Chapter 0099 - 442R - H Ver of SB1335

House Engrossed

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Forty-fourth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2000

HOUSE RESOLUTION 2001

A RESOLUTION

honoring the arizona diamondbacks baseball team on winning the national league western division.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, during the 1999 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team reached the playoffs in only its second season, marking the shortest time in baseball history that an expansion team has qualified for the postseason playoffs. Under the outstanding leadership and coaching of Buck Showalter, the Diamondbacks finished the regular season with a franchise record one hundred wins. In doing so, the team broke a ninety-six-year record by completing the greatest turnaround in the modern era of Major League Baseball. The team's record one hundred wins capped a remarkable thirty‑five-game reversal from its sixty-five wins and ninety-seven losses during the 1998 season; and

Whereas, the Arizona Diamondbacks were honored with four team representatives at the All-Star Game in Fenway Park. Matt Williams and Jay Bell were elected to the starting lineup by fan balloting, and Randy Johnson and Luis Gonzalez were each selected as team members by National League All‑Star Manager Bruce Bochy; and

Whereas, during the 1999 season, Arizona Diamondbacks players earned numerous other awards for their accomplishments. Matt Williams and Randy Johnson each were named National League player-of-the-week on two separate occasions while Steve Finley and Jay Bell achieved the same honor once. In April, Matt Williams won recognition as National League player-of-the-month and Randy Johnson was named National League pitcher-of-the-month in July; and

Whereas, several Arizona Diamondbacks players led the National League in statistical categories. Luis Gonzalez led the league with 206 hits and was second in the league with 45 doubles and a .336 batting average. Steve Finley and Tony Womack tied each other for second in the league with ten triples. Tony Womack led the league with 72 stolen bases. Matt Williams was second in the league with 142 runs batted in, while Jay Bell was second in runs scored with 132. Randy Johnson led the league in four different categories, with a 2.48 earned run average, twelve complete games, 271.2 innings pitched and an amazing 364 strikeouts; and

Whereas, the outstanding seasons of several Diamondbacks players have led to postseason awards. Center fielder Steve Finley won a Rawlings Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence. Randy Johnson won the 1999 National League Cy Young Award. He is now one of only three players to win the Cy Young Award in both the American League and National League; and

Whereas, countless individuals throughout Phoenix and Arizona have distinguished themselves as loyal and steadfast Diamondbacks fans. For the second consecutive year, the Diamondbacks broke the three million mark for home game attendance with an average attendance of more than 37,000 at each game. During the championship season, the Diamondbacks drew 3,017,927 faithful fans whose dedication and enthusiasm encouraged the team in achieving unprecedented success; and

Whereas, the Arizona Diamondbacks players, through their accomplished and inspiring style of play, have represented Arizona with skill and dignity and have earned the respect and admiration of all who know them.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

1. That the members of the House of Representatives, on behalf of the citizens of this state, congratulate the Arizona Diamondbacks players and executive staff on their outstanding 1999 season and extend best wishes for their continued success.

2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this resolution to the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team.