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[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SENATE RESOLUTION 712--CONGRATULATING THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ON 
                     WINNING THE 2008 WORLD SERIES

  MR. SPECTER (for himself, Mr. Casey, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Lautenberg, 
and Mr. Bunning) submitted the following resolution; which ws 
considered and agreed to:

                              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.

                          ____________________
```