A Crosscutters pitcher throws a Mahoning Valley Black Bears player during a late game recently at Muncy Bank Ballpark. The new scoreboard was installed at Bowman Field before the start of the 2022 season. This new scoreboard gives fans at the games lots of different information and videos both in game and pre game than was available before it was there. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Williamsport City Council approved a lease of Muncy Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field with Major League Baseball.
The agreement is for 2023 and 2024 and maintains the city-owned ballpark for the popular annual MLB Little League Classic.
The lease enables the game played by MLB teams for Little Leaguers and their families. The lease figure was quoted at $25,000.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals play Aug. 20, 2023.
The game is scheduled for 7 pm on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball for the regular season.
Just before approving the lease City Councilwoman Liz Miele, chair of the city Finance Committee,
went over discussion by the committee on not just the lease but also how the city officials need to figure out a better marketing strategy for selling the city more during this time of the year.
Councilman Randall J. Allison said the city may want to approach ESPN which broadcasts the event about including the City of Williamsport more in its promotion and coverage.
Mayor Derek Slaughter said the lease does not change other than it removes River Valley Transit Authority, which is its own entity separate from the city.
Slaughter told the finance committee the city would be looking at revenue options regarding a lease with the Williamsport Crosscutters in the near future.
The MLB lease was approved 6-0. Councilman Eric Beiter was absent.
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