Winning Spirit Magazine Q2 2023 Q2 2023 | Page 11

and most consistent franchises in basketball .
Gail Miller
The Miller family owns the Salt Lake Bees , the Triple-A affiliate for the Los Angeles Angels . The group has owned the team since 2005 and continues to invest in the franchise . The Bees are receiving a brand-new stadium in Daybreak , a blossoming neighborhood in South Jordan , Utah .
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Big League Utah ’ s pitch is its focus on community . The Larry H . Miller Company possesses an inextinguishable devotion to enriching lives , providing youth programs and creating economic development opportunities around the area . Big League Utah ’ s community-first mission reflects that of its parent company and highlights its intention to make a potential expansion team bigger than baseball .
“ I imagined what it would be like going to a game and watching the Red Sox roll into town ,” noted Larry H . Miller CEO Steve Starks . “ It ’ s hard to quantify the impact that has on kids , on youth , on families across our
state . To have that option is really meaningful . It gets us all excited .”
The emphasis on community is also reflected in the plans for the new stadium . Not only will the selected area see the conception of a beautiful field , but it will transform the entire west side of Salt Lake City into a modern , sustainable and prosperous space for both businesses and families .
The response to Big League Utah has been overwhelmingly positive and has influenced many others to join the mission . On top of elected officials and local businesses , the coalition has garnered support from the baseball community in the form of MLB owners and former players . Former Atlanta Braves superstar Dale Murphy has joined Big League Utah since learning about their bid .
“ Portland is where I was born and raised , but [ Utah ] is where we put our roots down after I retired ,” the twotime NL MVP noted . “ We don ’ t plan on leaving , and I want to help bring baseball to our backyard . We ’ re a major league city .”
Bookies analyst Adam Thompson praised the Millers and Big League Utah for putting their best foot forward with their plan , a plan he believes puts Utah in a perfect position to secure an MLB team . The site currently ranks Salt Lake City at No . 3 of possible expansion teams , just behind Nashville and Charlotte .
Learn more at bigleagueutah . com and follow Big League Utah on social media @ BigLeagueUtah .
APR / MAY / JUN • 2023 11