Patrick Leahy: “I would like to take a moment today to recognize the iconic Vermont Lake Monsters and their championship victory in the…”

“I would like to take a moment today to recognize the iconic Vermont Lake Monsters and their championship victory in the team's first season as members of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. The Vermont Lake Monsters have seen various iterations over the years, and the determination, grit, and resilience of the team's players, coaches, staff, and fans are clear to all Vermonters and fans of the team. The Lake Monsters began in 1994 with establishment of the Vermont Expos, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Montreal Expos. When the Montreal Expos moved to Washington, DC, and became the Nationals, the Vermont Expos changed their affiliation and their name, becoming the Lake Monsters in 2004 and affiliated with the Oakland Athletics. When Major League Baseball elected to shrink the minor league in 2019, the Lake Monsters sadly lost their affiliation. The loss of affiliation and the prospect of the closure of the Lake Monsters were devastating for the baseball community in Vermont. Luckily, the Lake Monsters seized the opportunity to join the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, bringing the team back to Centennial Field in Burlington after a 2-year hiatus. Quickly, a new coaching staff was hired, and a roster filled. The Lake Monsters returned to Centennial Field on May 21, beginning a fantastic season run that brought them to a championship title on August 20.…”