Congressman Anthony Brindisi, 22nd NY District, along with nearly 100 members of Congress, has demanded Major League Baseball (MLB) halt their planned contraction of minor league affiliates, including the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Brindisi’s district includes the City of Binghamton. Brindisi joined Democrats and Republicans to call on MLB Commissioner, and upstate native, Rob Manfred to halt the radical plan to eliminate more than 40 minor league clubs.
“This is a betrayal of America’s past time and as a member of Congress, I will not stand for it,” Brindisi said. “The Binghamton Rumble Ponies and their affiliation with the New York Mets are an integral part of our region’s culture and local economy. I am ready to rumble with Major League Baseball to protect our Rumble Ponies.”
Following reports that MLB will contract dozens of teams around the country, Brindisi sent a letter to Manfred outlining his concerns.
“The abandonment of Minor League clubs by Major League Baseball would devastate our communities, their bond purchasers, and other stakeholders affected by the potential loss of these clubs,” wrote Brindisi. “We want you to fully understand the impact this could have not only on the communities we represent, but also on the long-term support that Congress has always afforded our national pastime on a wide variety of legislative initiatives.”
Earlier this year, Brindisi threw out the first pitch at a Binghamton Rumble Ponies home game.
