House Concurrent Resolution 59

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING ROY OSWALT ON BEING NAMED THE 2005 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER BY THE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES.

WHEREAS, Roy Edward Oswalt was named the 2005 Most Valuable Player by the National League Championship Series for pitching the Houston Astros into the World Series for the first time in the team's 44-year history; and

WHEREAS, a native of Kosciusko and resident of Weir, Mississippi, Mr. Oswalt, who is in his fourth year in the majors, became the only pitcher in the majors with back-to-back 20-win seasons; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Weir High School, Mr. Oswalt attended Holmes Community College in 1995 where he went on to lead the nation's junior colleges in strikeouts and earned run averages in 1997; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Oswalt was heavily recruited by the Houston Astros after his spectacular first year at Holmes Community College; however, he decided to remain in school and signed with Mississippi State University in the fall of 1996; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Oswalt, who is a right-handed pitcher, made his debut with the Houston Astros on May 6, 2001, where he continues to pitch and make record-breaking contributions for his team; and

WHEREAS, an individual who gives tirelessly to his community, Mr. Oswalt, also works with Holmes Community College pitchers during the off-season and also calls recruits for the school; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Oswalt, gives much of his credit for his pinpoint accuracy and overall success in baseball to his father, Billy Joe Oswalt, who threw the baseball to Mr. Oswalt when he was a child almost every day of the year; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend excellence in outstanding Mississippians, such as Mr. Roy Oswalt, who has achieved athletic excellence while simultaneously becoming a mentor and role model for millions of young athletes across this great state and country:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Roy Edward Oswalt on his being selected the Most Valuable Player of 2005, and we wish him continued success both on and off the baseball field.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Roy Oswalt and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.