Requiring Evaluation By Government Accountability Office of Social, Economic, and Historic Contributions By Minor League Baseball

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6020, a bill requiring a Government Accountability Office evaluation of the social, economic, and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American life and culture.

This past year, Major League Baseball proposed eliminating at least 40 minor league teams. MLB says their goal is to modernize the minor league system, but communities say the plan is misguided. Minor league teams are often found in smaller cities. I have two in my own district, and I visited with these teams.

I know they have a vested interest in our communities, and they have a positive economic impact and contribute to our diversification. I have spoken with the fans, and they tell me how the teams provide a sense of community, pride, and togetherness, and improve livability in the region.

Mr. Speaker, there are many other benefits that minor league teams provide. For example, the average cost of a major league ticket is over $30, compared to the under $10 for the minor's, and that cost rises exponentially when you factor in parking, concessions, and souvenirs.

Minor League Baseball also offers an affordable alternative to those families that wish to teach their kids about America's pastime.

In addition to these individual benefits, Minor League Baseball teams donated over $40 million to local charities in 2018 alone. The minor leagues have also established initiatives providing opportunities to athletes around the world. These initiatives grow the game of baseball. Some of these initiatives include providing training and equipment to Latin-American players and expanding the sport by encouraging young girls to play.

Minor League Baseball also creates programs and hosts summer camps for kids in their local communities. These programs and camps promote a healthy lifestyle and teach teamwork and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York.
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Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make the gentlewoman from New York aware that I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York.

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Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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