Brindisi Steps Up to the Plate to Save the Rumble Ponies; Hopes to Put MLB in a Box to Keep Team in Binghamton

Statement

Following reports that Major League Baseball (MLB) plans to eliminate more than 40 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams, including the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) conducted his own winter meetings this week in the halls of Congress. Brindisi met with MLB Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem and then joined the bipartisan Save Minor League Baseball Taskforce to meet with (MiLB) President Pat O'Conner. Brindisi, a leader in the fight to save minor league baseball in New York, brought the concerns of fans, families, and businesses directly to the negotiating parties.

"As a lifelong baseball fan and New Yorker, I'm ready to swing for the fences to save the Rumble Ponies because they are an integral part of our community and economy," Brindisi said. "This issue has strong support from members of both political parties and it shows that preserving baseball in our smaller communities is a home run for everyone involved. MLB needs to do the right thing and keep allowing teams like the Rumble Ponies, who have invested in their facilities and communities, to play affiliated, quality, minor league baseball."

Earlier this year, Brindisi joined Democrats and Republicans to demand MLB Commissioner, and Upstate Native, Rob Manfred to halt their radical plan to eliminate more than 40 clubs. Brindisi brought the concerns of the Rumble Ponies directly to MLB and outlined the important role the team plays in the Southern Tier.

"The Rumble Ponies have invested in their facilities and put a quality product on the field each year," Brindisi said. "For billionaire owners to eliminate teams like the Rumble Ponies, a critical part of baseball's history and our local economy, to save a few bucks is an attack on our national pastime and our smaller communities. Families from across New York come to see the Rumble Ponies play every year because it is a form of family friendly, affordable, and quality entertainment."

Brindisi grilled Deputy Commissioner Halem about investments made by the Rumble Ponies and taxpayers to improve facilities. Additionally, he joined lawmakers to hear from MiLB executives about their plans to push back on MLB's plan and preserve minor league baseball.

"It's encouraging to see everyone come together, local, state, federal, Democrats and Republicans, and get behind baseball," said Binghamton Rumble Ponies owner John Hughes. "Binghamton and the entire southern tier are standing strong in this crisis. We are hopeful and united in our fight to keep baseball in Binghamton."

Brindisi felt the conversation was productive and expressed hope that both sides can come to an agreement to keep baseball in Binghamton.

"We had productive meetings and I am hopeful we will be able to keep baseball in Binghamton," Brindisi added. "It's going to take a team effort but as all baseball fans know, it's not over until the last out."

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