Deb Haaland: “As the granddaughter of the founder of the first Native-American baseball team in Arizona, I rise to speak in favor of…”

“As the granddaughter of the founder of the first Native-American baseball team in Arizona, I rise to speak in favor of H.R. 6020 and Minor League Baseball. I thank Chairwoman Maloney and Mrs. Miller, and the Committee on Oversight and Reform staff for their wonderful efforts on this issue. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, my grandfather recognized the talent in his community and started up a baseball team to help give everyone a shot and strengthen our connection to each other. My entire family got involved. I remember collecting foul balls because my grandfather gave us 5 cents for each one we retrieved, so we could play a role as well. As the team started winning State championships, more and more people wanted to join. My grandfather welcomed everyone, making sure that America's pastime would reflect America's diversity. Communities across the country enjoy celebrating with their community's Minor League Baseball teams, just like my community with my grandfather's team. My home team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, filled their stands with an average of 8,000 people for each of their games last year, and sold more than half-a-million tickets. Albuquerque would be devastated to lose our team, and small businesses that have concessions at the game would suffer immensely. These games equate to jobs in my district. Major League Baseball may not be targeting the Isotopes with this change, but dozens of communities aren't so lucky.…”