Skoufis Introduces Resolution Calling on MLB to Investigate Astros’ 2017 and 2019 Victories Against the Yankees

Lifelong Mets fan, Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley), introduced a resolution calling on Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Major League Baseball, to open an investigation into whether illegal sign stealing by the Houston Astros may have cheated the Yankees out of victories in 2017 and 2019 for the American League Championship Series. 

After months of speculation, in November of 2019, an exposé by The Athletic revealed that the Houston Astros developed a system to cheat at their home field by which they would use a camera and trash can to steal opponents’ signs and relay information to their batters. In January of 2020, Rob Manfred released a statement on an investigation conducted by Major League Baseball’s Department of Investigation, confirming that two methods of sign stealing were used by the team throughout the 2017 season. Skoufis, however, argues that their investigation fell short and is only half-complete: MLB must also determine the impact the cheating had on the Astros' wins and, ultimately, the validity of the team's titles.

Senator James Skoufis said, "The Astros might have been able to pull a fast one on the MLB, but here in New York, we take pride in the integrity of our sports. The Commissioner has a clear and unequivocal responsibility to investigate this further. It’s not only a matter of right vs. wrong, but it’s a matter of consumer protection: people all over the country spend money each year going to baseball games, watching them with their families, and purchasing memorabilia. MLB must further investigate the impact of the Astros' cheating on the 2017 and 2019 ALCS series and take any and all steps to restore virtue to our nation's pastime." 

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