Today, Congressman Brian Jack led a hearing on the economic impact of Minor League Baseball. As Chairman of the Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development, he titled the session “Beyond the Ballpark: The Role of Minor League Baseball in Economic Growth.”
“I am honored to convene today’s bipartisan hearing and highlight the positive impact of Minor League Baseball on the communities we call home,” said Congressman Jack. He expressed pride in featuring the Columbus Clingstones, noting their significance as the Atlanta Braves’ newest minor league affiliate.
The hearing included testimony from Pat Battle, executive chairman of Diamond Baseball Holdings; Reid Ryan, owner of two minor league teams and son of Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan; and Lou Ciampi, Jr., a small business owner from Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Former Major League Baseball players Jim Sundberg and Larry Harvey attended alongside mascots Fuzzy, Buddy Bat, and Gus from various teams including the Columbus Clingstones.
Tomorrow marks the annual Congressional Baseball Game with participation from both Republican and Democrat Members of Congress. This tradition dates back to 1909.
Congressman Jack serves on this subcommittee as one of only five freshmen U.S. Representatives to chair a subcommittee in the 119th Congress.
