The Kane County Cougars are praising the newly created Save Minor League Baseball Task Force that has been organized by members of Congress to prevent Major League Baseball 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 to cast off thousands of jobs, reduce affordable, family-friendly entertainment and undermine grassroots support for our great game,” said Cougars Vice President and General Manager Curtis Haug.

While the Kane County Cougars were not on the list of teams facing the possibility of elimination under the MLB proposal, Haug said the Cougars will remain vigilant and united with all Minor League Baseball teams in opposition to the MLB plan.

He said 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,” Haug said. “We are going to resist this plan and are gratified that so many in Congress are willing to join with us.”

According to Trajan’s website, the MLB plan was offered in spite of the fact that Minor League Baseball just completed its 15^th consecutive season with an attendance above 40 million; and it was the ninth-largest single season total in MiLB’s 100-plus year history.

“Many of the Minor League clubs would fail without a PDC — leaving as many as 1,200 players out of work. The plan is a betrayal of the fans, players, municipalities, stadium vendors and employees who have supported these clubs for decades,” the website said.

You can view the final letter HERE.

SOURCE: Kane County Cougars news release