Carter, Hagedorn Condemn MLB's Decision To Outsource Jobs To China

U.S Representatives Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) and Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) today introduced a resolution disapproving of Major League Baseball's (MLB) action in closing the Miken Sports plant in Caledonia, Minnesota that will outsource manufacturing jobs to communist China while encouraging MLB to buy American-made products.

In July, Rawlings Sporting Goods, owned by the MLB, announced that it would be closing the Miken Sports facility in Caledonia, Minnesota, where the league produces and tests helmets and bats. The closure will outsource jobs to China and away from hardworking American workers. This is contrary to Major League Baseball being the professional sports organization for America's pastime. The move is expected to kill an estimated 150 jobs.

"As the organization responsible for America's pastime, Major League Baseball should be an unquestionable supporter of American jobs," said Congressman Carter. "However, the league's decision to shutter the Miken Sports plant in Caledonia, Minnesota, and move those jobs to China is incredibly disheartening. America's pastime should be supported by American-made products with American jobs; it is time for Major League Baseball to live up to its role as an American institution and the duty that comes with it."

"Baseball is considered to be America's national pastime, so it is completely outrageous that MLB has decided to shut down the Miken Sports plant in Caledonia and outsource American jobs to communist China - directly defying Major League Baseball's position as an American sports league," said Congressman Hagedorn. "Miken has been one of the largest employers in Caledonia for decades, and this community will face major hardships and job losses due to this closure. We are urging MLB to reverse this decision, purchase products that are made in America and work to keep these jobs at home. We must always ensure that American workers, families, and communities are treated fairly and come first."

BACKGROUND:

For decades, the MLB has been shielded from competition from federal antitrust law, which other American professional sports leagues do not enjoy, for decades. MLB has also received billions of dollars in taxpayers' support and federal bond measures. Moving jobs to China runs contrary to the MLB's status as the league America's pastime, and an organization that has gotten so much support from the American people through their government. There is nothing American about outsourcing jobs to China, removing income from American workers, and destroying a community's economy.