Serrano Introduces Resolution Asking MLB to Move All-Star Game from Arizona

Statement

Last night, Congressman José E. Serrano introduced H.Res. 1370, a resolution urging Major League Baseball to move the 2011 All-Star Game from Arizona to another state as long as Arizona's punitive anti-immigrant law remains in effect. Serrano called for such a move in a letter to MLB Commissioner Bud Selig in a letter several weeks ago that has gone unanswered.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Major League Baseball should take the interests of players of Latino descent into consideration as they decide whether to do business in the harsh anti-Latino environment that Arizona has created," said Serrano. "While those in favor of this law claim that it is merely about undocumented immigrants, the truth is that Arizona's statute makes all those who are of Latino descent targets of racial profiling. Baseball players would undoubtedly be affected by this new law and MLB should listen to its players' union which has spoken clearly on this topic.

"I have introduced a resolution in the Congress which would add to the pressure on MLB to move the 2011 All-Star Game to a state which welcomes Latinos, whether they are ballplayers or undocumented day laborers. Some claim that sports and politics should not mix, but I believe that it is not "just politics' to denounce an injustice, wherever it arises. And the truth is that baseball has always been a leader for our nation since the days of integration and Jackie Robinson. Making a meaningful statement like moving the All-Star Game would put Major League Baseball on the side of Latinos, who make up more than 27% of all the players in the majors and more than 40% of professional players.

"I'm distressed that Bud Selig has not responded yet to my letter as well as other calls from around the baseball community to move the game. He may think that he can just ignore this issue and it will go away, but I think that in fact it will become more and more a problem if he does not take a stand. Baseball has a responsibility to its players and to its fans--and should not just take them for granted. I again urge Commissioner Selig to strike a blow in favor of equality and speak out against this unjust law.

"I will spend coming days and weeks gathering co-sponsors for this resolution with the hopes of sending a message to Selig that Congress too is asking him to move the game. There can be no toleration of the Arizona law by any organization that employs and is supported by Latinos -- and Major League Baseball is perhaps the highest profile example of such an organization. We all must reject this law both in word and deed."

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