The only way MiLB pay is going to improve is if every MiLB player refuses to play. That's not going to happen. 84% of American MLB players come from the first ten rounds of the draft. These players receive signing bonuses of six and seven figures. They don't need to worry about the money so much. If the rest, who typically don't sign for much want to walk baseball would tell them to have a nice life and replace them with those desiring to play for the existing pay. It's not necessarily fair pay. But it's the reality of a market based system given the rules organized baseball is allowed to use.

 

On a personal level I believe MiLB pay should at least keep pace with inflation so it's not less pay. In the past thirty years inflation has been 400%. MiLB pay has increased 75%.

The simple fact is that kids dream their whole lives of getting an opportunity to play professional baseball.  When they are fortunate enough to have been presented with the chance, the majority of them would do so for a plane ticket.  The fact that a certain percentage are given a sum of money that is part and parcel to that dream (a signing bonus), then that's a huge cherry on top to them.  The $1,100 per month they ALL receive (the exact same amount is earned by the back-up bullpen catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate in Gulf Coast Rookie League and/or the AAA International League star SS for the Cleveland Indians affiliate in Columbus) - IMPORTANT TO NOTE THEY GET THAT $1,100 ONLY FOR THE TIME THEY ACTUALLY PLAY which further sullies the argument and makes what these kids make appear even worse as a Short Season A- player only gets paid for two and a half months or makes less than $3,000 for being a "professional baseball player" . . . IS OK BY THEM AND THEY LOVE IT!!!!!!!! The game really doesn't start being a business to them until they move up the ranks and see what type of money and opportunity there really is to be garnered were they to be so blessed to beat the odds and make it all the way up the ladder.  The unadulterated bliss, however, these young men feel upon being given their first professional uniform and seeing their names above their own locker in a minor league team's locker room is really all that matters to most of them and not whether or not they were better off financially were they to have forgone the opportunity they've been dreaming about since they picked up a glove and worked for the local State Farm Agent who took advantage of them having been the BMOC in the local small town and parlayed that into some awesome first year commissions for both them individually and the agency as well.  I hear it in my sons' voice . . . I saw it in his teammates eyes and watch as these guys play and know they are considered "pro's".

The AAA player does play for more as designated by their contract terms.  Also many get a service time bonus.  Mine was on 40 man pay by 4th season,when a team protects you from the 5 rule draft or awards you for a.job well done.
I agree things change. By the 3 or 4th year most realize what a big business they have signed up for.  The honeymoon is over.

There is only one question that matters in all of this. Are these workers getting a living wage? If not then the pay scale must change. That is literally the only question that matters. All this dream, not a business talk is irrelevant because it is a job. It is not a kids game, it is a job, pure and simple.

I should have clarified they all make $1,100 until such time as they have the next contract presented them . . . the first one for seven years is for the $1,100 I referenced.  Thanks for the clarification but the point was more that it isn't about the money for these kids.  

       
       


That doea not give you a license to exploit. It just means more protections must be in place.

 

 

"A player must be available 24/7 for drug tests. Therefore, a player must inform the club about all travel plans (vacation) and be available - even on vacation - for those tests. Miss the test and you get an unpaid vacation."

 

This includes honeymoons too!

In 2005. In short season ball son earned $850 gross per mo. Club required all players to live in local motel and changed $400. per mo.  There was no way for players to cook or store food so all meals were eaten out... Spreads at this level were really bad cause dues were only $10 wk ?  There ones only one place open after the games and no one had a car

(fyI. Clubbies pay for the spead out of dues)

 

If so many players want to play for free.. Why don't they?... let all the players play for free... Live off signing bonus. Why is there a draft? 

 

baseball is big business selling a dream... the American dream... But the American way is a decent wage for a decent days work. I think players should be paid a mim wage

 

 

When people ask me if their player should sign after HS I ask them , is your son at 18 ready to join the work force. The way I look at it..it is a job not yet a career.
No argument they need better pay, what do you propose?

cannon315,

 

Not sure where you are getting your information.  No player makes the same amount ($1,150) for 7 years. Doesn't change the fact that they don't make much money.

 

Another thing, I know many players that have not received the opportunity to play professional baseball that are more talented than others playing minor league baseball. so there really isn't this big disconnect between those that sign for very little or no bonus and many others Who never got that opportunity. In fact, you could switch all the border line lowest level minor league players with good players that were not signed and nobody would even notice the difference.

 

The thing about baseball is there is no great separation in talent from one level to the next.  Often the minor league player is equal in talent (minus experience) to the Major League player.  The Low A player can be equal in talent to the AA player.  So to think that the bottom level minor league players can't be replaced by the next group of talent doesn't make any sense.  There would be even less separation of talent in that group.  That is why you see undrafted Free Agents getting signed at times.  Furthermore, the talent that MLB clubs truly want the most doesn't have to worry about poverty. If a 30th round draft pick makes it to the Big Leagues it becomes a pleasant surprise.

 

As far as having no choice who employs you or getting rid of the draft... Guess I don't understand what that would accomplish regarding the salary.  The Big Market teams would have a big advantage.  Those that would be early draft picks would get even more money.  The lowest level draft picks would get the same thing they get now... Nothing. If they were still on the board after all 30 teams passed on them for 30 rounds how do they negotiate for more $$$. Besides there is a reason that all the major team sports have a draft.  In fact, the next thing we are likely to see is a world wide draft, similar to how the NBA does it.  Professional baseball is similar to college baseball in ways.  The education is a different type of education, but it is still involved.  And just like college baseball, the best players get the best offer. The college players that have no scholarship, put in the same time as the scholarship players they just don't get their education payed for.  Yet we seem to think that is fine! And how about those that play in college summer leagues, many similar to the minor league short seasons.  Many of the collegiate summer teams make a lot of money yet the players play for how much money. Would we consider that a summer job?  Why do these players do that?

 

Listen, I fully understand that minor league players don't make enough money.  But this is not slavery, every player has a choice.  I understand that it is considered a job and it would be great if they all made a decent living.  But it only becomes a career for some, for others it is an experience and an education. 

 

All that said, I would love to see the day when minor league players get paid well.  But until that happens, I will never feel sorry for anyone who gets that opportunity. I do feel more sorry for the many who did not get that opportunity. I feel more sorry for those people that actually do have to work for minimum wage at the fast food job. Most Rookie League players are not there in order to make a living playing in the Rookie League.

 

So we all agree, minor league baseball players should make more money. The only disagreement revolves around how bad things are now. Truth is it is so bad that nearly everyone that plays baseball wishes they could do it.

 

Maybe these guys that are suing baseball will change things, but I doubt it.

Good post PG, very good.

Regarding my earlier post .If it's starting after high school or college I think that having only aprox $ 10.00 a day to live on was terrible...  Did the players think it was terrible..i don't think they noticed.. They were living the dream

 

Milb "living the dream"? LOL  From what my son and his teammates have told me, they're NOT living the dream until they're playing at the MLB level (that was their response when I asked them how they liked "living their dream").  And I think they're right for most players. Play Milb baseball is NOT their dream. . .only a means to get to their dream.

 

Truman,

 

Good point!

 

I know it is off topic a bit, but I think it is important that players feel the way you have described.  I have seen many who are simply too satisfied by signing the contract. Satisfaction can be a baseball players biggest enemy.

 

Still, it could be described as the first stop in fulfilling their dream. The other thing that doesn't get mentioned much is that most of the guys playing professional baseball are having a lot of fun.  Yes, it is hard at times, way too hard if you don't love the game.

Dotty:  It just got too hard.

 

Jimmy:  It's supposed to be hard.  If it wasn't hard everyone would do it.   The hard is what makes it great.

 

(A League of Their Own)  

 

And I'll say again, just because anyone is enjoying their work and having fun at it doesn't mean that's a good reason for denying them a level playing field with workers in any other endeavor with regards to the minimum wage issue.

PG and Truman have nailed it!

 

Here is one more nugget of information: spearheaded by professional sports, including MLB, California greatly restricted professional athletes ability to collect workers compensation for injuries incurred while working (And the same is true in many other states. http://scholarship.law.marquet...mp;context=sportslaw .) The restrictions are so great that an individual would get worn out trying to collect what all other employees can collect with little effort.

 

Workers compensation has two complements: health and disability. Players are now covered by outside private health insurance; but, the disability component is basically unavailable. Typically most injuries are transitory; but some are not and leave the worker with some degree of permanent disability. If a player wants that protection - which every employee in all other industries has on the employers dime - the player now must purchase a private policy (an expensive and usually wasteful expense - unless and until it's needed).

 

It's really not hard to understand how this basic protection (which my business, PG's business, and all other businesses MUST buy) was stripped specifically from players. In California, the law slipped through the legislature almost unanimously - supported by large campaign contributions from MLB to legislators. When a narrowly focused special interest group (baseball) takes aim against a diffuse group (players), baseball gets it's way.

 

I cannot fathom how a disastrous injury (think permanent disability) does not result in the player receiving a payment ALL other employees (including front office staff of clubs)  are entitled to receive. The way the laws play out, MLb has off loaded this cost to ALL taxpayers (who pay for state and federal disability payments).

 

Would or should this stop a player from choosing pro ball? Of course not. But shining light on this (and all the other unfair practices [e.g., minimum wage]) can only help Improve the conditions of these employees chasing a dream coveted by many.

 

As trite as this sounds, if any one has the chance speak to your elected representatives, the press, etc., tell them about these issues. While it may seem futile, while it may take forever to successfully change the system, if we don't do it, who will?

Truman,
May I ask what round and year your son was drafted in, by which team and what level he is at as of this date.
Goosegg ,
Do you have a player in professional ball?

I read over what was posted by Goosegg.  My son, while employed by his drafting team had 3 surgical procedures, two of which not performed by the team doctor. The doctor that performed the two, agreed in advance to accept what workers compensation would allow, my son was responsible for his own transportation to that doctor in NYC, while not to the team doctor in STL. Two procedures were done in the off season. He also was allowed second opinions.

 

One thing that I have learned, once a pitcher throws a ball off of a mound, a player takes an at bat (after recovering from any time on the DL), the team is responsible from that day forward, so in many cases after the doctor declares the player ready to play and recovered (no more complaints from the player),  players can be  released. You would most likely need the services of a compensation attorney to prove whether your injury is worth a settlement or further care. Let the buyer beware. Of course this applies to milb players.

 

As far as unemployment compensation discussed earlier, if a player is released or is not offered another contract, he is allowed unemployment from the state he resides. Players in the off season under contract, as stated cannot receive compensation for off season.

 

Getting back to injuries, due to the nature of the business, many players hide their injuries, as they know this will lead to the DL and also may lead to losing their job.  If the player does not declare their injury, they will never have an recourse for any action against the team.  I can see in some way why the bigger entity (MLB) here might need to protect themselves for later claims.

 

Sons rehab, all three procedures were done at the spring facility (as in most cases for most teams) and in off season, his room was paid for as well as meals everyday. The stipulation was that he would not be reimbursed for gas or tolls, etc. if he decided to live at home, which was 45 minutes away.  Even as a 40 man rostered player, they stood their ground on this issue, and IMO when his agent stepped in,  this did cause some rift between player and management. 

 

Bottom line is that they do like to do things their way, and they usually get it.

 

I would like to see infielddad's take on the link posted, I hope that he checks in.

Goosegg,

You, and the article you reference,  make  points with which I agree in terms of the challenges of a Milb player to both know and to enforce his rights under the Workers' Compensation laws when they are injured and especially when the injury results in need for extensive treatment, second opinions, surgery and permanent disability.

On the other hand, AB1309, the law passed in CA which became effective in September of 2013, does not impact the rights of a CA resident or a player who spends most of their championship seasons  assigned to a CA team or playing in CA. Each can pursue claims for medical treatment and disability benefits under the CA. Workers' Compensation laws.

 What AB1309   was designed to do was prevent professional athletes who played in Buffalo, NY, for instance, from pursuing a WC claim in CA. because they played one or two games in their career in CA.

Whether and how the new law and  the new amendments to the MILB contract will impact any player from out of State  who is permanently disabled with need for medical while playing a full championship season in the California league is probably an open question to be assessed in terms of other laws in our State.

I have two sons that were injured and needed surgery.  One in MilB, one in MLB. The one in minor leagues didn't have any problem with WC.  It didn't pertain to the other one if I remember correctly.

 

This has been a very interesting and perhaps important topic to discuss.  A few disagreements, but not really.  I guess I compare Minor League Poverty to be only slightly better than College Poverty.  And in many ways I see both as a stepping stone to something else. 

Actually, PG,  Workers' Comp applied to each situation for each of your son's.

There can be variability, however, in terms of how the team notifies the player, or not.

Often times the situation is never addressed until some time after release or retirement when the player ends up having ongoing or lingering issues which need treatment and/or impact on the work they try to do after baseball.

Sending you a PM so not to risk diverting this thread from the issues.

Hmmm???  I agree we can see that it's a "stepping stone", which many occupations also have outside of college.  When you has you "compare" them, it seems more like you equate Milb to College?   And in some ways and for some individuals I can see that.  But. . .

 

Those going to College are still "students" and dependent on family for support (unless they've got a full scholarship or are earning enough on their summer jobs to pay for college).  Those playing in the Milb have decided to start their "professional" life and would like to make it their life's career (not so unlike others in other professions).  When one has a "profession", one shouldn't have to depend on family or charity just to meet minimum basic living needs.  So, while there ARE similarities between College and Milb Poverty, as you suggest, it really shouldn't be so.

 

From what some other posters have said, a thought comes to mind. . . because things are the way they are and have always been done that way, does that mean we shouldn't try to bring about change make things right?

 

I think if more and more people start to talk about this and not just sit back and accept "it is what it is", then change for the better can happen.

While I think milb guys are underpaid, the obvious solution would be to eliminate some of the levels such as only one "A" team instead of high and low A, no short season and invest this money in the other players however that eliminates a lot of opportunities for alot of kids.

If there wasn't low and high A a lot of mistakes would be made. Many college kids can play A ball. The two full seasons of A ball are genuine hurdles. Getting to AA ball means they're a legitimate prospect. Without short season there wouldn't be a place for high school and college players when school ends. The amount of money saved by eliminating two levels of A ball would be minuscule. AAA players aren't at the poverty level. Long term AAA players make more money than if they quit baseball.

RJM,
+1

Here's a good read I just came accross on this topic:

 

An Inside Look into the Harsh Conditions of Minor League Baseball

The HBO series Real Sports addresses the controversy this week, including extensive interviews with one of our son's former teammates from the Newport Gulls.

Fay Vincent has what I thought were pretty remarkable comments. In effect, he says MILB is not about baseball, the players, the game or the competition.. It is only about providing an entertainment  experience for the fans, while providing playing time for those with larger bonuses.

I think he was deflecting the issue.  Said another way Vincent is saying MiLB is a business.  There are about 3 agenda's in MiLB

 

1)  Making money for the owners i.e. Fans in the park + keep pay low.

2)  Playing time for draft picks (bonus) players - development + What have we got.

3)  Currency for trades or getting players ready to help the MLB club   

 

The only reason Farm Clubs exist is that it has been proven for 100 years that a good farm system = winning at the MLB level.  If that was not true the number of minor league baseball teams would be 1/2 or less than today because MLB wouldn't spend a nickel on it if they didn't think they needed to.

The former player / now lawyer interviewed for the HBO story says he will fight the MiBL seasonal minimum wage exemption in court. That may be successful, raising pay to $1,600+ per month from $1,100 for the lowest levels. That will be the extent of improvements in their pay for this century, though.

 

Baseball is a meritocracy in theory, but there are so many uncontrollable hurdles, getting blocked, injuries, team control, they need to 40 draft rounds plus hundreds of Latin free agents every year to make it all sort of work..

Re, #1 - The minor league owners of affiliated teams don't pay player salaries. The MLB organization pays salaries.

 

When I was in college I asked a scout why there were sixty rounds to the draft. He said so the twenty prospects (I'll assume the top 20 picks) have teammates. He did add they sometimes make mistakes. But 94% of American MLBers come from the top twenty rounds. 84% come from the top ten.*

 

* read it in a baseball rag in the past few years

Wonder what would happen if Goldman, Morgan, Citi, Wells and Bank of America etc. sat around a table and divided up the crop of MBA's from the Ivies, Big 10, & other elite private and State Schools and paid them less than minimum wage and would not let them work at any other banks in the US.

 

All on the premise that maybe 3 or 5 years from now they can make the salaried ranks and earn $100k for the next 6 years and then and only then go work for who they want to and potentially earn millions.

 

Personally, I intensely dislike the entire concept of a draft as a method for determining where you must work and how much people must value their services to enter a given profession. I doubt I could ever wear a T shirt that says "Property of XXXXX" It just feels very 17th or 18th century.