U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) paid tribute in the Senate to Hawaii's own Benny Agbayani, New York Mets outfielder, for his successful season in Major League Baseball and outstanding play in the National League Championship Series. Senator Akaka's statement follows:

"Mr. President, the boys of summer rarely disappoint us, and last night's final game of the National League playoffs once again confirmed that baseball is truly America's pastime. The series captivated television audiences as the Mets and Braves went head to head in extra innings in their last two games: Sunday's game was the longest in playoff history–lasting more than five hours, and last night's game was not decided until the bottom of the 11th –just past midnight.

"I want to single out Hawaii's own, Benny Agbayani, the star New York outfielder, who proudly wears number 50 for the 50th state. Benny had an illustrious playoff season and proved he is an invaluable addition to the Mets starting lineup. After playing in Triple A since 1993, the Hawaii outfielder was called up by the Mets in early May to replace the injured Bobby Bonilla. He secured his slot by batting .400 and hitting10 home runs by mid-June. The former St. Louis School and Hawaii Pacific University all-state athlete has made Hawaii proud and has captured the nation's attention with his strength at bat, agility on the field, and grace in waiting for his place in baseball history.

"My aloha to Benny, his recent bride Niela, and their families."