Congressman Takes on MLB

Former minor league team owner and current congressman, George Nethercutt strongly objects to Commissioner Selig in a letter that derides MLB's decision to paint promotional materials on the bases for advertising revenue:

Little leaguers deserve to see their heroes slide into bases – not ads. As a former minor-league baseball team owner myself, I believe such aggressive advertising undermines the character of America’s pastime at every level.

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The U.S. government recognizes the special contribution of baseball to our nation by granting MLB special anti-trust exemptions. This over-the-top commercialization of baseball undermines its value to our nation and potentially questions the need for MLB's special monopoly status.

Check out that last quote. Nethercutt (R-WA) proffers a veiled threat that baseball's protected monopoly status is in jeopardy.

I AGREE. If you would like to protest, Bud Selig doesn't have a published email address, only phone numbers. I would suggest emailing your local team, such as the Angels or Dodgers:

I would like to strongly protest the intrustion of commerical advertising onto the baseball diamond, as planned by the Angels, MLB and Columbia Pictures.

I have no problem with advertising around the perimeter of the field and stadium, that's been a part of the game environment for years ("Hit this sign, win a suit") What I have a problem with is the intrustion of advertising onto the playing field, makes it appear that the very game itself has been sold out.

Frankly, such actions don't send a positive message to me.

Please help MLB reconsider its decision.

Thank you.