WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and lifelong Orioles fan, issued the following statement in response to Major League Baseball’s (MLB) new plan for its minor league affiliates.

“I am opposed to this new scheme for minor league baseball. Frederick has had a professional baseball team since 1989. Salisbury first hosted a team in 1922, and Hagerstown’s professional baseball history predates the original Baltimore Orioles, going back to 1896. Each of these communities has embraced their teams with a fervor matching any major league team’s fans. They deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. I urge Major League Baseball (MLB) officials to negotiate in good faith with the owners of these and other minor league teams, out of regard for the well-being of these small cities and towns across America and to maintain baseball’s integrity and standing as America’s pastime.”

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