Today’s Headlines
MLBPA Take Step Toward Unionizing Minor Leaguers
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), the union that represents major league players, sent authorization cards to minor league players on Monday night. The move, initially reported by ESPN, is a first step toward unionization for minor leaguers who are not eligible to be members of the MLBPA.
Players who sign the cards are expressing their interest in being represented by a union and indicating that they’d like the union that represents them to be the MLBPA. The cards are not a vote for unionization, but rather a preceding step used to gauge the appetite for unionization amongst minor league players.
The Major League Baseball Players Association has launched a campaign to unionize Minor League Players across the country #1u #FairBall pic.twitter.com/DDq4Q8NOXI
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) August 29, 2022
If more than 50% of minor league players sign, the MLB can voluntarily recognize the union rather than require an election. However, the league is not obligated to recognize a union, and may require a vote even if the 50% threshold is reached. If at least 30% of players sign, the next step would be a formal election to decide on unionization. If the 30% threshold is not reached, the process is over for the time being. It’s unlikely that MLBPA would have initiated the card distribution if they weren’t confident they can reach the 30% margin.
This announcement comes amidst increasing pressure on MLB to improve its labor practices, particularly when it comes to the treatment and conditions of minor leaguers. There is still a long road and many looming roadblocks to union representation for minor leaguers, but this first step is encouraging news that may lead to radically improved conditions for the thousands of players employed in the minor leagues.
Pujols Hits Number 694
The ageless Albert Pujols continued his march toward 700 career home runs with a blast off the Reds’ Ross Detwiler on Monday. In a 1-1 count in the top of the third, Detwiler throw an outside fastball and Pujols swept it into the right-field bleachers for his 694th career home run.
ALBERT!!! pic.twitter.com/NwkaOrQK3q
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 30, 2022
The blast gets Pujols within three runs of the number four spot on the all-time home run leaders list which is currently occupied by Alex Rodriguez. Detwiler is the latest left-handed pitcher to fall victim to Albert’s bat this season. He holds a 1.203 OPS against lefties and has hit 10 of his 14 runs on the season against southpaws.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Diamondback’s Top Prospect Gets the Call Up
Corbin Carroll, an outfielder in the Diamondbacks system who is considered one of the top prospects in all baseball, was completing his pre-game routine with the Reno Aces on Sunday when he was interrupted with news from his manager. The moment was caught on tape:
MLB No. 2 overall prospect, Corbin Carroll (ARI), getting the call to make his big league debut 🥺
— Farm To Fame (@FarmToFame_) August 29, 2022
The genuine enthusiasm from his teammates giving Carrol their congratulations is heartwarming to see. The Seattle native was thrown right into Arizona’s lineup on Monday, batting eighth against the Phillies.
Young Jays Fan Gets a Visit With Stro
With the Chicago Cubs on a road trip to Toronto, starting pitcher Marcus Stroman had the opportunity to reunite with fans in the city where he pitched for five seasons. He made his way to the bleachers and one young fan in particular couldn’t contain his emotions when he got to meet the Cubs’ ace:
A young Jays fan was overcome with emotion as he got to meet Marcus Stroman who returned to Toronto this week with the Cubs pic.twitter.com/cVZqmTV7AG
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 29, 2022
It was a nice reminder that baseball goes much deeper than just pitches and runs.
Injuries
- Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin was sent to the IL with a forearm strain
Articles You Should Read
- The Methodical Rise of Dansby Swanson – Ben Dolmovich
- What You Need to Know About the MLBPA’s Push to Unionize the Minors – Emma Baccellieri, Sports Illustrated
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)