Senator Oberacker Bill Designating Baseball As New York's Official State Sport Signed Into Law

ALBANY, 07/30/21 -- State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C – Schenevus) today announced legislation he sponsored (S.5363) designating baseball as New York’s official state sport has been signed into law by the governor.

“Baseball is known as our national pastime but the game has deep roots and a rich history here in New York State,” said Senator Oberacker.  “The game continues to mean so much today - the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in storied Cooperstown, the Mets and Yankees, countless college, high school, and Little League teams - New York State’s connection to baseball is undeniable.”

Senator Oberacker’s legislation originated from an idea conceived by Anne Reis’ fourth graders (those same students will be tenth graders this fall) at Cooperstown Elementary School.  Reis said, “While studying New York State government and state symbols, the students realized that we lack a state sport.  They immediately decided that baseball would be the perfect fit to fill the void. They researched the impact of baseball on New York State and its citizens, and wrote persuasive essays promoting their idea. Following the legislative process and finally seeing the bill signed into law has been an exhilarating learning experience.  Thank you to Senator Oberacker for bringing this measure home.”

“Anne Reis and her students at Cooperstown are to be commended for their detailed work that sparked this legislation.  So many bills start out as ideas from constituents and this is a terrific example that highlights how the legislative process works,” said Senator Oberacker.

New York State has previously designated an official gemstone (garnet), fossil (sea scorpion), shell (bay scallop), bush (lilac), salt water fish (striped bass), and reptile (snapping turtle), to name a few.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Interim President Jeff Idelson said, “The National Baseball Hall of Fame enthusiastically supports Senator Oberacker's legislation to designate baseball as the official sport of New York. Cooperstown serves as the spiritual home of baseball, our national pastime, as well as the eternal home of our Hall of Famers. Since opening in 1939, nearly 17 million fans have made the pilgrimage to Cooperstown to learn more about the legends of baseball and to savor the stories of our game, which are interwoven into the fabric of American culture and history.”

“With the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony returning to Cooperstown after last year’s COVID postponement and New York Yankee Derek Jeter among those to be honored, this new state designation takes on even greater significance.  When fans from around the world flock to Cooperstown on September 7, I will be there to greet them,” added Senator Oberacker.

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto sponsored companion legislation (A.5156) in the state assembly.

“As a former high school and college player, I learned great life lessons on the baseball diamond and those same messages of teamwork, tradition, and dedication are still being taught today.   Our baseball diamonds play a key role in tourism, our economy, and provide an opportunity to celebrate athletic excellence.  Formally recognizing baseball as New York’s official state sport is a homerun,” concluded Senator Oberacker.

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