WASHINGTON — Joining forces with a colleague from across the aisle, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has helped to lead an initiative to support Minor League Baseball teams facing a possible loss of Major League Baseball affiliation.
Late last year, the MLB issued a proposal to sever affiliation with a number of minor league teams as part of ongoing negotiations with the MiLB. No final decisions have been reached, and the measure remains a proposal.
Among the teams minor league teams named in the proposal are three West Virginia-based teams: Bluefield Blue Jays, the Princeton Rays and West Virginia Power.
Capito and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and a bipartisan coalition of senators have introduced a resolution supporting the Minor League's efforts against the proposal, according to a release from Capito's office.
“For dozens of years, Minor League Baseball’s legacy and tradition has run deep in West Virginia. The game has fostered players on their way to the majors and in pursuit of their dreams of playing professional baseball," Capito said. "The franchises who call West Virginia home enhance our towns by providing affordable entertainment to families and partnering with schools and sports leagues to promote the national pastime. I hope that this resolution will continue to encourage dialogue and partnership so that the relationships that have been built over decades can continue.”
Blumenthal similarly defended the importance of Minor League teams. Another team named in the proposal is Connecticut's Norwich Sea Unicorns.
“Our resolution sends a sharp signal to Major League Baseball — shuttering minor league teams like the Sea Unicorns is unacceptable. Communities depend on such teams for jobs and small business vitality. Young fans learn there to love and play America’s pastime. MLB is putting finances above fans. If MLB moves ahead with this shortsighted misguided plan, our resolution signals there will be consequences,” Blumenthal said.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who was among West Virginia officials to speak out in favor of retaining the teams' affiliation following the proposal in November, also supported the resolution.
The resolution calls on the Senate to: support the preservation of Minor League Baseball clubs in 160 communities across the United States; recognize the social, economic, and historical contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to the lives and culture of the people in those communities; and encourage the continuation of the 117-year foundation of Minor League Baseball through continued MLB affiliation.
Responding to Thursday's announcement, the MLB issued a statement affirming its commitment to work with the MiLB to the benefit of both organizations.
"MLB is confident that we can simultaneously keep baseball in the communities in which it is currently being played and modernize our player development system so that it fits the 21st century, improves playing conditions and increases opportunities for players," an MLB spokesperson said. "That’s why MLB clubs have already decided to increase compensation for minor league players. The most constructive role Congress can play in these negotiations is to encourage Minor League Baseball to continue working with MLB to address the real issues impacting minor league players and communities across the country."