Kentucky Senate passes resolution aimed at saving Lexington’s pro baseball team
On Thursday, the Kentucky Senate passed a measure aimed at saving professional baseball in Lexington.
Lawmakers voted unanimously in favor of a resolution that urges Major League Baseball to abandon a proposal that would remove the MLB affiliation of 42 minor league teams. The Lexington Legends, a Class-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, were among those included in MLB’s plan.
The resolution concludes: “The Kentucky Legislature hereby urges Major League Baseball to rescind the ill-advised proposal that threatens the future of professional baseball in Central Kentucky and the benefits in tourism, job creation, quality of life, and charitable assistance that our citizens and communities now enjoy because of Minor League Baseball in Central Kentucky.”
The current Professional Baseball Agreement, which governs the relationship between major league franchises and their minor league affiliates, expires Sept. 30, 2020. In an interview with the Herald-Leader last week, Legends President and CEO Andy Shea expressed optimism that the sides could reach a new deal which would allow the Legends to retain their status as an MLB affiliate. Since the proposal became public knowledge late last year, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has struck a more conciliatory tone, indicating it was merely an opening negotiation.
In a press release Thursday regarding the Kentucky Senate’s actions, Shea said: “The Legends are very appreciative of this resolution and the attention to this matter. We are grateful for the entire state senate and want to extend a special thank you to Senator Reggie Thomas, Senate President Robert Stivers, and Majority Leader Damon Thayer. Their diligence, support, and hard work has been tremendous.”
Minor league baseball opening day was originally scheduled for April 9. On Tuesday, Manfred made the long-expected move to officially suspend the start of the season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
