West Virginia Black Bears Praise Congressional Effort to Save Minor League Baseball

GRANVILLE, W.Va. - The West Virginia Black Bears today praised the newly created Save Minor League Baseball Task Force that has been organized by members of Congress to prevent Major League Baseball (MLB) from eliminating 42 minor league franchises, nearly one quarter of all minor league teams around the country.
"We appreciate the support of Rep. Lori Trahan (D.-Massachusetts), David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and the members of the task force in standing up for Minor League Baseball and speaking out against MLB's effort cast off thousands of jobs, reduce affordable, family-friendly entertainment and undermine grassroots support for our great game," said President of Rich Baseball Operations, Mike Buczkowski. Rich Baseball Operations owns two other affiliated minor league teams along with the Black Bears-the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (KC Royals AA) and the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto Blue Jays AAA).
While the West Virginia Black Bears were not on the list of teams facing the possibility of elimination under the MLB proposal, the Black Bears will remain vigilant and united with all Minor League Baseball teams in opposition to the MLB plan.
Minor league teams are vital to the social and economic lives of millions of Americans; they support scores of local businesses and jobs, provide accessible entertainment, help promote tourism spending and donate tens of millions of dollars in charitable contributions.
"With this proposal, MLB is willing to break the hearts of dozens of communities across the country," said Buczkowski. "We are going to resist this plan and are gratified that so many in Congress are willing to join with us."
- WVBB -