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World Series Champions 12/16/92 [OA 8485]
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World Series Champions 12/16/92 [OA 8485]
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13649
Folder ID Number:
13649-009
Folder Title:
World Series Champions 12/16/92 [OA8485]
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26
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1
WORLD SERIES CHAMPION TORONTO BLUE JAY
INDIAN TREATY ROOM \ DEC. 16, 1992
WORLD SERIES CHAMPION TORONTO BLUE JAYS;
AMBASSADOR DEREK BURNEY AND YOUR LOVELY WIFE
JOAN; DEPUTY COMMISSIONER STEVE GREENBERG;
AMERICAN LEAGUE PRESIDENT BoBBy BROWN;
ESTEEMED UMPIRES MIKE REILLY AND JOE WEST;
- 2 -
OUR LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPS FROM LONG BEACH,
CALIFORNIA; AND BABE RUTH LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
FROM ACROSS THE NATION, WELCOME.
[[I JUST WISH OUR TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
CARLA HILLS WERE HERE. I THOUGHT SHE
UNDERSTOOD THAT OUR FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH
CANADA DIDN'T MEAN WE HAD To TRADE AWAY THE
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.]] //
- 3 -
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU ALL TO
THE WHITE HOUSE. I AM DELIGHTED TO HONOR A
TEAM WHOSE GREATNESS TRANSCENDS NATIONALITY.
// THE ATLANTA BRAVES ARE KNOWN AS AMERICA'S
TEAM. BEATING THEM, THE BLUE JAYS BECAME A
TRUE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. //
- 4 -
You KNOW, I'M NOT SURE IF THE WORLD
SERIES IS GETTING MORE EXCITING EACH YEAR, OR
IF I'M JUST ENJOYING IT MORE, BUT THIS YEAR'S
MATCHUP WAS A HEARTSTOPPER THAT BASEBALL FANS
WILL LONG REMEMBER. THINK OF IT. FOUR ONE-
RUN GAMES. THREE TORONTO VICTORIES WON IN
THE FINAL TIME-AT-BAT.
- 5 =
THE BRAVES AND BLUE JAYS STAGED A FALL
CLASSIC EVEN RIPLEY WOULDN'T BELIEVE. //
YOUR SEASON AND THIS SERIES WERE
PUNCTUATED BY SOME GREAT INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS.
/ JOE CARTER, THE MAN WHO BROUGHT YOU ALL
HOME WITH HIS RBIs. MIKE TIMLIN AND THE
RELIEF PITCHING CREW, WHO CAME UP WITH SOME
TIGHT PITCHING AT THE END OF CLOSE GAMES.
- 6 -
THE MVP EFFORT PUT IN BY CATCHER PAT BORDERS,
WHO COULDN'T BE WITH US THIS MORNING -- HIS
WIFE IS DUE ANY DAY NOW WITH THEIR SECOND
CHILD. AND PITCHER JACK MORRIS, WHO IS HERE
FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW. HE CAME LAST
YEAR WITH THE TWINS. [[IF HE COMES TO THE
WHITE HOUSE ANY MORE OFTEN, WE'RE GOING TO
HAVE TO SAVE HIM A GUEST ROOM. ]] //
- 7 -
YET IT WAS OLD MAN RIVER'S 11TH-INNING
DOUBLE IN GAME SIX THAT PUT THIS SERIES IN
THE RECORD BOOKS. THAT HIT BY A 41-YEAR-OLD
VETERAN SHOWED THAT BASEBALL ISN'T ABOUT
COUNTRY. IT'S ABOUT COURAGE, STAMINA, AND
GRIT. AFTER 21 YEARS IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES,
DAVE WINFIELD FINALLY HAS THAT WORLD SERIES
RING.
- 8 -
CITO [SEE-TOE] GASTON, HIS COACHING
STAFF, AND THE ENTIRE BLUE JAYS TEAM SHOWED
THAT AMERICA'S PASTIME IS BECOMING THE
WORLD'S PASTIME, AND FOR THAT, I COULDN'T BE
HAPPIER. BY WINNING CANADA'S FIRST WORLD
SERIES, YOU BECAME NATIONAL HEROES AS WELL AS
CULTURAL AMBASSADORS.
- 9 -
[[EVEN IN -- FORGIVE ME -- THE MOST UPSIDE
DOWN MOMENTS, YOU CONDUCTED YOURSELVES WITH
DIGNITY AND CLASS. ]]
CLASS, OF COURSE, HAS MARKED THE ENTIRE
BLUE JAYS' HISTORY. IN 16 YEARS YOU'VE GONE
FROM THE DOGHOUSE TO THE PENTHOUSE. / MILLIE
ESPECIALLY LIKES THAT LINE. //
- 10 -
YOUR GENERAL MANAGER, PAT GILLICK, WILL TELL
YOU THOSE FIRST FEW SEASONS WEREN'T EASY.
BUT IN FIVE OF THE LAST SIX SEASONS, TORONTO
HAS EITHER WON THE AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST OR
FINISHED SECOND.
/
YOUR FANS HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF YOUR HARD
WORK.
- 11 -
WHEN YOU BUILT THE WORLD'S FIRST CONVERTIBLE
STADIUM, SKYDOME, WHO WOULD HAVE EXPECTED
MAJOR LEAGUE ATTENDANCE RECORDS IN 1991 AND
'92? MORE THAN FOUR MILLION FANS EACH YEAR.
Now, IT'S NO SECRET THAT I ROOTED FOR THE
BRAVES IN THE SERIES. [[ACTUALLY, I'M A
RANGERS MAN -- SORT OF "ALL IN THE FAMILY. "II
AND I WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE BRAVES ALSO:
- 12 -
THEY HAD ANOTHER GREAT SEASON THIS YEAR.
THEY FOUGHT HARD, AND THEY NEVER GAVE UP.
BUT IN THE END, YOU CARRIED THE DAY, AND
BOTH PERSONALLY AND ON BEHALF OF MY COUNTRY,
I SALUTE YOU. As I TOLD CITO GASTON FROM AIR
FORCE ONE THE DAY AFTER THE SERIES, "AMERICA
IS PROUD OF YOU."
- 13 -
IN A LARGER SENSE, I WANT TO SALUTE ALL OF
BASEBALL -- A GAME I'VE LOVED SINCE MY DAD
TOOK ME TO MY FIRST GAME SO MANY YEARS AGO.
IN THAT SPIRIT, LET ME RECOGNIZE THE
FUTURE MAJOR LEAGUERS HERE THIS MORNING. THE
WORLD LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, THE ALL STARS
FROM LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, WHO CAPTURED THE
TITLE FROM CONTENDERS IN THE PHILIPPINES. /
- 14 -
I ALSO OFFER SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
BABE RUTH LEAGUE CHAMPS FROM LEXINGTON,
KENTUCKY IN THE 6-To-12 DIVISION; FROM
PHOENIX, ARIZONA IN THE 13-To-15 YEAR-OLD
DIVISION; AND FROM VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON IN
THE 16-To-18 YEAR=OLD CATEGORY. //
I HOPE ALL OF YOU RECALL THIS DAY, AND
THESE CHAMPIONS FROM TORONTO.
- 15 -
I CAN'T THINK OF BETTER ROLE MODELS TO
FOLLOW, OR BETTER EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER --
FIGHT CLEAN AND FAIR, AND DO YOUR BEST.
YANKEES' MANAGER JOE MCCARTHY ONCE SAID,
"GIVE A BOY A BAT AND BALL, AND HE'LL BE A
GOOD CITIZEN." THOSE WORDS ARE AS RELEVANT
TODAY AS WHEN I WAS PLAYING BALL. HITTING
EIGHTH. "SECOND CLEAN-UP," I CALLED IT. //
- 16 -
To HEROES OF BASEBALL YOUNG AND OLD, I
CONGRATULATE YOU ON BEHALF OF OUR NATION, AND
I WELCOME YOU TO THE WHITE HOUSE. You HAVE
ALL EXCELLED IN THAT GREAT AMERICAN PASTIME
WE FOLLOW TO THIS DAY. CONGRATULATIONS, AND
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
# # # #
WORLD SERIES CHAMPION TORONTO BLUE JAY
INDIAN TREATY ROOM I DEC. 16, 1992
WORLD SERIES CHAMPION TORONTO BLUE JAYS;
AMBASSADOR DEREK BURNEY AND YOUR LOVELY WIFE
JOAN; DEPUTY COMMISSIONER STEVE GREENBERG;
AMERICAN LEAGUE PRESIDENT BOBBY BROWN;
ESTEEMED UMPIRES MIKE REILLY AND JOE WEST;
- 2 -
OUR LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPS FROM LONG BEACH,
CALIFORNIA; AND BABE RUTH LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
FROM ACROSS THE NATION, WELCOME.
[[I JUST WISH OUR TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
CARLA HILLS WERE HERE. I THOUGHT SHE
UNDERSTOOD THAT OUR FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH
CANADA DIDN'T MEAN WE HAD TO TRADE AWAY THE
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.]] //
- 3 -
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU ALL TO
THE WHITE HOUSE. I AM DELIGHTED TO HONOR A
TEAM WHOSE GREATNESS TRANSCENDS NATIONALITY.
// THE ATLANTA BRAVES ARE KNOWN AS AMERICA'S
TEAM. BEATING THEM, THE BLUE JAYS BECAME A
TRUE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. //
- 4 -
You KNOW, I'M NOT SURE IF THE WORLD
SERIES IS GETTING MORE EXCITING EACH YEAR, OR
IF I'm JUST ENJOYING IT MORE, BUT THIS YEAR'S
MATCHUP WAS A HEARTSTOPPER THAT BASEBALL FANS
WILL LONG REMEMBER. THINK OF IT. FOUR ONE-
RUN GAMES. THREE TORONTO VICTORIES WON IN
THE FINAL TIME-AT-BAT.
- 5 -
THE BRAVES AND BLUE JAYS STAGED A FALL
CLASSIC EVEN RIPLEY WOULDN'T BELIEVE. //
YOUR SEASON AND THIS SERIES WERE
PUNCTUATED BY SOME GREAT INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS.
/ JOE CARTER, THE MAN WHO BROUGHT YOU ALL
HOME WITH HIS RBIs. MIKE TIMLIN AND THE
RELIEF PITCHING CREW, WHO CAME UP WITH SOME
TIGHT PITCHING AT THE END OF CLOSE GAMES.
- 6 -
THE MVP EFFORT PUT IN BY CATCHER PAT BORDERS,
WHO COULDN'T BE WITH US THIS MORNING -- HIS
WIFE IS DUE ANY DAY NOW WITH THEIR SECOND
CHILD. AND PITCHER JACK MORRIS, WHO IS HERE
FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW. HE CAME LAST
YEAR WITH THE TWINS. [[IF HE COMES TO THE
WHITE HOUSE ANY MORE OFTEN, WE'RE GOING TO
HAVE To SAVE HIM A GUEST ROOM. ]] 11
- 7 -
YET IT WAS OLD MAN RIVER'S 11TH-INNING
DOUBLE IN GAME SIX THAT PUT THIS SERIES IN
THE RECORD BOOKS. THAT HIT BY A 41-YEAR-OLD
VETERAN SHOWED THAT BASEBALL ISN'T ABOUT
COUNTRY. IT'S ABOUT COURAGE, STAMINA, AND
GRIT. AFTER 21 YEARS IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES,
DAVE WINFIELD FINALLY HAS THAT WORLD SERIES
RING.
- 8 -
CITO [SEE-TOE] GASTON, HIS COACHING
STAFF, AND THE ENTIRE BLUE JAYS TEAM SHOWED
THAT AMERICA'S PASTIME IS BECOMING THE
WORLD'S PASTIME, AND FOR THAT, I COULDN'T BE
HAPPIER. BY WINNING CANADA'S FIRST WORLD
SERIES, YOU BECAME NATIONAL HEROES AS WELL AS
CULTURAL AMBASSADORS.
- 9 -
[[EVEN IN -- FORGIVE ME -- THE MOST UPSIDE
DOWN MOMENTS, YOU CONDUCTED YOURSELVES WITH
DIGNITY AND CLASS.]]
CLASS, OF COURSE, HAS MARKED THE ENTIRE
BLUE JAYS' HISTORY. IN 16 YEARS YOU'VE GONE
FROM THE DOGHOUSE TO THE PENTHOUSE. / MILLIE
ESPECIALLY LIKES THAT LINE. //
- 10 -
YOUR GENERAL MANAGER, PAT GILLICK, WILL TELL
YOU THOSE FIRST FEW SEASONS WEREN'T EASY.
BUT IN FIVE OF THE LAST SIX SEASONS, TORONTO
HAS EITHER WON THE AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST OR
FINISHED SECOND.
/
YOUR FANS HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF YOUR HARD
WORK.
= 11 -
WHEN YOU BUILT THE WORLD'S FIRST CONVERTIBLE
STADIUM, SKYDOME, WHO WOULD HAVE EXPECTED
MAJOR LEAGUE ATTENDANCE RECORDS IN 1991 AND
'92? MORE THAN FOUR MILLION FANS EACH YEAR.
Now, IT'S NO SECRET THAT I ROOTED FOR THE
BRAVES IN THE SERIES. [[ACTUALLY, I'M A
RANGERS MAN -- SORT OF "ALL IN THE FAMILY. "]]
AND I WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE BRAVES ALSO:
= 12 -
THEY HAD ANOTHER GREAT SEASON THIS YEAR.
THEY FOUGHT HARD, AND THEY NEVER GAVE UP.
BUT IN THE END, YOU CARRIED THE DAY, AND
BOTH PERSONALLY AND ON BEHALF OF MY COUNTRY,
I SALUTE YOU. As I TOLD CITO GASTON FROM AIR
FORCE ONE THE DAY AFTER THE SERIES, "AMERICA
IS PROUD OF YOU."
= 13 -
IN A LARGER SENSE, I WANT TO SALUTE ALL OF
BASEBALL -- A GAME I'VE LOVED SINCE MY DAD
TooK ME TO MY FIRST GAME so MANY YEARS AGO.
IN THAT SPIRIT, LET ME RECOGNIZE THE
FUTURE MAJOR LEAGUERS HERE THIS MORNING. THE
WORLD LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, THE ALL STARS
FROM LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, WHO CAPTURED THE
TITLE FROM CONTENDERS IN THE PHILIPPINES. /
- 14 -
I ALSO OFFER SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
BABE RUTH LEAGUE CHAMPS FROM LEXINGTON,
KENTUCKY IN THE 6=To-12 DIVISION; FROM
PHOENIX, ARIZONA IN THE 13-To-15 YEAR-OLD
DIVISION; AND FROM VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON IN
THE 16-To-18 YEAR-OLD CATEGORY. //
I HOPE ALL OF YOU RECALL THIS DAY, AND
THESE CHAMPIONS FROM TORONTO.
- 15 -
I CAN'T THINK OF BETTER ROLE MODELS TO
FOLLOW, OR BETTER EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER - --
FIGHT CLEAN AND FAIR, AND DO YOUR BEST.
YANKEES' MANAGER JOE MCCARTHY ONCE SAID,
"GIVE A BOY A BAT AND BALL, AND HE'LL BE A
GOOD CITIZEN." THOSE WORDS ARE AS RELEVANT
TODAY AS WHEN I WAS PLAYING BALL. HITTING
EIGHTH. "SECOND CLEAN=UP," I CALLED IT. //
- 16 -
To HEROES OF BASEBALL YOUNG AND OLD, I
CONGRATULATE YOU ON BEHALF OF OUR NATION, AND
I WELCOME YOU TO THE WHITE HOUSE. You HAVE
ALL EXCELLED IN THAT GREAT AMERICAN PASTIME
WE FOLLOW TO THIS DAY. CONGRATULATIONS, AND
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
# # # #
Document No. 367601SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
12/15/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
SUBJECT:
TORONTO BLUE JAYS, 12/16
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
TUTWILER
CALIO
ZOELLICK
DEMAREST
MCGROARTY
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
HORNER
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 15, 1992
2.2015 P4:57
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAN MC GROARTY
FROM:
ED WALTERS
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS FOR TORONTO BLUE JAYS
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, December 16, you will deliver remarks to the
World Champion Toronto Blue Jays, Little League World Champions,
and Babe Ruth League National Champions at 10:00 a.m. in Room 475
of the Old Executive Office Building.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks, (approximately 7 minutes / cards),
congratulate the Jays for a great series and celebrate the spread
of America's pastime around the world. You also pay special
tribute to the little sluggers, ages 6-18, who will also be at
the ceremony.
(Walters/Smith)
Dec. 15, 1992
4:00 p.m.
[JAYS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgements: Cabinet members; World Series Champion
Toronto Blue Jays; Ambassador Derek Burney and your lovely wife
Joan; Baseball Commissioner Bobby Brown; esteemed umpires Mike
Reilly and Joe West; our Little League Champs from Long Beach,
California; and Babe Ruth League Champions from across the
nation, welcome.]
[[I just wish our trade representative Carla Hills were
here. I thought she understood that our free trade agreement
with Canada didn't mean we had to trade away the world
championship. ]] //
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the White House. I
am delighted to honor a team whose greatness transcends
nationality. // The Atlanta Braves are known as America's Team.
Beating them, the Blue Jays became a true world championship
team. //
You know, I'm not sure if the World Series is getting more
exciting each year, or if I'm just enjoying it more, but this
year's matchup was a heartstopper that baseball fans will long
remember. Think of it. Four one-run games. Three Toronto
2
victories won in the final time-at-bat. The Braves and Blue Jays
staged a Fall Classic even Ripley wouldn't believe. //
Your season and this series were punctuated by some great
individual efforts. / Joe Carter, the man who brings you all home
with his RBIs. Mike Timlin and the relief pitching crew, who
came up with some tight pitching at the end of some close games.
The MVP effort put in by catcher Pat Borders, who couldn't be
with us this morning -- his wife is due any day now with their
second child. And pitcher Jack Morris, who is here for the
second year in a row. He came last year with the Twins. [[If he
comes to the White House any more often, we're going to have to
save him a guest room. ]] //
Yet it was Old Man River's 11th-inning double in game six
that put this Series in the record books. That hit by a 41-
year-old veteran showed that baseball isn't about country. It's
about courage, stamina, and grit. After 21 years in the major
leagues, Dave Winfield finally has that World Series ring.
Cito [SEE-toe] Gaston, his coaching staff, and the entire
Blue Jays team showed that America's pastime is becoming the
world's pastime, and for that, I couldn't be happier. By winning
Canada's first World Series, you became national heroes as well
as cultural ambassadors. [[Even in -- forgive me -- the most
upside down moments, you conducted yourselves with dignity and
class. ]]
Class, of course, has marked the entire Blue Jays' history.
In 16 years you've gone from the doghouse to the penthouse. /
3
Millie especially likes that line. // Your general manager, Pat
Gillick, will tell you those first few seasons weren't easy. But
in five of the last six seasons, Toronto has either won the
American League East or finished second. / Your fans have taken
notice of your hard work. When you built the world's first
convertible stadium, Skydome, who would have expected major
league attendance records in 1991 and '92? More than four
million fans each year?
Now, it's no secret that I rooted for the Braves in the
Series. [[Actually, I'm a Rangers man -- sort of "All in the
Family. "]} And I want to congratulate the Braves also: they had
another great season this year. They fought hard, and they never
gave up.
But in the end, you carried the day, and both personally and
on behalf of my country, I salute you. As I told Cito Gaston
from Air Force One the day after the Series, "America is proud of
you. In a larger sense, I want to salute all of haseball -- a.
game I've loved since my dad took me to my first game so many
years ago. //
In that spirit, let me recognize the future major leaguers
here this morning. The World Little League Champions, the All
Stars from Long Beach, California, who captured the title from
contenders in the Philippines. / I also offer special
congratulations to our Babe Ruth League champs from Lexington,
Kentucky in the 6-to-12 division; from Phoenix, Arizona in the
4
13-to-15 year-old division; and from Vancouver, Washington in the
16-to-18 year-old category. //
I hope all of you recall this day, and these champions from
Toronto. I can't think of better role models to follow, or
better examples of character -- fight clean and fair, and do your
best. Yankees' manager Joe McCarthy once said, "Give a boy a bat
and ball, and he'll be a good citizen." Those words are as
relevant today as when I was playing ball. Hitting eighth.
"Second clean-up," I called it. //
To heroes of baseball young and old, I congratulate you on
behalf of our nation, and I welcome you to the White House. You
have all excelled in that great American pastime we follow to
this day. Congratulations, and may God bless you all.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 15, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAN MC GROARTY
FROM:
ED WALTERS
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS FOR TORONTO BLUE JAYS
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, December 16, you will deliver remarks to the
World Champion Toronto Blue Jays, Little League World Champions,
and Babe Ruth League National Champions at 10:00 a.m. in Room 475
of the Old Executive Office Building.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks, (approximately 7 minutes / cards),
congratulate the Jays for a great series and celebrate the spread
of America's pastime around the world. You also pay special
tribute to the little sluggers, ages 6-18, who will also be at
the ceremony.
(Walters/Smith)
Dec. 15, 1992
4:00 p.m.
[JAYS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgements: Cabinet members; World Series Champion
Toronto Blue Jays; Ambassador Derek Burney and your lovely wife
Joan; Baseball Commissioner Bobby Brown; esteemed umpires Mike
Reilly and Joe West; our Little League Champs from Long Beach,
California; and Babe Ruth League Champions from across the
nation, welcome.]
[[I just wish our trade representative Carla Hills were
here. I thought she understood that our free trade agreement
with Canada didn't mean we had to trade away the world
championship. ]] /
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the White House. I
am delighted to honor a team whose greatness transcends
nationality. // The Atlanta Braves are known as America's Team.
Beating them, the Blue Jays became a true world championship
team. //
You know, I'm not sure if the World Series is getting more
exciting each year, or if I'm just enjoying it more, but this
year's matchup was a heartstopper that baseball fans will long
remember. Think of it. Four one-run games. Three Toronto
2
victories won in the final time-at-bat. The Braves and Blue Jays
staged a Fall Classic even Ripley wouldn't believe. //
Your season and this series were punctuated by some great
individual efforts. / Joe Carter, the man who brings you all home
with his RBIs. Mike Timlin and the relief pitching crew, who
came up with some tight pitching at the end of some close games.
The MVP effort put in by catcher Pat Borders, who couldn't be
with us this morning -- his wife is due any day now with their
second child. And pitcher Jack Morris, who is here for the
second year in a row. He came last year with the Twins. [[If he
comes to the White House any more often, we're going to have to
save him a guest room.]] //
Yet it was Old Man River's 11th-inning double in game six
that put this Series in the record books. That hit by a 41-
year-old veteran showed that baseball isn't about country. It's
about courage, stamina, and grit. After 21 years in the major
leagues, Dave Winfield finally has that World Series ring.
Cito [SEE-toe] Gaston, his coaching staff, and the entire
Blue Jays team showed that America's pastime is becoming the
world's pastime, and for that, I couldn't be happier. By winning
Canada's first World Series, you became national heroes as well
as cultural ambassadors. [[Even in -- forgive me -- the most
upside down moments, you conducted yourselves with dignity and
class. ]]
Class, of course, has marked the entire Blue Jays' history.
In 16 years you've gone from the doghouse to the penthouse. /
3
Millie especially likes that line. // Your general manager, Pat
Gillick, will tell you those first few seasons weren't easy. But
in five of the last six seasons, Toronto has either won the
American League East or finished second. / Your fans have taken
notice of your hard work. When you built the world's first
convertible stadium, Skydome, who would have expected major
league attendance records in 1991 and '92? More than four
million fans each year?
Now, it's no secret that I rooted for the Braves in the
Series. [[Actually, I'm a Rangers man -- sort of "All in the
Family. "]] And I want to congratulate the Braves also: they had
another great season this year. They fought hard, and they never
gave up.
But in the end, you carried the day, and both personally and
on behalf of my country, I salute you. As I told Cito Gaston
from Air Force One the day after the Series, "America is proud of
you." In a larger sense, I want to salute all of baseball -- a
game I've loved since my dad took me to my first game so many
years ago. //
In that spirit, let me recognize the future major leaguers
here this morning. The World Little League Champions, the All
Stars from Long Beach, California, who captured the title from
contenders in the Philippines. / I also offer special
congratulations to our Babe Ruth League champs from Lexington,
Kentucky in the 6-to-12 division; from Phoenix, Arizona in the
4
13-to-15 year-old division; and from Vancouver, Washington in the
16-to-18 year-old category. //
I hope all of you recall this day, and these champions from
Toronto. I can't think of better role models to follow, or
better examples of character -- fight clean and fair, and do your
best. Yankees' manager Joe McCarthy ) once said, "Give a boy a bat
and ball, and he'll be a good citizen." Those words are as
relevant today as when I was playing ball. Hitting eighth.
"Second clean-up," I called it. //
To heroes of baseball young and old, I congratulate you on
behalf of our nation, and I welcome you to the White House. You
have all excelled in that great American pastime we follow to
this day. Congratulations, and may God bless you all.
# # # #
(Walters/Smith)
Dec. 15, 1992
4:00 p.m.
[JAYS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgements: Cabinet members; World Series Champion
Toronto Blue Jays; Ambassador Derek Burney and your lovely wife
Joan; Baseball Commissioner Bobby Brown; esteemed umpires Mike
Reilly and Joe West; our Little League Champs from Long Beach,
California; and Babe Ruth League Champions from across the
nation, welcome.]
[[I just wish our trade representative Carla Hills were
here. I thought she understood that our free trade agreement
with Canada didn't mean we had to trade away the world
championship. ]] //
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the White House. I
am delighted to honor a team whose greatness transcends
nationality. // The Atlanta Braves are known as America's Team.
Beating them, the Blue Jays became a true world championship
team. //
You know, I'm not sure if the World Series is getting more
exciting each year, or if I'm just enjoying it more, but this
year's matchup was a heartstopper that baseball fans will long
remember. Think of it. Four one-run games. Three Toronto
2
victories won in the final time-at-bat. The Braves and Blue Jays
staged a Fall Classic even Ripley wouldn't believe. //
Your season and this series were punctuated by some great
individual efforts. / Joe Carter, the man who brings you all home
with his RBIs. Mike Timlin and the relief pitching crew, who
came up with some tight pitching at the end of some close games.
The MVP effort put in by catcher Pat Borders, who couldn't be
with us this morning -- his wife is due any day now with their
second child. And pitcher Jack Morris, who is here for the
second year in a row. He came last year with the Twins. [[If he
comes to the White House any more often, we're going to have to
save him a guest room. ]] //
Yet it was Old Man River's 11th-inning double in game six
that put this Series in the record books. That hit by a 41-
year-old veteran showed that baseball isn't about country. It's
about courage, stamina, and grit. After 21 years in the major
leagues, Dave Winfield finally has that World Series ring.
Cito [SEE-toe] Gaston, his coaching staff, and the entire
Blue Jays team showed that America's pastime is becoming the
world's pastime, and for that, I couldn't be happier. By winning
Canada's first World Series, you became national heroes as well
as cultural ambassadors. [[Even in -- forgive me -- the most
upside down moments, you conducted yourselves with dignity and
class. ]]
Class, of course, has marked the entire Blue Jays' history.
In 16 years you've gone from the doghouse to the penthouse. /
3
Millie especially likes that line. // Your general manager, Pat
Gillick, will tell you those first few seasons weren't easy. But
in five of the last six seasons, Toronto has either won the
American League East or finished second. / Your fans have taken
notice of your hard work. When you built the world's first
convertible stadium, Skydome, who would have expected major
league attendance records in 1991 and '92? More than four
million fans each year?
Now, it's no secret that I rooted for the Braves in the
Series. [[Actually, I'm a Rangers man -- sort of "All in the
Family. "]] And I want to congratulate the Braves also: they had
another great season this year. They fought hard, and they never
gave up.
But in the end, you carried the day, and both personally and
on behalf of my country, I salute you. As I told Cito Gaston
from Air Force One the day after the Series, "America is proud of
you. " In a larger sense, I want to salute all of baseball -- a
game I've loved since my dad took me to my first game so many
years ago. //
In that spirit, let me recognize the future major leaguers
here this morning. The World Little League Champions, the All
Stars from Long Beach, California, who captured the title from
contenders in the Philippines. / I also offer special
congratulations to our Babe Ruth League champs from Lexington,
Kentucky in the 6-to-12 division; from Phoenix, Arizona in the
4
13-to-15 year-old division; and from Vancouver, Washington in the
16-to-18 year-old category. //
I hope all of you recall this day, and these champions from
Toronto. I can't think of better role models to follow, or
better examples of character -- fight clean and fair, and do your
best. Yankees' manager Joe McCarthy once said, "Give a boy a bat
and ball, and he'll be a good citizen." Those words are as
relevant today as when I was playing ball. Hitting eighth.
"Second clean-up," I called it. //
To heroes of baseball young and old, I congratulate you on
behalf of our nation, and I welcome you to the White House. You
have all excelled in that great American pastime we follow to
this day. Congratulations, and may God bless you all.
#
#
#
#
ID:
DEC 15'92
9:58 No.001 P.01
Document No. 367601SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
12/15/92
DATE:
2:00PM, TODAY, DEC.1
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
SUBJECT:
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
>
MCBRIDE
BAKER
X MOORE
SCOWCROFT
X
MULLINS
DARMAN N/C
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER N/C
BRADY
P
SMITH
BROMLEY
TUTWILER
1
CALIO N/L
>
ZOELLICK NK
>
DEMAREST
MCGROARTY
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
HOLIDAY N/C
HORNER
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this
office NO LATER THAN 2:00PM, TODAY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
called 10:15
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
2.15
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Document No. 367601SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
12/15/92
2:00PM, TODAY, DEC.1
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
SUBJECT:
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
>
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
\
SMITH
BROMLEY
TUTWILER
1
CALIO
ZOELLICK
>
DEMAREST
MCGROARTY
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
HORNER
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this
office NO LATER THAN 2:00PM, TODAY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No comments
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Walters/Smith)
Dec. 15, 1992
8 a.m.
DEL015 A9: 48
[JAYS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgements: Cabinet members, Toronto Blue Jays,
diplomats, visiting umpires, Little League Champs, Babe Ruth
League Champions]
[[I just wish Carla Hills, our trade representative, was
also here. I thought she understood that our free trade
agreement with Canada didn't mean we had to trade away the world
championship. ]] //
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the White House. I
am delighted to honor a team whose greatness transcends
nationality. // The Atlanta Braves are known as America's Team.
Beating them, the Blue Jays became a true world championship
team. //
You know, I'm not sure if the World Series is getting more
exciting each year, or if I'm just enjoying it more, but this
year's matchup was a heartstopper that baseball fans will long
remember. Think of it. Four one-run games. Three Toronto
victories won in its final time-at-bat. The Braves and Blue Jays
staged a Fall Classic even Ripley wouldn't believe. //
Center fielder Devon White and second baseman Roberto Alomar
were All-Stars at bat and in the field. / So were other players
like Jack Morris, Candy Mondanaro, Pat Borders, and David Cone. /
2
Yet it was old Man River's 11th-inning double in game six that
put this Series in the record books.
That hit by a 41-year-old veteran showed that baseball isn't
about country. It's about the size of your heart -- and the
heart of your dreams. After 21 years in the major leagues, Dave
Winfield finally has that World Series ring. As do Cito [SEE-
toe] Gaston, his coaching staff, and the entire Blue Jays team. /
All of you showed that America's pastime is becoming the
world's pastime, and for that, I couldn't be happier. By winning
Canada's first World Series, you became national heroes as well
as cultural ambassadors. [[Even in -- forgive me -- the most
upside down moments, you conducted yourselves with class. ]]
Class, of course, has marked the entire Blue Jays' history.
In 16 years you've gone from the doghouse to the penthouse. /
Millie especially likes that line. // Your general manager, Pat
Gillick, will tell you those first few seasons weren't easy. But
in the last six seasons, Toronto has either won the American
League East or finished second. /
Moreover, the fans have helped you. When you built the
world's first convertible stadium, Skydome, who would have
expected major league attendance records in 1991 and '92? More
than four million fans each year. Remember the movie called "Far
From the Madding Crowd." When it comes to baseball, Toronto is
the madding crowd.
Now, it's no secret that I rooted for the Braves in the
Series. [[Actually, I'm a Rangers man -- sort of "All in the
3
Family. "]] I want to congratulate the Braves, who had another
great season. Also, the Blue Jays. As I told Cito Gaston from
Air Force One the day after the Series, "America is proud of
you. In a larger sense, I want to salute all of baseball -- a
game I've loved since my dad took me to my first game at the Polo
Grounds so many years ago. //
The great catcher, Roy Campanella, once said, "You have to
be a man to play baseball. But there has to be a lot of little
boy in you, too." In 1992, men from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and
the Dominican Republic, as well as the U.S. and Canada, thrilled
boys and girls in this entire hemisphere.
In that spirit, let me recognize the future major leaguers
here. The World Little League Champions from Long Beach,
California, who captured the title from contenders in the
Philippines. / I also offer special congratulations to our Babe
Ruth League champs from Lexington, Kentucky in the 6-to-12
division; from Phoenix, Arizona in the 13-to-15 year-old
division; and from Vancouver, Washington in the 16-to-18 year-
old category. //
I hope all of you recall this day, and these champions from
Toronto. I can't think of better role models to follow. Better
examples of character -- fight clean and fair, and do your best.
Yankees' manager Joe McCarthy once said, "Give a boy a bat and
ball, and he'll be a good citizen." Those words are as relevant
today as when I was playing ball. Hitting eighth. "Second.
clean-up," I called it. //
4
To heroes of baseball young and old, I congratulate you on
behalf of our nation, and welcome you to the White House. You
have all excelled in that great American pastime we follow to
this day. Congratulations, and may God bless you.
# # # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 15, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR DAN McGROARTY
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Reception for World Series
Champion Toronto Blue Jays
We have reviewed the attached draft and have no suggested
changes from a policy standpoint. We approve of the draft
remarks in their current form.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Document No. 367601SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
12/15/92
2:00PM, TODAY, DEC.1
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
SUBJECT:
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
>
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
1
SMITH
BROMLEY
TUTWILER
CALIO
S
ZOELLICK
>
DEMAREST
MCGROARTY
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
)
HORNER
REMARKS:
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this
office NO LATER THAN 2:00PM, TODAY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Walters/Smith)
Dec. 15, 1992
8 a.m.
2.22015 A9: 48
[JAYS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgements: Cabinet members, Toronto Blue Jays,
diplomats, visiting umpires, Little League Champs, Babe Ruth
League Champions]
[[I just wish Carla Hills, our trade representative, was
also here. I thought she understood that our free trade
agreement with Canada didn't mean we had to trade away the world
championship. ]] //
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the White House. I
am delighted to honor a team whose greatness transcends
nationality. // The Atlanta Braves are known as America's Team.
Beating them, the Blue Jays became a true world championship
team. //
You know, I'm not sure if the World Series is getting more
exciting each year, or if I'm just enjoying it more, but this
year's matchup was a heartstopper that baseball fans will long
remember. Think of it. Four one-run games. Three Toronto
victories won in its final time-at-bat. The Braves and Blue Jays
staged a Fall Classic even Ripley wouldn't believe. //
Center fielder Devon White and second baseman Roberto Alomar
were All-Stars at bat and in the field. / So were other players
like Jack Morris, Candy Mondanaro, Pat Borders, and David Cone. /
2
Yet it was Old Man River's 11th-inning double in game six that
put this Series in the record books.
That hit by a 41-year-old veteran showed that baseball isn't
about country. It's about the size of your heart -- and the
heart of your dreams. After 21 years in the major leagues, Dave
Winfield finally has that World Series ring. As do Cito [SEE-
toe] Gaston, his coaching staff, and the entire Blue Jays team. /
All of you showed that America's pastime is becoming the
world's pastime, and for that, I couldn't be happier. By winning
Canada's first World Series, you became national heroes as well
as cultural ambassadors. [[Even in -- forgive me -- the most
upside down moments, you conducted yourselves with class. ]]
Class, of course, has marked the entire Blue Jays' history.
In 16 years you've gone from the doghouse to the penthouse. /
Millie especially likes that line. // Your general manager, Pat
Gillick, will tell you those first few seasons weren't easy. But
in the last six seasons, Toronto has either won the American
League East or finished second. /
Moreover, the fans have helped you. When you built the
world's first convertible stadium, Skydome, who would have
expected major league attendance records in 1991 and '92? More
than four million fans each year. Remember the movie called "Far
From the Madding Crowd." When it comes to baseball, Toronto is
the madding crowd.
Now, it's no secret that I rooted for the Braves in the
Series. [[Actually, I'm a Rangers man -- sort of "All in the
3
Family. "]] I want to congratulate the Braves, who had another
great season. Also, the Blue Jays. As I told Cito Gaston from
Air Force One the day after the Series, "America is proud of
you. In a larger sense, I want to salute all of baseball -- a
game I've loved since my dad took me to my first game at the Polo
Grounds so many years ago. //
The great catcher, Roy Campanella, once said, "You have to
be a man to play baseball. But there has to be a lot of little
boy in you, too. " In 1992, men from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and
the Dominican Republic, as well as the U.S. and Canada, thrilled
boys and girls in this entire hemisphere.
In that spirit, let me recognize the future major leaguers
here. The World Little League Champions from Long Beach,
California, who captured the title from contenders in the
Philippines. / I also offer special congratulations to our Babe
Ruth League champs from Lexington, Kentucky in the 6-to-12
division; from Phoenix, Arizona in the 13-to-15 year-old
division; and from Vancouver, Washington in the 16-to-18 year-
old category. //
I hope all of you recall this day, and these champions from
Toronto. I can't think of better role models to follow. Better
examples of character -- fight clean and fair, and do your best.
Yankees' manager Joe McCarthy once said, "Give a boy a bat and
ball, and he'll be a good citizen." Those words are as relevant
today as when I was playing ball. Hitting eighth. "Second
clean-up," I called it. //
)
4
To heroes of baseball young and old, I congratulate you on
behalf of our nation, and welcome you to the White House. You
have all excelled in that great American pastime we follow to
this day. Congratulations, and may God bless you.
# # # #
(Walters/Smith)
Dec. 15, 1992
8 a.m.
[JAYS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgements: Cabinet members, Toronto Blue Jays,
diplomats, visiting umpires, Little League Champs, Babe Ruth
League Champions]
[[I just wish Carla Hills, our trade representative, was
also here. I thought she understood that our free trade
agreement with Canada didn't mean we had to trade away the world
championship. ]] //
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the White House. I
am delighted to honor a team whose greatness transcends
nationality. // The Atlanta Braves are known as America's Team.
Beating them, the Blue Jays became a true world championship
team. //
You know, I'm not sure if the World Series is getting more
exciting each year, or if I'm just enjoying it more, but this
year's matchup was a heartstopper that baseball fans will long
remember. Think of it. Four one-run games. Three Toronto
victories won in its final time-at-bat. The Braves and Blue Jays
staged a Fall Classic even Ripley wouldn't believe. //
Center fielder Devon White and second baseman Roberto Alomar
were All-Stars at bat and in the field. / So were other players
like Jack Morris, Candy Mondanaro, Pat Borders, and David Cone. /
2
Yet it was Old Man River's 11th-inning double in game six that
put this Series in the record books.
That hit by a 41-year-old veteran showed that baseball isn't
about country. It's about the size of your heart -- and the
heart of your dreams. After 21 years in the major leagues, Dave
Winfield finally has that World Series ring. As do Cito [SEE-
toe] Gaston, his coaching staff, and the entire Blue Jays team. /
All of you showed that America's pastime is becoming the
world's pastime, and for that, I couldn't be happier. By winning
Canada's first World Series, you became national heroes as well
as cultural ambassadors. [[Even in -- forgive me -- the most
upside down moments, you conducted yourselves with class. ]]
Class, of course, has marked the entire Blue Jays' history.
In 16 years you've gone from the doghouse to the penthouse. /
Millie especially likes that line. // Your general manager, Pat
Gillick, will tell you those first few seasons weren't easy. But
in the last six seasons, Toronto has either won the American
League East or finished second. /
Moreover, the fans have helped you. When you built the
world's first convertible stadium, Skydome, who would have
expected major league attendance records in 1991 and '92? More
than four million fans each year. Remember the movie called "Far
From the Madding Crowd." When it comes to baseball, Toronto is
the madding crowd.
Now, it's no secret that I rooted for the Braves in the
Series. [[Actually, I'm a Rangers man -- sort of "All in the
3
Family. "]] I want to congratulate the Braves, who had another
great season. Also, the Blue Jays. As I told Cito Gaston from
Air Force One the day after the Series, "America is proud of
you. In a larger sense, I want to salute all of baseball -- a
game I've loved since my dad took me to my first game at the Polo
Grounds so many years ago. //
The great catcher, Roy Campanella, once said, "You have to
be a man to play baseball. But there has to be a lot of little
boy in you, too." In 1992, men from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and
the Dominican Republic, as well as the U.S. and Canada, thrilled
boys and girls in this entire hemisphere.
In that spirit, let me recognize the future major leaguers
here. The World Little League Champions from Long Beach,
California, who captured the title from contenders in the
Philippines. / I also offer special congratulations to our Babe
Ruth League champs from Lexington, Kentucky in the 6-to-12
division; from Phoenix, Arizona in the 13-to-15 year-old
division; and from Vancouver, Washington in the 16-to-18 year-
old category. //
I hope all of you recall this day, and these champions from
Toronto. I can't think of better role models to follow. Better
examples of character -- fight clean and fair, and do your best.
Yankees' manager Joe McCarthy once said, "Give a boy a bat and
ball, and he'll be a good citizen." Those words are as relevant
today as when I was playing ball. Hitting eighth. "Second
clean-up," I called it. //
4
To heroes of baseball young and old, I congratulate you on
behalf of our nation, and welcome you to the White House. You
have all excelled in that great American pastime we follow to
this day. Congratulations, and may God bless you.
# # # #
(Walters/Smith)
Dec. 15, 1992
8 a.m.
[JAYS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
RECEPTION FOR WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
INDIAN TREATY ROOM, OEOB
DECEMBER 16, 1992
10:00 A.M.
[Acknowledgements: Cabinet members, Toronto Blue Jays,
diplomats, visiting umpires, Little League Champs, Babe Ruth
League Champions]
[[I just wish Carla Hills, our trade representative, was
also here. I thought she understood that our free trade
agreement with Canada didn't mean we had to trade away the world
championship. ]] //
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the White House. I
am delighted to honor a team whose greatness transcends
nationality. // The Atlanta Braves are known as America's Team.
Beating them, the Blue Jays became a true world championship
team. //
You know, I'm not sure if the World Series is getting more
exciting each year, or if I'm just enjoying it more, but this
year's matchup was a heartstopper that baseball fans will long
remember. Think of it. Four one-run games. Three Toronto
victories won in its final time-at-bat. The Braves and Blue Jays
staged a Fall Classic even Ripley wouldn't believe. //
Center fielder Devon White and second baseman Roberto Alomar
were All-Stars at bat and in the field. / So were other players
like Jack Morris, Candy Mondanaro, Pat Borders, and David Cone. /
2
Yet it was Old Man River's 11th-inning double in game six that
put this Series in the record books.
That hit by a 41-year-old veteran showed that baseball isn't
about country. It's about the size of your heart -- and the
heart of your dreams. After 21 years in the major leagues, Dave
Winfield finally has that World Series ring. As do Cito [SEE-
toe] Gaston, his coaching staff, and the entire Blue Jays team. /
All of you showed that America's pastime is becoming the
world's pastime, and for that, I couldn't be happier. By winning
Canada's first World Series, you became national heroes as well
as cultural ambassadors. [[Even in -- forgive me -- the most
upside down moments, you conducted yourselves with class. ]]
Class, of course, has marked the entire Blue Jays' history.
In 16 years you've gone from the doghouse to the penthouse. /
Millie especially likes that line. // Your general manager, Pat
Gillick, will tell you those first few seasons weren't easy. But
in the last six seasons, Toronto has either won the American
League East or finished second. /
Moreover, the fans have helped you. When you built the
world's first convertible stadium, Skydome, who would have
expected major league attendance records in 1991 and '92? More
than four million fans each year. Remember the movie called "Far
From the Madding Crowd." When it comes to baseball, Toronto is
the madding crowd.
Now, it's no secret that I rooted for the Braves in the
Series. [[Actually, I'm a Rangers man -- sort of "All in the
3
Family. "]] I want to congratulate the Braves, who had another
great season. Also, the Blue Jays. As I told Cito Gaston from
Air Force One the day after the Series, "America is proud of
you." In a larger sense, I want to salute all of baseball -- a
game I've loved since my dad took me to my first game at the Polo
Grounds so many years ago. //
The great catcher, Roy Campanella, once said, "You have to
be a man to play baseball. But there has to be a lot of little
boy in you, too.' In 1992, men from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and
the Dominican Republic, as well as the U.S. and Canada, thrilled
boys and girls in this entire hemisphere.
In that spirit, let me recognize the future major leaguers
here. The World Little League Champions from Long Beach,
California, who captured the title from contenders in the
Philippines. / I also offer special congratulations to our Babe
Ruth League champs from Lexington, Kentucky in the 6-to-12
division; from Phoenix, Arizona in the 13-to-15 year-old
division; and from Vancouver, Washington in the 16-to-18 year-
old category. //
I hope all of you recall this day, and these champions from
Toronto. I can't think of better role models to follow. Better
examples of character -- fight clean and fair, and do your best.
Yankees' manager Joe McCarthy once said, "Give a boy a bat and
ball, and he'll be a good citizen." Those words are as relevant
today as when I was playing ball. Hitting eighth. "Second
clean-up," I called it. //
4
To heroes of baseball young and old, I congratulate you on
behalf of our nation, and welcome you to the White House. You
have all excelled in that great American pastime we follow to
this day. Congratulations, and may God bless you.
# # # #