Gov. Reynolds encourages MLB to support Iowa’s MiLB teams

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This news story was published on January 3, 2020.
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DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has contacted MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred urging him to support Iowa’s MiLB teams and the vital role they play for communities across the state. The MLB is considering a restructuring for its minor league program that could result in three Iowa teams losing MLB affiliation.

Read the letter to MLB Commissioner Manfred here.

“The minor league organizations in Clinton, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines each have a positive impact not merely on the communities in which they are located, but in neighboring communities across our state and on the game of baseball itself,” said Gov. Reynolds in her letter. “Iowa’s MiLB teams bringing significant economic opportunities to their towns.”

Iowa’s minor league teams provide 600 full and part-time jobs, nearly $1 million a year in charitable contributions, and benefit local businesses. The economic impact of losing three Iowa minor league teams would exceed $4 million per year.