CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Power has released the following official statement regarding today’s news that Major League Baseball has not invited the Power to be a part of affiliated Minor League Baseball in 2021.
Power Managing Partner Tim Wilcox: “We are saddened to learn that MLB did not extend an invitation to the Power to remain a part of affiliated Minor League Baseball for the 2021 season. Minor League Baseball has been a fabric of this community since the early 1900s, and consistently since 1987. We have time and again shown that our organization, facility and amenities adequately meet and even exceed the current requirements laid down by MLB.
“However, we are not going to close our doors. Our goal for the last 33 years has been to provide family-friendly entertainment to the city of Charleston throughout the spring and summer, and that has not changed today. As for what that will look like, we are still exploring all options. But rest assured, baseball will remain at Appalachian Power Park in the future, and we want our community to be a part of it.”
Power General Manager Jeremy Taylor: “First and foremost, this day is one we never envisioned having to deal with. From our entire organization, we want the city of Charleston, the state of West Virginia and our entire fanbase to know that we are feeling this right alongside you, and we have appreciated your unwavering support throughout this process. We are not done fighting for our team and our city, and we will continue to explore every option possible so we can provide the best experience for you, our faithful fans, at Appalachian Power Park, for many years to come. Additionally, we want to thank Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and the Charleston City Council, Governor Jim Justice, every member of the West Virginia Legislature, U.S. Representative David McKinley, the Kanawha County Commission and the rest of our local and state officials for their loyalty and assistance in this long, arduous process.”
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Gov. Jim Justice issued the following statement today after learning that Major League Baseball has not yet extended an invitation to the West Virginia Power to remain a part of affiliated Minor League Baseball for the 2021 season:
“Obviously, there still remain financial obstacles between the owners of the West Virginia Power and the MLB. As recently as this afternoon, we were on the phone with Major League Baseball and we are continuing our steadfast work with the city, county, team owners, and the MLB. We have been assured by the MLB that this situation is going to get resolved and that professional baseball will be played in Charleston in 2021.
“As I’ve said before, I truly believe that Minor League Baseball is a critical part of West Virginia’s future. I am confident that the Power will prove what a fantastic partner they can be and we will all continue to work this until there is a solution.”
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U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on Major League Baseball’s (MLB) decision to not extend the invitation for the West Virginia Power to be an MLB affiliate for the 2021 season after the restructuring of Minor League Baseball (MiLB) over the last year. Since November 2019, Senator Manchin has worked tirelessly to protect West Virginia’s baseball teams and will continue to help find a new league for the West Virginia Power.
“West Virginia’s baseball teams are pillars of our communities, providing countless West Virginians with quality family time and a lifetime appreciation for the American pastime. I have fought for over a year to save our teams across the state, and I am saddened that the West Virginia Power did not receive an invitation to be an affiliate from the minor league system. While this news is disappointing, I will continue to work with the West Virginia Power, MLB, and other parties to find a home for the Power for the 2021 season. This isn’t the end of baseball in Charleston, and I look forward to seeing our team play again soon.”
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U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the below statement regarding Major League Baseball’s (MLB) announcement of their minor league affiliate realignment. MLB has decided to restructure their relationship with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and many of its existing teams. After a process to limit MLB affiliates to 120 teams, the minor league team in Charleston, West Virginia, was not included as an affiliated team.
“The decision to cut the West Virginia Power’s affiliation with MLB is disappointing and marks the end of a long and storied tradition. However, this is not the end of baseball in Charleston. In fact, I have been given the assurance by the MLB that we will have baseball in our state’s capital city. As I have throughout this entire process, I will continue to work with the teams, the cities, MLB, and everyone else involved to form partnerships that will enable families to hear ‘Play Ball’ again at Power Park.”
BACKGROUND:
West Virginia has been home to four Minor League Baseball affiliated teams. Earlier this year, Senator Capito announced that two of those teams were joining the MLB and Baseball USA-supported Prospect Development Pipeline to enable baseball to continue in Bluefield and Princeton. She then announced that Morgantown would be a part of a newly formed league. It is the hope that a similar league or partnership will enable baseball to continue to be played in Charleston.
