John Tierney: “Mr. Speaker, I understand the levity in which we all rise here today; and I think in the best of spiritedness, the…”

“Mr. Speaker, I understand the levity in which we all rise here today; and I think in the best of spiritedness, the question for us that this would be a time for the House of Representatives to pass a resolution congratulating just a single baseball team. Major league baseball is currently in the midst of a play-off series including the Yankees as well as seven other teams that are worthy of our praise and our congratulations. In the middle of the baseball play-offs, I think we will all be rooting for our own respective teams and promoting team unity and sportsmanship. There are many other baseball teams that deserve our praise and congratulations, in particular the Boston Red Sox. In fact, this year the Red Sox are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their victory in the first-ever World Series. Red Sox history is peppered with record-setting victories, triumph over adversity, and the dedication of Red Sox players, coaches, and fans. Now, it is true, Mr. Speaker, it is very true that in the long tradition of buying their way to the top, the Yankees were bought 100 years ago; but if we are to recognize any team for its 100th anniversary, we ought to congratulate the Red Sox for their World Series, not just congratulate a team simply for being acquired.”