Senator seeks freeze on funds for stadiums

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Citing the need for financial reforms in Major League Baseball, a senator has called for a moratorium on state funding for professional baseball stadiums.

Sen. Sarah Steelman introduced a resolution based on a July 2000 report to the baseball commissioner that found a growing economic disparity among teams. The report suggested that teams consider revenue sharing so that larger franchises can assist struggling ones and increase competitiveness.

"Until the owners and players take these recommendations seriously, we should not be considering taxpayer funding for stadiums because it will not make the teams more competitive," said Steelman, R-Rolla.

The resolution encourages owners and players -- including members of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals -- to work toward implementing the report's recommendations. The resolution was sent to a committee for consideration.

Steelman has been among the strongest critics of granting state subsidies for a new Cardinals stadium and for renovations at the homes of the Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.