WASHINGTON -- According to several city officials, District residents could learn Wednesday that Major League Baseball plans to return to the national capital next season.The city has been told to expect a phone call from major league baseball at 3 p.m., News4 reported. If that happens, the city has plans to hold a press conference at 5 p.m.Officials also said there's a slight chance the timetable could change.
Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos is reportedly the one obstacle remaining. Angelos objects to having a team just 40 miles from his.The Orioles owner told The (Baltimore) Sun he could be persuaded to drop his opposition, if he's assured that the Orioles and the state of Maryland's investment in Oriole Park at Camden Yards could be protected.MLB representatives were expected to meet with Angelos on Tuesday.A franchise move must be approved by three-quarters of the major league owners.Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams said he'll try to build public support for a new, city-financed baseball stadium by pointing out the economic and community benefits that a major league team could bring to Washington.The mayor told The Washington Post that he'll stress to residents that businesses will shoulder the extra tax burden.The District would pay all upfront capital costs for a stadium on the Anacostia waterfront, but Williams and his aides say will make sure that free tickets for low-income children are part of the deal and that team owners will pay millions in rent each year and that minority contractors will get priority consideration for jobs.Thursday marks exactly 33 years since the Washington Senators played their final game.
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Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos is reportedly the one obstacle remaining. Angelos objects to having a team just 40 miles from his.The Orioles owner told The (Baltimore) Sun he could be persuaded to drop his opposition, if he's assured that the Orioles and the state of Maryland's investment in Oriole Park at Camden Yards could be protected.MLB representatives were expected to meet with Angelos on Tuesday.A franchise move must be approved by three-quarters of the major league owners.Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams said he'll try to build public support for a new, city-financed baseball stadium by pointing out the economic and community benefits that a major league team could bring to Washington.The mayor told The Washington Post that he'll stress to residents that businesses will shoulder the extra tax burden.The District would pay all upfront capital costs for a stadium on the Anacostia waterfront, but Williams and his aides say will make sure that free tickets for low-income children are part of the deal and that team owners will pay millions in rent each year and that minority contractors will get priority consideration for jobs.Thursday marks exactly 33 years since the Washington Senators played their final game.
