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Legislation pending in the U.S. Congress may require the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the economic impact of a plan proposed by Major League Baseball to eliminate teams such as the Williamsport Crosscutters, one of 42 minor league baseball clubs.
U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, voted Wednesday for the bill that would likely spare the Crosscutters and State College Spikes should Major League Baseball proceed with its plan.
The legislation passed the House Oversight and Reform Committee, according to Keller.
"Baseball is not only America's pasttime, but it is emblematic of the American dream," Keller said.
Both teams support the local economies and help provide a "conduit" for players seeking to play in the Major Leagues.
Keller belongs to the bipartisan "Save Minor League Baseball Task Force in Congress.
"We thank Congressman Keller for co-sponsoring the bill and for all of his support not only for the Crosscutters, but for the New-York Penn League in helping to keep professional baseball in our area," said Gabe Sinicropi, vice president, marketing and public relations for the Crosscutters.
As planned, opening day at home for the Crosscutters, a class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, is on June 19 with the Spikes. The team has an away game on June 18 with the Spikes, Sinicropi said.
The Crosscutters play 76 games, 38 of which are at home. The regular season single short season ends Sept. 7, followed by potential playoff games, Sinicropi said.
Bowman Field is hosting the Major League Little League Classic on Aug. 23 between the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox, he said.
Bowman Field has undergone $5 million of investment in the past four years, including upgrades paid for by state, local, Crosscutters' and Major League Baseball, Sinicropi said.
The upkeep of the stadium requires money and labor, Sinicropi said.
Major League pays for a head grounds-keeper for the year. The Crosscutters pay for the grounds-keeper's assistants.
Fans at games can choose to use the viewing deck, known as Logger's Landing, which has high top seating and bar area.
The stadium has improved dugouts, covered seating, netting, bullpens and playing surface. Some of the stadium has better fencing.
The stadium work has included upgrades to the visitor locker room, which was completed in the off-season, expanding and refurbishing the space for visiting teams.
The upgrades include an expanded press box, and improved room for umpires, he said.
A digital scoreboard may obtained and be ready to put up by the 2020-2021 season, Sinicropi said.