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MLB Players Union is an oddity
Posted on 7/28/25 at 7:05 pm
Posted on 7/28/25 at 7:05 pm
This topic came up on my local sports radio. The MLB Players Union is the exact opposite of what a union should be.
Most unions care about the lowest or at least the majority of employees. Meanwhile, the MLB Players Union seems to more about the stars.
According to Mike DeCourcey of the Sporting News, The top 10% of MLB players make more than 70% of all the money paid to players.
The minimum salary in MLB is less than that of the NHL, which plays 1/2 the games and generates far less money.
Nearly 50% of MLB players make less than 4% of Bryce Harper's salary. Which is probably why he cussed out Rob Manfred earlier today when the topic of payroll discrepancy was brought up.
A union should represent the rank and file and not just the superstars.
Most unions care about the lowest or at least the majority of employees. Meanwhile, the MLB Players Union seems to more about the stars.
According to Mike DeCourcey of the Sporting News, The top 10% of MLB players make more than 70% of all the money paid to players.
The minimum salary in MLB is less than that of the NHL, which plays 1/2 the games and generates far less money.
Nearly 50% of MLB players make less than 4% of Bryce Harper's salary. Which is probably why he cussed out Rob Manfred earlier today when the topic of payroll discrepancy was brought up.
A union should represent the rank and file and not just the superstars.
8
Posted on 7/28/25 at 7:10 pm to BigD43
quote:
This topic came up on my local sports radio. The MLB Players Union is the exact opposite of what a union should be. Most unions care about the lowest or at least the majority of employees. Meanwhile, the MLB Players Union seems to more about the stars.
The NBA just gave its rank and file a pay cut and football is so top loaded to the stars it’s ridiculous
Posted on 7/28/25 at 7:22 pm to BigD43
unions dont give a shite about everyone
they have always protected the shitiest of employees, dead beat employees, and fought for their jobs.
While at Chrysler, i was able to see the Grievance list, and 99% of those filing grievances should of been fired, instead we had to give up several concessions to keep them employed. One jammed something in the line to stop production, so he could go home and go to a birthday party. Because his Dad was connected, he didn't even get fired, and got paid for the days they tried to terminate him. Union went after the Skilled tradesman who reported who did it, tried to fire him, but Plant Manager got involved and shut that shite down. And much were worse.
they have always protected the shitiest of employees, dead beat employees, and fought for their jobs.
While at Chrysler, i was able to see the Grievance list, and 99% of those filing grievances should of been fired, instead we had to give up several concessions to keep them employed. One jammed something in the line to stop production, so he could go home and go to a birthday party. Because his Dad was connected, he didn't even get fired, and got paid for the days they tried to terminate him. Union went after the Skilled tradesman who reported who did it, tried to fire him, but Plant Manager got involved and shut that shite down. And much were worse.
Posted on 7/28/25 at 7:29 pm to Mingo Was His NameO
quote:
The NBA just gave its rank and file a pay cut and football is so top loaded to the stars it’s ridiculous
At least both of those leagues have a salary floor. The A's entire payroll is under $50 million. Steph Curry makes more than that by himself.
Posted on 7/28/25 at 7:47 pm to Mingo Was His NameO
quote:
. Meanwhile, the MLB Players Union seems to more about the stars.
The NBA just gave its rank and file a pay cut and football is so top loaded to the stars it’s ridiculous
It’s almost like unions dont work for the top guys who bring in the money… That was a talking point when Hulk Hogan recently passed, that he shut down a wrestlers’ union.
Posted on 7/28/25 at 10:49 pm to BigD43
Remember when Albert Belle steamrolled Fernando Vina? Belle was suspended, and the union fought it.
Meanwhile, Vina was saying, Hey, I'm a union member, too. He ran over me .
Meanwhile, Vina was saying, Hey, I'm a union member, too. He ran over me .
Posted on 7/29/25 at 5:42 am to BigD43
quote:
The MLB Players Union is the exact opposite of what a union should be.
Most unions care about the lowest or at least the majority of employees. Meanwhile, the MLB Players Union seems to more about the stars.
quote:
A union should represent the rank and file and not just the superstars.
Can you please explain, with specific examples, how the MLBPA is the exact opposite of what a union should be? Keep in mind that they represent almost 7,000 players (1,200 major leaguers and 5,500 minor leaguers) and focus on issues like salary arbitration, minimum salaries, drug testing, safe work conditions, and protecting the players they represent in case there's a work stoppage.
If the criticism is that the union doesn't seem to care about the majority of the players they represent, then consider the leverage to which they have over the matter. Owners can threaten to close more minor league teams like they did a couple of years ago this reducing the number of eligible union members. Or the owners can threaten to reduce roster spots, which would likely increase average salary numbers but decrease their total payroll numbers.
Yes, the player's union could do more. But they could be doing far worse- see the NFLPA as an example.
Posted on 7/29/25 at 7:52 am to McVick
quote:I don’t think combining the majors and minors under one union will work out for either one… how can they effectively represent Mike Trout and future travel ball coaches at the same time
they represent almost 7,000 players (1,200 major leaguers and 5,500 minor leaguers)
Posted on 7/29/25 at 12:39 pm to BigD43
I agree, they celebrate these huge contracts with ridiculous length as "Good for the Sport" when in fact it's just the opposite - as I think you point out accurately.
Posted on 7/29/25 at 5:41 pm to McVick
quote:
Can you please explain, with specific examples, how the MLBPA is the exact opposite of what a union should be? Keep in mind that they represent almost 7,000 players (1,200 major leaguers and 5,500 minor leaguers) and focus on issues like salary arbitration, minimum salaries, drug testing, safe work conditions, and protecting the players they represent in case there's a work stoppage.
What about the examples in the OP? I was aware of the issues in the second part of this statement. I'm not sure how they're germane to the point. All unions have specific items to take care of besides money for the hoi polloi.
quote:
If the criticism is that the union doesn't seem to care about the majority of the players they represent, then consider the leverage to which they have over the matter. Owners can threaten to close more minor league teams like they did a couple of years ago this reducing the number of eligible union members. Or the owners can threaten to reduce roster spots, which would likely increase average salary numbers but decrease their total payroll numbers.
It is the criticism but everything you provided is certainly a fair point. NHL is doing a much better job though. The NFL and NBA are doing substantially better in this regard.
quote:
Yes, the player's union could do more. But they could be doing far worse- see the NFLPA as an example.
In this regard, the NFL is doing a better job. Plus, a starting QB in the NFL is a lot more beneficial than any one position in MLB. It would make more sense for them to have a higher discrepancy among players, compared to MLB. Just look at what happened when Tom Brady left the Patriots for the Buccaneers.
Posted on 7/29/25 at 8:09 pm to BigD43
quote:
Plus, a starting QB in the NFL is a lot more beneficial than any one position in MLB
It’s up there with starting pitcher, star on an NBA team, and hockey goaltender…
Posted on 7/29/25 at 8:51 pm to BigD43
I have to assume your line of thinking here, which is that a salary cap is better for the players than the current situation. The players can collectively decide if that's something they want. However, the union isn't there to make sure everyone gets big paydays. It's there to get fair compensation for the players based on their perceived value to the owners. A salary cap and floor is much more beneficial to the owners (and more importantly ownership valuation) than it is to the players.
The NFL owners and Commissioner Goodell were caught conversing about how guaranteed contracts like the one Deshaun Watson signed was going to be bad for the NFL. The NFLPA was made aware of this and agreed to keep it quiet from the same players they represent. All of this came to light this month and both the Executive Director and the Chief Strategist Officer/Former President decided to resign. Oh, and the Executive Director was caught submitting reimbursement requests for strip club expenses onto the Union's account.
MLBPA is doing a much better job of representing their players' employment interests than the NFLPA is doing at this moment.
quote:
In this regard, the NFL is doing a better job.
The NFL owners and Commissioner Goodell were caught conversing about how guaranteed contracts like the one Deshaun Watson signed was going to be bad for the NFL. The NFLPA was made aware of this and agreed to keep it quiet from the same players they represent. All of this came to light this month and both the Executive Director and the Chief Strategist Officer/Former President decided to resign. Oh, and the Executive Director was caught submitting reimbursement requests for strip club expenses onto the Union's account.
MLBPA is doing a much better job of representing their players' employment interests than the NFLPA is doing at this moment.
Posted on 7/29/25 at 10:28 pm to McVick
quote:
the Executive Director was caught submitting reimbursement requests for strip club expenses onto the Union's account.
this didn't matter
quote:
The NFL owners and Commissioner Goodell were caught conversing about how guaranteed contracts like the one Deshaun Watson signed was going to be bad for the NFL. The NFLPA was made aware of this and agreed to keep it quiet from the same players they represent
this did
Posted on 7/30/25 at 7:38 am to BigD43
quote:
Most unions care about the lowest or at least the majority of employees. Meanwhile, the MLB Players Union seems to more about the stars
all MLB contracts are fully guaranteed.
which is probably more important to the low earning guys than it is the top guys.
Bryce Harper has earned somewhere north of $200 million so far in his career.
If his career suddenly ended, sure he would want the remainder of his contract, but he doesn't "need" it.
a guy making the league minimum (around $750K this year) whose career ends abruptly is probably a lot more dependent upon that money still coming in.
Posted on 7/30/25 at 4:37 pm to Nutriaitch
quote:
all MLB contracts are fully guaranteed.
which is probably more important to the low earning guys than it is the top guys.
Bryce Harper has earned somewhere north of $200 million so far in his career.
If his career suddenly ended, sure he would want the remainder of his contract, but he doesn't "need" it.
a guy making the league minimum (around $750K this year) whose career ends abruptly is probably a lot more dependent upon that money still coming in.
NHL contracts are also fully guaranteed. Plus, more money in a much shorter and substantially less generating revenue salary. Their union did a much better job for everyone.
Posted on 7/30/25 at 4:38 pm to chalmetteowl
quote:
It’s up there with starting pitcher, star on an NBA team, and hockey goaltender…
Maybe the NBA.
Not even close with starting pitching.
Skenes might be the best in the league and the Pirates are terrible.
Tom Brady went to Tampa Bay who previously had a losing record and became super bowl champs.
Posted on 7/30/25 at 4:41 pm to McVick
Im not sure about a salary cap. The league does have a lot of problems in terms of payroll discrepancy but I dont know if a salary cap is the solution.
The MLBPA is doing a much better job of representing their players' employment interest compared to the NFLPA but in regards to this topic the NFL is kicking butt.
The MLBPA is doing a much better job of representing their players' employment interest compared to the NFLPA but in regards to this topic the NFL is kicking butt.
Posted on 7/30/25 at 5:37 pm to BigD43
quote:only because he can’t pitch every day
Skenes might be the best in the league and the Pirates are terrible.
Posted on 7/30/25 at 5:47 pm to McVick
quote:
safe work conditions
Give me a break lol. It’s fricking baseball, not a gosh damn steel mill.
quote:
protecting the players they represent in case there's a work stoppage.
Who are the reason most of the time there’s a work stoppage lol.
Unions fricking suck. frick unions.
Posted on 7/30/25 at 5:53 pm to grizzlylongcut
I heard on sports radio years ago about the MLB player Union...
"Stronger Union than the Soviet Union..."
True.
"Stronger Union than the Soviet Union..."
True.
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