Washington, Jul 15, 2003 - As Major League Baseball celebrates tonight’s All Star Game, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) today introduced The Baseball Fan Protection Act.

The legislation, introduced today in the House of Representatives, is intended to increase the number of home games shown on free, broadcast television. The legislation amends a tax break given to franchise owners since 1967.

“Baseball is America's game,” stated Kucinich. “Teams are vital to their communities. This legislation ensures that owners keep their commitment and give back to the loyal fans who have given so much to baseball, including time, team spirit, and tax dollars.”

Under current law, franchise owners are able to write off half the cost of the purchase price of the team by capitalizing and depreciating players’ contracts. The Baseball Fan Protection Act amends current law, making the tax break available to franchise owners only if they offer television broadcasters the option to bid on the rights to air games. If a local broadcaster offers a reasonable bid, the franchise owner must accept this bid. If the bid is unreasonable by market standards, or if no broadcast bidders are forthcoming, the franchise owner is free to accept bids from cable operators at any price the team can command.

Today’s legislation, retroactive to teams purchased after December 31, 1999, would affect the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Florida Marlins, and Montreal Expos.

Joining Kucinich, as co-sponsors on the legislation, are Reps. Rangel, Hinchey, and Bordallo.