AR 28: Relative to Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025.

WHEREAS, Professional baseball has a long and storied history in California, spanning centuries and geographies; and

WHEREAS, While the two Major League Baseball (MLB) professional leagues, the National League and the American League, started in 1876 and 1901 respectively, California started its own league in 1887. Though that only lasted for two years, the state continued to establish various baseball leagues, in 1891, 1893, from 1899 to 1902, from 1907 to 1909, 1941, then finally permanently in 1946; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Dodgers’ move out to Los Angeles in 1958 was the first cross-country move of any major league team in the United States, and the first major league team west of Kansas. The New York Giants followed in their footsteps by moving to San Francisco later that year. While the future of the league was originally in doubt, these moves proved instantly popular. On the opening day for the now Los Angeles Dodgers, an MLB attendance record was broken as 78,000 fans showed up at the gates ready to pay for tickets; and

WHEREAS, Baseball will continue to grow and evolve, and the sport and California will always be mentioned in close association. To kick off this year, our state’s own Los Angeles Dodgers will be traveling to Japan to face off in exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants. Then, to officially open the professional MLB season, the Dodgers will take on the Chicago Cubs for a two-day, two-game series under the Tokyo Dome. This matchup will only be the sixth game to ever be played in that stadium by American major league teams and the fourth of those to feature California teams; and

WHEREAS, More MLB teams call California home than any other state; and

WHEREAS, Today California is home to five MLB teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, and the Athletics; and

WHEREAS, California’s teams’ accomplishments throughout the years include winning 15 World Series championships, 32 Most Valuable Player Awards, and countless All-Star selections. These teams have not only been a point of civic pride, but have also emphasized the importance of baseball as a sport that unites communities and inspires young people to pursue their dreams; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Legislature honors the thousands of players, coaches, and staff members of those teams who were born in, lived in, or realized their dream in California, for their dedication, hard work, and talent; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes that California has rightfully earned the title of “The Baseball State.” As of 2022, California has produced 2,380 MLB players, with 238 active players in 2021 being born in California. California has also produced 24 Hall of Fame players, second only to New York, the birthplace of American baseball; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes the teams’ contributions to California's economy, culture, and identity; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes that California is fortunate to boast five thriving and diverse communities truly worthy of being called “Major League”; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature thanks the owners and executives of the teams for their investment in California and their commitment to building winning franchises; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature expresses gratitude to the fans who have supported the teams through thick and thin and who make baseball an integral part of California’s sports landscape; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature honors Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025 abroad and at home, and pledges to continue to support and promote baseball in California and to ensure that the state remains a hub of baseball excellence for years to come; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.