2011-J5140
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Johan Santana of the New York Mets
upon the occasion of pitching the first no-hitter in Mets' history
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize those individuals within our midst who have contributed great-
ly to the quality of our lives by a commitment to excellence; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who distinguish themselves through their excep-
tional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports at the profes-
sional level can be achieved only through strenuous practice; Johan
Santana's dedication to athletics is a year-round, everyday commitment;
he is highly focused and has developed a matchless work ethic; and
WHEREAS, On Friday, June 1, 2012, Johan Santana of the New York Mets
pitched the first no-hitter in Mets' 51-year history; it was Santana's
first career no-hitter; and
WHEREAS, Johan Santana's outstanding eight-strikeout, five-walk
performance in an 8-0, no-hit, win over the defending World Series'
champion St. Louis Cardinals ended the Mets' wait for a no-hitter after
8,019 games; Santana threw a career-high 134 pitches in his record-set-
ting outing; and
WHEREAS, The spectacular and historic pitching gem by Johan Santana
was witnessed by 27,069 home town fans at the Mets' Citi Field in New
York; and
WHEREAS, Johan Santana's bid for the historic no-hitter was preserved
in the seventh inning by Queens New Yorker Mike Baxter's tremendous
catch in left-field of a Yadier Molina line drive; Baxter crashed into
the wall while making the catch and had to leave the game with an inju-
ry; and
WHEREAS, Johan Santana has now thrown consecutive shutouts for the New
York Mets, his no-hitter follows an outstanding 9-0 victory on May 26,
2012 against the San Diego Padres; and
WHEREAS, The two-time winner of baseball's prestigious Cy Young award,
Johan Santana is in his 12th major league season; he missed the entire
2011 season following surgery on his pitching shoulder; when he pitched
for the Mets on opening day this year, it was his first major league
appearance since September 2, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Johan Santana's exemplary, record setting and unprecedented
performance for the New York Mets is reflective of his dedication,
determination and personal commitment; his achievements stand as a hall-
mark of what is best in the families, schools and communities across New
York State; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his outstanding athletic
career, Johan Santana of the New York Mets has stood constant in digni-
ty, good grace and humor, and has earned the respect and admiration of
his managers, coaches, teammates, opponents, fans, family and friends;
and
WHEREAS, The auspicious occasion of Johan Santana pitching the first
no-hitter in the history of the New York Mets presents a unique opportu-
nity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Johan
Santana and his exceptional athletic prowess and achievements; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Johan Santana for his
extraordinary athletic accomplishments which are a tribute to his skill,
dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Johan Santana of the New York Mets upon the occasion of
pitching the first no-hitter in Mets' history; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Johan Santana of the New York Mets.