....a personal thought.
MLBPA's Donald Fehr, will retire next March 31, concluding more than 40 relatively successful years at the helm. He succeeded the Players Association's icon, Marvin Miller. Miller changed the face of MLB in the way they treated major league baseball players. You might say Miller was to the Major League Baseball player what President Lincoln was to Pre-Civil War slaves. However, this characteristic does not apply to his successor, Donald Fehr.
Fehr's retirement does not come too soon, and it couldn't happen to a better person. Sadly, his legacy will reveal a man both polarizing, stubborn, and, generally, antagonizing (hmmmmm...sounds like some pre-Miller MLB teams owners). These traits gave the union its strength that led to the intimidation of MLB management. As a result , management acquiesced often on decisions that favored the union, i.e., 1st drug offense= 5-game suspension. The Commish said he wanted a "stiffer penalty". The only reason that today's penalty is 'stiffer'? The U.S. Congress launched an investigation into the steroid mess and strongly suggested a change that was quickly accepted by both the Uniuon and management (1st offense= 50-games suspension).
Illegal drug use that was condoned, applauded, and encouraged as a means of reviving MLB. Both sides were guilty of this sin, although denials were voiced. And the players were left 'hanging'.
Fehr's successor will provide more of the same, but will get different results. The game is changing.
MLBPA's Donald Fehr, will retire next March 31, concluding more than 40 relatively successful years at the helm. He succeeded the Players Association's icon, Marvin Miller. Miller changed the face of MLB in the way they treated major league baseball players. You might say Miller was to the Major League Baseball player what President Lincoln was to Pre-Civil War slaves. However, this characteristic does not apply to his successor, Donald Fehr.
Fehr's retirement does not come too soon, and it couldn't happen to a better person. Sadly, his legacy will reveal a man both polarizing, stubborn, and, generally, antagonizing (hmmmmm...sounds like some pre-Miller MLB teams owners). These traits gave the union its strength that led to the intimidation of MLB management. As a result , management acquiesced often on decisions that favored the union, i.e., 1st drug offense= 5-game suspension. The Commish said he wanted a "stiffer penalty". The only reason that today's penalty is 'stiffer'? The U.S. Congress launched an investigation into the steroid mess and strongly suggested a change that was quickly accepted by both the Uniuon and management (1st offense= 50-games suspension).
Illegal drug use that was condoned, applauded, and encouraged as a means of reviving MLB. Both sides were guilty of this sin, although denials were voiced. And the players were left 'hanging'.
Fehr's successor will provide more of the same, but will get different results. The game is changing.
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