Baseball Union in Turmoil After Leader's Resignation Over Scandal
The No. 2 official of the baseball players' association, Bruce Meyer, expressed deep personal distress over the events leading to the resignation of union head Tony Clark. Despite the upheaval, Meyer assured that the union remains steadfast in its preparations for tough labor negotiations, where Major League Baseball is anticipated to propose a salary cap.
Personal and Professional Fallout
"Just on a personal level, I think we're all fairly devastated by things that have happened in the last 48 to 72 hours," Meyer stated on Wednesday. He declined to elaborate further on personal feelings but acknowledged widespread concern for Clark, emphasizing that the players determined this action was necessary at this critical juncture.
Clark, a former All-Star first baseman who had led the union since 2013, stepped down on Tuesday, just months before bargaining is set to begin for a new labor contract to replace the one expiring on December 1. His resignation followed an investigation by the union's outside counsel, which uncovered evidence of an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, a union employee since 2023. A source familiar with the deliberations, speaking anonymously, confirmed these details to The Associated Press.
Swift Action and Leadership Transition
Meyer highlighted the rapid timeline of events, noting that the information emerged within the last 72 hours. "This is not something that has been sat on," he said. "When the information came out, the players on the subcommittee made their feelings known. Tony, to his credit, decided to take action in the interest of the players." Clark has not responded to requests for comment.
The union's annual tour of spring training camps was delayed by a day, commencing on Wednesday with the Kansas City Royals. The executive board convened online for a second consecutive day, with Royals player representative John Schreiber anticipating a decision on Clark's successor by late Wednesday. "We're going on the right path and we'll have a decision shortly," Schreiber remarked.
Bargaining Preparations Unaffected
Meyer, hired by Clark in 2018 and promoted to deputy executive director in July 2022, led the 2021-22 negotiations that ended a 99-day lockout. He asserted that his role in upcoming talks will remain unchanged. "I don't anticipate that anybody's going to be leading negotiations other than me," Meyer declared, underscoring that the union's bargaining strategy has been years in the making and will not waver.
This leadership change occurs amidst a probe by the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn into OneTeam Partners, a licensing company founded by the union, the NFL Players Association, and RedBird Capital Partners. Meyer suggested that addressing these issues sooner rather than later could be beneficial.
Salary Cap Resistance and Union Priorities
With MLB likely to push for a salary cap—a move that could trigger a work stoppage and cancel regular-season games for the first time since 1995—the union remains resolute in its opposition. "Our position on a salary cap is well known," Meyer stated. "It's the ultimate restriction, something owners have long desired because it benefits them, not the players."
He emphasized that while leadership may change, the players' direction and priorities in bargaining remain constant. The entire executive board, comprising 72 players including the subcommittee, team representatives, and minor leaguers, is eligible to vote for the new executive director.
Future Considerations and Meyer's Role
Meyer, a 64-year-old with 30 years of experience at Weil, Gotshal & Manges and prior roles at the NHL Players Association, declined to comment on whether he seeks to succeed Clark. When asked about potential restrictions on hiring family members, he indicated that such issues would be evaluated with legal counsel and player direction.
As the union navigates this period of instability, the focus remains on upcoming labor talks, with Meyer and other officials committed to upholding player interests against anticipated owner demands.
