SWB Yankees, LLC welcome Stadium Authority decision on renovation
"The result of the Stadium Authority's action will be seen not only in a great facility that fans can proudly call home, but also by creating new jobs and economic opportunities for the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre area," said Hal Steinbrenner, Managing General Partner of the New York Yankees. "Today, the real winners are the citizens of this region. Our goal has always been for the next Yankees stars to play in a top-flight facility that provides fans championship-caliber baseball and a quality family entertainment experience. The Yankees love being in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and look forward to calling it home for our Triple A franchise for decades to come."
The Stadium Authority's action that will result in the dedication of $40 million towards a dramatically renovated stadium would not have been possible without the support and leadership of Governor Rendell and the Lackawanna County Commissioners. "We thank Governor Rendell for his continued support for minor league baseball and are grateful for his commitment to the SWB Yankees in providing the funds necessary to repair and dramatically renovate the existing stadium," said Art Matin, Chief Executive Officer of Mandalay Baseball Properties, LLC.
"We also applaud the dedication of the Lackawanna County Commissioners and the Stadium Authority board members to continuing the rich tradition of baseball in Northeast Pennsylvania and look forward to continuing to work together with them to make a positive impact in the community," added Matin.
The SWB Yankees have been the champions of the North Division of the International League every season since the New York Yankees became the Major League Baseball affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 2008, the team won the Governors' Cup as champions of the International League for the first time in club history.
SWB Yankees, LLC are committed to making a significant positive impact in the community through support of local chapters of charities including the March of Dimes and the Special Olympics, as well as such initiatives as hosting an annual SWB Yankees charity auction and autograph party from which all proceeds are donated to local charities, raising money through the "Shirt Off Their Backs" jersey auction for local ALS chapters in the region, and hosting the annual Meet the Yankees reception where proceeds are donated to the local Kid's Night Out Program, which helps locally disadvantaged children. The SWB Yankees are committed to a long future of making a positive difference in this region well beyond the playing field.
SWB Yankees, LLC is a joint venture between Yankee Global Enterprises LLC and Mandalay Baseball Properties, LLC.