Professional baseball in Auburn dates back to the 1870s, but its future could be in jeopardy. Changes could be coming to minor-league baseball and those changes could eliminate teams like the Auburn Doubledays.

"It would be devastating to a point,” said Auburn Mayor Michael Quill, a Democrat. “Some people really don't care, but the true fans really enjoy it. It's almost going to create a void."

Reports from “Baseball America" and the The New York Times said the changes stem from union disagreements between players and owners. The current agreement between MLB and MiLB  They said executives want to improve conditions in the minors.

Some of the proposed changes would call for teams to switch levels, and leagues to reorganize to make travel more convenient.

Forty-two teams would be eliminated as part of the proposal, most likely short-season teams like the Doubledays. Some teams would form a new “Dream League” with undrafted players looking to break into professional ball.

"I can't even imagine it to be honest,” said Tim Locastro, an Auburn native and major league outfielder with the Arizona Diamondbacks. “When I saw that originally, I was like 'really?' So hopefully it doesn't happen."

Like many in Auburn, Locastro remembers his summers in Falcon Park.

"It starts with going to Doubledays games when you're a young kid, and just your love for the game,” said Locastro. “The minor leagues it’s a grind, and everybody knows that, but being able the support of family and friend, it means a lot."

The city of Auburn owns the Doubledays. Quill said he has not heard from Major League Baseball about the proposal. He plans to work with other team owners to talk to baseball officials and preserve America's pastime.

"It’s part of summer,” said Quill. “Same folks sitting in the same seats, a little bit older as myself. It's almost like a family still going there and enjoying it."

Falcon Park recently got $3 million in upgrades, including a new turf field. The city is working to add concerts and other events, but lawmakers say they want baseball on the calendar, too.

"It's always been a terrific venue,” said Tim Lattimore, a Cayuga County legislator and candidate for Auburn mayor. “On a Thursday night, you can take your kids on a Thursday night and it’s not going to cost $200 to take the kids down and have the hot dogs and a cold beer or a soda."

Major League Baseball suggests minor league teams would be encouraged to upgrade facilities and share a bigger load for paying players.

The proposal is a long way from becoming official. It would have to be approved at several levels. Changes would not take effect until at least 2021.