Mr. Speaker, almost 23 years ago, we held our breath as a nation. It was the bottom of the ninth as Joe Carter stepped up to the plate. The late Tom Cheek captured this historic moment perfectly when he remarked, “Touch 'em all, Joe”.
Though last night was not the World Series, it was do or die for the Blue Jays: win and continue to the post-season, or lose and hit the golf course.
Last night I joined with friends and colleagues from all parties, united in our support for the Blue Jays. With a Canadian, Russell Martin, behind the plate calling the game, the pitching staff delivered and forced the game into extra innings.
Once again we held our breath with each pitch.
Edwin Encarnacion stepped up to the plate in the 10th inning. Though he did not get a bat flip, in the 11th inning we saw him take the parrot for a walk, adding to one of the greatest moments in this franchise's 40-year history.
I think I can speak for everyone in this House when I congratulate the Blue Jays, who are now headed to renew their fierce rivalry with Texas. An entire nation is behind them.