Berks County commissioners throw support behind effort to keep Fightin Phils in Reading
Jun. 17—Berks County commissioners say they know how important the Fightin Phils are to the community and they are willing to do whatever they can to keep them in Reading.
The future of the minor league baseball team has become a concern recently.
That's because a new deal between Major League Baseball and minor league teams like the Fightins requires that stadiums must meet a new set of standards. And the city-owned FirstEnergy Stadium falls short.
If nothing is done, there is a chance Major League Baseball could eventually take the team away.
Commissioners Chairman Christian Leinbach said Thursday during a weekly board meeting that losing the team would be devastating.
In an effort to help ensure the Fightins stay put, Leinbach proposed that the county send a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf asking for some state assistance. The letter will request matching grant funds to help cover the estimated $15 million it will cost to upgrade the stadium.
Fightin Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker has said FirstEnergy Stadium falls short of Major League Baseball's new standards mostly in health and wellness requirements. That means things like the size of locker rooms and weight rooms and having an adequate health and nutrition areas.
Leinbach said he believes the project would be an ideal candidate to receive funds through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The mission of that program is to provide money for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, recreational and historical improvement projects.
"I think we need to make this our priority project," he said. "We believe as far as long-term impact that the loss of the Phils would be quite significant and problematic for the local economy."
Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt seconded the motion, saying he believes the county should do whatever it can to keep the team exactly where it is.
He said he understands that there are some residents who feel that Major League Baseball — a multibillion-dollar business — should be footing some of the bill. But he said that is besides the point.
"This is a quality of life issue for the community of Berks County," he said, adding that the organization gives back in various ways through its Baseballtown Charities. "I think $15 million looks like a lot of money upfront, but I think over time that it's a worthy investment to preserve this critical part of the county."
In addition to sending a letter of support to the governor, the commissioners decided they will reach out to state lawmakers who represent Berks, urging them to get behind the effort as well.
Also at the meeting, Leinbach announced that he will be seeking approval from his colleagues to change the way the board handles comments from the public at its meetings.
He said he would like to limit all comments to specific agenda items or to issues that directly involve the county, noting that he came across a similar policy in place in another county.
"I understand that there are a wide variety of issues that people want to get out to the public," he said. "I am not being critical of your particular national or state issue. But I really want to focus our attention on issues that we need to address here at the county level."
