As Major League Baseball moves forward with the Athletics’ relocation, a congresswoman has penned an open letter to Commissioner Rob Manfred asking him to reconsider.
Barbara Lee, who represents California’s 12th Congressional District, which includes the Oakland and Berkeley areas, released a letter to Manfred on Aug. 8.
In the letter, Lee calls for an end to the Athletics’ 메이저사이트 relocation, saying, “I ask that you reconsider your efforts to aid or encourage the Athletics’ attempt to leave the East Bay (a reference to the Oakland area).”
The Athletics last moved from Kansas City to Oakland in 1968 and are currently preparing for another move.
The team is preparing to move to Las Vegas, Nevada, after stalling on a new stadium. They have plans to build a new stadium and are waiting for the state legislature to pass a tax break.
“I and many of my constituents in the East Bay are frustrated that the Athletics and the league office continue to fail to negotiate with local governments,” Lee said.
He noted that the league office and the team “are not acting in good faith” despite ongoing efforts by the City of Oakland and Alameda County government.
He called for consideration of the Athletics’ contributions to the Oakland region, noting that the teams have been in the area for generations, creating jobs and economic impact in the community and shaping the cultural identity of the region.
It wasn’t just an appeal. Commissioner Manfred pointed to remarks he made to the council last year and argued that the move contradicted his comments.
Responding to questions from the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee last July about the antitrust exemption, which has been in place since 1922, Manfred argued that the exemption “helps Major League Baseball teams maintain deep relationships with fans in their hometowns.” He cited the fact that Major League Baseball has had only one relocation in 50 years as an example of how baseball is able to stay in one area for so long, “unlike other sports that are constantly relocating,” he said.