For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 13, 2001
President Welcomes Arizona Diamondbacks to White House
Remarks by the President in Welcoming the World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks
The East Room
1:50 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: We were looking for a little
entertainment for tonight's Christmas party -- (laughter) -- but we
didn't find it. (Laughter.)
I want to welcome the mighty Diamondbacks to the White
House. It didn't take you long to get
here. (Applause.) I'm developing a severe case of
trophy-envy. (Laughter.) We were lucky to get out
of last place with the Rangers, and here you are -- thanks, in part, to
you. But I do want to congratulate you all.
First, let me say "welcome" to the Arizona
delegation. I'm glad to see the Senator and members of the
United States Congress here. Thank you all for coming.
It's an amazing year, obviously, for our country. And
the World Series couldn't have come at a better time. It
gave the American people a chance to think about something other than
the war. And what a fabulous World Series it was.
I want to thank -- I want to congratulate Bob Brenly, rookie of the
year. (Laughter.) What a great job he
did. (Laughter and applause.) I still think I
remember meeting you after throwing out that ball, I was about five
feet off the ground. I went with kind of a rising slider.
(Laughter.)
But it was an amazing experience, and Bob was there with Joe
Torre. And I really felt proud to be an American at that
moment. I know the players did, as well.
I want to congratulate the Vice President and General Manager, Joe
Garagiolo, Jr. I'm always suspicious of guys who have a
famous father. (Laughter.) And Rich Dozer. And,
of course, Jerry, I want to congratulate you and the ownership group,
and all the great players.
The players gave us a fabulous Series. I can't think of
a better way to end a World Series, particularly in a time of national
need, than in the bottom of the 9th, in the seventh game, everybody
watching in the country, people cheering one way or the other, such joy
and jubilation.
So I want to thank the players. I also particularly want
to thank the players for going to Ground Zero. I know Matt
Williams' quote was one that caught my attention, when he said, "we're
glad to get a chance to shake the hands and talk to some of the true
American heros."
It really meant a lot to the people of New York to see the
Diamondbacks, the foe of the mighty Yankees go to Ground Zero and to
thank those people whose lives were hurting a lot, people who had spent
enormous amounts of energy trying to rescue a fallen brother or sister
because of what the enemy had done. And I really want to
thank you all for doing that. It was a true class act, not
only a great baseball team, but obviously a group of really fine human
beings. And for that the nation is grateful, and thank you.
God bless the players here and their families. It's a
fabulous time of year, as you can see. The White House is
just majestic in its beauty. It's a special honor to be the President
of the United States at any time. It's especially a special honor to
be at a time when our nation is bound together for a common cause, and
that's to fight and win the war against terror.
So welcome to the White House, congratulations, and may God bless
you all. (Applause.)
MR. COLANGELO: Mr. President, on behalf of our entire
organization, I want to say thank you for bringing us here, and
allowing us to share this great moment. And on behalf,
again, of our organization, we want to thank you for the great
leadership you're showing at a time when we need to so
badly. And, again, thank you so much.
On behalf of the Diamondbacks, I think Curt and Randy want to
present you with this.
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks. You can just stay down
there, and I'll stand -- (laughter) -- kind of like the
jockey. (Laughter.) Curt, thanks; I
love the relationship you have with your son. Thank you
all. (Applause.)
END
1:55 P.M. EST
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