Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris To MLB Commissioner Manfred: Bring All-Star Game To Queens

NEW YORK – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris called on Major League Baseball to hold its annual All-Star game at Queens’ CitiField after MLB announced today they were pulling the game from Atlanta, Georgia following the state’s enactment of a law curtailing voting rights. Senator Gianaris made his request in a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

“There is no place in America that better symbolizes what our country stands for than its most diverse county,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “Queens was also among the hardest hit during the covid-19 pandemic, and this would be a fitting tribute to honor the all-stars of our community.” 

Read Senator Gianaris’ full letter to Commissioner Manfred here and below:

April 2, 2021

Rob Manfred, Commissioner

Major League Baseball

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Dear Commissioner Manfred,

            I write in light of your recent decision to move Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to their new anti-voting rights law. I commend you and MLB for taking this important stand in favor of democratic principles. This game is a beloved annual tradition for baseball fans across the nation and I would like to encourage Major League Baseball to hold the 2021 All Star game at CitiField in Queens, New York.

            There is no place in America that better symbolizes what our country stands for than Queens - home of CitiField and the New York Mets. The most diverse county in the United States was also among the hardest hit during the covid-19 pandemic, and this would be a fitting tribute to honor the all-stars of our community.

            I hope you give due consideration to relocating the MLB All-Star game to Queens. We stand ready to welcome MLB to our community warmly and safely.

            Sincerely,

            Senator Michael Gianaris

            Deputy Majority Leader