Oregon's Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss the potential impact of Senate Bill 110, which aims to enhance community engagement through baseball. Dr. Stephanie Salomon, a Portland resident and educator, passionately advocated for the bill, highlighting the profound benefits of baseball for youth development and academic resilience.

Dr. Salomon, who is also a parent of three baseball-playing sons, shared her personal experiences, emphasizing how participation in baseball has strengthened family bonds and fostered community support in North Portland. She noted that her youngest son’s team recently won a state championship, an achievement that brought families together and showcased the community's commitment to youth sports.

In her testimony, Dr. Salomon argued that establishing a Major League Baseball (MLB) team in Oregon could significantly increase youth participation in the sport. She pointed out that while there are currently 400 children playing baseball in North Portland, this number could grow substantially with the presence of professional players.

Moreover, Dr. Salomon connected the lessons learned from baseball—such as resilience and perseverance—to academic success. She explained that the sport teaches children how to cope with failure and bounce back, skills that are crucial for academic achievement. By engaging in baseball, students develop a mindset that prepares them to face challenges both on the field and in the classroom.

The committee meeting underscored the importance of sports in fostering not only community spirit but also essential life skills among youth. As discussions continue around Senate Bill 110, the potential for baseball to serve as a catalyst for both personal and academic growth remains a focal point for advocates like Dr. Salomon. The committee is expected to deliberate further on the bill's implications for Oregon's youth and community engagement in the coming sessions.