Minor League Players picked up a big win in the courts as the US Supreme Court allows a class-action lawsuit against the MLB. The MLB desperately wanted to avoid trial on this matter. But the Supreme Court has denied that request. Attorney and former Minor League baseball player, Garrett Broshuis, is leading the lawsuit. The suit is based on the precedent that the MLB has been illegally paying Minor Leaguers well below the poverty line. Broshuis broke the news Monday morning on Twitter.
Minor League Players, Major League Injustice.
For years the MLB has been vastly underpaying the players in the pipeline. Stating they are seasonal workers and do not fall under minimum wage laws. The lawsuit is forefronted by players in Arizona, Florida, and California. Triple A-players involved in this lawsuit make less than $7,500 yearly, which violates several wage laws. To say it’s about time MLB is held accountable for this is an understatement.
The Snake That Is Rob Manfred.
The MLB ran by commissioner Rob Manfred has recently attempted to cut down many Minor League franchises significantly. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some MLB teams cut numerous minor league players, while other organizations publicly stated they would keep every player. And the ones that weren’t cut couldn’t collect unemployment due to their Uniform Player Contract. That left hundreds of guys without pay and a job during the negotiations. Most teams agreed to pay minor leaguers through the regular season regardless if they played or not. The A’s and Phillies initially decided not to pay, which they later reversed after ample backlash in the media.
MLB proposed a pay increase to players by upheaving the pipeline system and getting rid of numerous teams, met with backlash from players, fans, and government officials. Minor League teams may not produce big money that the Major League teams do. However, it dramatically increases the economy in small cities that are home to minor league teams. To cut all of that out would be a massive injustice, especially since MLB players make millions of dollars and have no salary cap. While the small minor league teams and players sacrifice a lot to play the game, they love and hold the dream that one day they make it to the Show.
Minor League baseball is fun to watch; prospects from your favorite team growing up through the system or having fun and wacky promotions, that’s what makes Minor League baseball fun before they get to Majors and are tainted by big money and endorsements.
