
consistently demonstrated their love for and devotion to Philadelphia 
teams, even after 25 years without winning a major sports championship. 
While we have a reputation of being somewhat rough around the edges, 
Philadelphia fans are enthusiastic about sports and fiercely loyal to 
our teams. We also have a reputation for not resting on our laurels and 
demanding a lot from those players and coaches privileged to wear our 
teams' uniforms. I therefore urge my Phillies to keep fighting and 
bring home another title next year.
  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions, to 
reconsider be laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 712) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 712

       Whereas, on October 29, 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies 
     defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win the 2008 World Series;
       Whereas the 4 to 3 Phillies victory in Game 5 of the Fall 
     Classic secured for Philadelphia a World Series title for the 
     first time since 1980, and for the second time in team 
     history;
       Whereas the Tampa Bay Rays deserve congratulations for a 
     stellar 2008 season, in which, after 10 consecutive losing 
     seasons, they posted a regular season record of 97-65 and won 
     the American League Championship Series;
       Whereas Tampa Bay Rays Manager and Hazelton, Pennsylvania-
     native Joe Maddon established himself as among the premier 
     managers in Major League Baseball during the 2008 season, and 
     aptly was named American League Manager of the Year;
       Whereas Philadelphia sports fans have consistently 
     demonstrated their love for, and devotion to, Philadelphia 
     teams, even after 25 years without winning a major sports 
     championship;
       Whereas, since taking the helm as manager in 2005, Phillies 
     Manager Charlie Manuel has guided the young Phillies team to 
     become the best in Major League Baseball;
       Whereas recently retired General Manager Pat Gillick, who 
     joined the Phillies in 2006, played an integral role in 
     assembling the World Series-winning team;
       Whereas 24-year old pitcher Cole Hamels was named the Most 
     Valuable Player for both the National League Championship 
     Series and the World Series, with a 4-0 record and 1.80 
     Earned Run Average in the post-season;
       Whereas starting pitchers Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Joe 
     Blanton, and Souderton, Pennsylvania-native Jamie Moyer 
     delivered outstanding performances throughout the post-
     season;
       Whereas the Phillies' bullpen distinguished itself as among 
     the greatest in Major League Baseball, particularly closer 
     Brad Lidge, who finished the 2008 season with 48 out of 48 
     save opportunities, including the final game of the World 
     Series;
       Whereas the Phillies were led by a talented and tough group 
     of players including: 2006 MVP Ryan Howard; All-Star Chase 
     Utley; 2007 MVP and 2007 and 2008 Gold Glove winner Jimmy 
     Rollins; third baseman Pedro Feliz; veteran outfielder Pat 
     Burrell; 2008 Gold Glove winner, the ``Flyin' Hawaiian'', 
     Shane Victorino; outfielder Jayson Werth; and catcher Carlos 
     Ruiz;
       Whereas numerous reserve players made significant 
     contributions to the Phillies' World Series title run, 
     including Geoff Jenkins, Chris Coste, Eric Bruntlett, Greg 
     Dobbs, and Matt Stairs; and
       Whereas more than 1,000,000 fans packed the streets of 
     Philadelphia on October 31, 2008 for a parade along Market 
     and Broad Streets ending at Citizens Bank Park;
       Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates--
       (A) the Philadelphia Phillies for winning the 2008 World 
     Series;
       (B) the Phillies manager, coaches, and support staff, whose 
     commitment to the Phillies franchise has sustained this proud 
     organization and allowed the team to reach the pinnacle of 
     success in 2008;
       (C) all Phillies fans, whose tenacity, perseverance, and 
     enthusiasm are matched only by that of the team to which the 
     fans are dedicated; and
       (D) the Tampa Bay Rays on an outstanding 2008 season; and
       (2) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an 
     enrolled copy of this resolution to--
       (A) Phillies manager Charlie Manuel;
       (B) Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr.;
       (E) Phillies advisor Pat Gillick.

                          ____________________
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