Major League Baseball’s prospective plan to contract minor league teams was partially predicated upon how the facilities are deficient and need updating. That has led to many teams, including the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, being named as contraction candidates.

One of the issues with including Binghamton on the list is their home park, NYSEG Stadium, has been recently renovated. As reported by Press Connects, the stadium recently underwent $5.2 million in upgrades to improve the facility. Part of that money was allocated towards improving the field conditions, the clubhouses, and the dugouts.

In addition to the impact it will have on the City of Binghamton, the upgrades are part of the reason why team and city officials believe the Rumble Ponies should not be among those teams contracted or reassigned. More to the point, they do not believe any contraction should occur. In furtherance of those efforts, Senator Chuch Schumer is now involved.

As reported by Nicole Menner of WBNG 12 News, Senator Schumer announced officals from Major League Baseball will join him at NYSEG Stadium to “see the first-rate Rumble Pony facility up close.” In addition to arranging a visit of the stadium, Senator Schumber said, “MLB needs to step up to the plate and play ball with Southern Tier stakeholders to find a solution that doesn’t strike out the Rumble Ponies.”

The current Professional Baseball Agreement between MLB and Minor League Baseball will expire after the 2020 season. That would leaves approximately seven months for efforts like the one made by Senator Schumer to be undertaken to save the 42 teams which have been designated for possible contraction or reassignment to the proverbial Dream League.