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Happy Thursday, Athletics Nation!
There have been a pair of big events regarding the Major League Baseball Players Association this week. First and most notably, MLBPA has already been able to state the result of the union authorization cards that were sent out to minor league players. As reported in The Athletic by Evan Drellich, over 50% of players in the minors have returned signed cards. This means the weight of the players is behind the union, and MLBPA has already requested voluntary recognition by MLB for a Minor League Player Union.
Now, whether MLB will look to avoid a protracted fight and consent to the union, or dig in their heels and battle with MLBPA is still unclear. As is typical in these scenarios MLB hasn’t said a word regarding the minor league unionization effort. The best case scenario for the over 5,000 MiLB players that would be represented is for MLB to voluntarily recognize the union and get to work on drafting a collective bargaining agreement. What is more likely with the general tone and behaviour of MLB is that this is just the beginning of a long fight over the offseason, and MLBPA looks to the National Labour Relations Board to hold a union election.
The other big piece of MLBPA news is that yesterday, the union has joined the American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organizations. The MLBPA joining AFL-CIO doesn’t change any of the general functions for players, but it does provide a lot of bargaining weight when the next CBA rolls around.
A’s Coverage
- Brener: Game #137: Braves vs A’s
- Gallegos: Pinder breaks records after inspiring hospital visit
- Castillo: Why Waldichuk’s outing vs. Braves reminds Kotsay of Robbie Ray
- Kawahara: Homers spoil Ken Waldichuk’s first Coliseum start, A’s lose to Braves ($)
- Hyland: Ex-Yankees prospect returns to rotation for A’s
MLB News & Interest
- Passan, Schoenfield: The MLB players who graduated to stardom in 2022
- Drellich: MLBPA says it has majority support for minor league union, seeks formal recognition from MLB ($)
- Passan: Major League Baseball Players Association joins AFL-CIO
- Drellich: MLB players union joins AFL-CIO amid minor league effort
- AP: Radio host Doug Gottlieb admits he made false claim on Freddie Freeman contract talks with Atlanta Braves
- Clemens: When Might Aaron Judge Hit a Historic Home Run?
- Jaffe: Shohei Ohtani, the AL Awards Races, and Unicorns
- Today in Baseball History
Best of Twitter
Critical grants for Howard Terminal’s infrastructure costs from the city will likely be discussed with the Secretary of Transportation
To explain the @SecretaryPete visit to Oakland: In 2021 they were awarded a $14.5M RAISE grant. He has been visiting grant recipients. That's what this is. However, it's a great opportunity to pitch Howard Terminal and the Mega grant program, which Oakland has applied for.
— Casey Pratt (@CaseyPrattABC7) September 8, 2022
A first pitch yesterday from current City Councillor and Mayoral candidate, Sheng Thao
Had a blast throwing the first pitch today. Maybe with a little practice I can be Oakland’s first professional baseball playing Mayor.
— Sheng Thao 盛桃 (@ShengForOakland) September 7, 2022
Thank you to Oakland’s @Athletics for inviting me onto the field! #RootedInOakland #OakMayor pic.twitter.com/Ufq6q1dQUm
Cody Thomas could have been playing an entirely different sport
The A's have a former Oklahoma quarterback in their outfield now after all: https://t.co/fANZUK68zq
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) September 7, 2022
Just a few more days til’ Stew Day
1x All-Star
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) September 8, 2022
2x ALCS MVP
3x WS Champ
WS MVP
Roberto Clemente Award
Athletics Hall of Fame
We're celebrating the legendary Dave Stewart this Sunday when we retire his No. 34 jersey number before the start of the game against the White Sox: https://t.co/OAsG3jaJYP pic.twitter.com/CrVY9aZazH
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