A resolution commending the Florida Marlins baseball team for winning the 2003 World Series.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Florida Marlins for their outstanding victory in the 2003 World Series. The Marlins, under the leadership of their Managing General Partner Jeffrey Loria, General Manager Larry Beinfest and Manager Jack McKeon, defeated the 26-time World Champion New York Yankees to garner their second World Championship in only their 10th year of existence.

With their combination of youthful energy and veteran experience, the Marlins were able to defeat the defending National League Champion San Francisco Giants in four games in the divisional series before coming back from a three games-to-one deficit to defeat the Chicago Cubs in seven games to win the National League Pennant. Led by the enthusiastic leadership of veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez and the pitching of budding superstar Josh Beckett, the Marlins have a bright future ahead of them.

Floridians from Key West to Pensacola were riveted by the Marlins comeback style and gritty determination as they watched their home team defeat three of baseball's most storied franchises on their way to the championship. As a silence fell over the boroughs of New York City, a party of historic proportions broke out in my home state as our team emerged from the dugout to celebrate its second championship.

The Florida Marlins continue to be a source of pride for residents of the Sunshine State and this year's team, so often faced with adversity, stood as a fine representative of all that our great state has to offer.

Mr. President, I rise today to urge passage of a resolution sponsored by Senator Graham and myself commending the Florida Marlins for winning the 2003 World Series.

In their 10th anniversary season the Marlins have once again reached the pinnacle of baseball. They provided us with a magical season many in Florida and elsewhere won't soon forget. They started the season with little fanfare and low expectations, and they struggled at first with a losing record. And just when things seemed as if they couldn't get any worse, they lost their manager. For many the Marlins' early misfortunes signaled another losing season.

But on May 23, the team began a magical run that culminated in a World Series title over the storied New York Yankees. During this remarkable stretch, they compiled the best record in baseball, earned a wild-card playoff

spot, upset the heavily favored San Francisco Giants in the Division series, shocked the Chicago Cubs by rebounding from a three-games-to- one deficit to win the National League Championship and became the first opposing team to capture a World Series title in Yankee Stadium in 22 years.

During their season, and especially the playoffs, the Marlins confidently believed in their abilities and their play made believers out of many all along the way. If nothing else, their season illustrates for everyone a lesson we all should heed--never give up. We offer congratulations to all members of the Florida Marlins organization and to their fans in South Florida.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 254 submitted earlier today by Senators Nelson and Graham of Florida.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, without intervening action or debate.