The fight over Arizona became a national story after voters rejected a statewide holiday at the ballot box in 1990.

1. Legal Daily News Feature
Move the Game
By Joshua Nave
In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Arizona became ground zero over the fight to recognize the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. as an
official holiday. Over the initial objections of President Reagan, Congress had acted to create a federal holiday as early as 1983 but most
states were slow to recognize it as a state holiday.
07/20/10 immigration law isn’t repealed. Although Selig is currently
refusing to budge, a growing number of players have publicly
The fight over Arizona became a announced their intent to boycott if the game is played in
national story after voters rejected Arizona. Latinos make up about 25% of the rosters of major
a statewide holiday at the ballot league teams. Opponents of the law view the All Star Game as
box in 1990. Reaction was swift. A tourism and entertainment their best tool to exert influence on the state. At last week’s
boycott already in place suddenly gained widespread support. All Star Game, movethegame.com tried to present Selig with
The National Football League decided to move Super Bowl 100,000 signed petitions to move the game, but Selig refused
XXVII from Arizona to Pasadena, California. In addition to the to meet with the protestors or accept delivery of the petitions.
loss of the Super Bowl and its revenue stream, Arizona lost an
estimated $350 million in convention revenue. In 1992, the Hispanics make up the fastest growing market for Major League
state reconsidered the issue and this time the voters approved Baseball. If the movement to move the game continues to pick
the holiday, making Arizona the first and only state to approve up steam, it’s hard to imagine that Selig will be able to keep
an MLK holiday at the ballot box. politics away from America’s pastime for much longer. And if
Arizona loses the All Star Game, other tourism losses could
The lesson appears to have been lost on the current residents follow. In the early 90’s, the loss of revenue was significant
of the state house in Phoenix. Pressure is mounting on Bud enough to move public opinion on MLK’s birthday. Will it have
Selig, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, to yank an impact on SB 1070? Stay tuned!
the 2011 All Star Game away from Arizona if the recent
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