Editorials

OUR OPINION: TRIPLE-A TEAM

May 27, 2010

Cry foul over franchise dealings

LUZERNE COUNTY officials have been rattling sabers for a year in a war of words with Lackawanna County involving ownership of the Triple-A baseball franchise.

Since our elected neighbors to the north have ignored their rants, the commissioners might want to change that tune: Like the respected sluggers of yesteryear, speak softly while waving a big stick.

Luzerne Countians have an equity interest in the franchise that Lackawanna County must recognize and respect. Yet, county officials have been excluded from key meetings, don’t have a voting membership on the Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Authority and are largely ignored.

Now is the time to consider legal action to get a voice in the franchise’s future. Though the New York Yankees just extended its affiliation in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the 2014 season, it isn’t fully content here and still has options, including the right to purchase the franchise.

After inking the extension last week, Yankee chief operating officer Lonn Trost said he wants to work with local authorities “to develop a plan to significantly improve the current stadium or replace it with a new one.” Exactly what Trost and the Yankees want done to the 21-year-old, publicly owned PNC Field in Moosic remains a mystery.

Though it’s not as trendy as some newer professional stadiums, PNC Field certainly is functional. Recently, the playing surface was replaced and new clubhouses and training facilities built.

The trend nationwide in the past decade has been for professional teams to pressure communities to build new facilities with public money. Marketing ploys increasingly focus on ballpark amenities, leading fans to believe a cold beer, hotdog and competitive game aren’t sufficient anymore for an evening of fun.

With these issues percolating, it would behoove the Luzerne County commissioners to get a seat at the big table.

After all, it’s not chump change that’s being discussed. The Yankees contract values the Triple-A franchise at $13 million. Then there’s the spin-off money, which translates into millions more for Northeastern Pennsylvania businesses.

If Lackawanna County won’t recognize and respect Luzerne County, force the issue. The courts exist to protect our rights and interests.

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