The Chattanooga Lookouts today praised the newly created Save Minor League Baseball Task Force that has been organized by members of Congress to prevent Major League Baseball (MLB) from eliminating 42 minor league franchises, nearly one quarter of all minor league teams around the country.

“We appreciate the support of Reps.

Lori Trahan, D-Mass., David McKinley, R-W.Va., and the members of the task force in standing up for Minor League Baseball and speaking out against MLB’s effort cast off thousands of jobs, reduce affordable, family-friendly entertainment and undermine grassroots support for our great game,” said Lookouts President Rich Mozingo.

The Chattanooga Lookouts have been identified as one of the 42 franchises facing elimination under the preliminary MLB proposal.

“We especially want to thank Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., for taking time to discuss this issue,” said Lookouts owner Jason Freier.  “Congressman Fleischmann has been unwavering in his support of the Lookouts and his commitment to keeping minor league baseball in Chattanooga.”

Minor league teams are vital to the social and economic lives of millions of Americans; they support scores of local businesses and jobs, provide accessible entertainment, help promote tourism spending and donate tens of millions of dollars in charitable contributions.

“With this proposal, MLB is willing to break the hearts of dozens of communities across the country,” Mozingo said. “We are going to resist this plan and are gratified that so many in Congress are willing to join with us.”