Bruce Meyer Assumes Interim Leadership of the MLBPA
Bruce Meyer, who now serves as interim executive director of the MLBPA, expressed mixed feelings upon assuming the union’s most important position following Tony Clark’s resignation.Meyer, 58, was chosen as interim CEO by unanimous vote after Clark resigned following an internal investigation that revealed an inappropriate relationship with a union employee. Meyer takes over leadership at a crucial time, just weeks before the start of negotiations with the league for a new collective bargaining agreement. The current agreement expires in December. Meyer revealed that he received a call from MLB’s deputy commissioner, Dan Halem, who was friendly and courteous. He highlighted the good professional relationship between the two, despite some disagreements. The last time Meyer and Halem faced each other in negotiations, they were close to canceling regular season games. The same situation is looming, with the possible intention of MLB owners to implement a salary cap. Baseball is the only professional sport without this measure.“Obviously, I am not happy with the circumstances that led to this,” Meyer commented. “I support Tony, as we all do. Nobody expected this, and I don’t think anyone is celebrating anything at the moment, but I have been representing players in all unions for almost 40 years. I have dedicated my career to protecting and promoting the rights of players, and that is something I have always been passionate about.”
Bruce Meyer
The league believes the system needs a revision, as smaller markets cannot compete with larger ones. Both sides have arguments for achieving greater economic equity in payroll, but will they be able to reach an agreement to avoid a work stoppage? According to initial rhetoric, it is doubtful, with Meyer stating that “a lockout is practically guaranteed at the end of the agreement”. Before joining the MLBPA in 2019, Meyer worked for the NHLPA and the NFLPA. This is the first time he will lead a union, although he has been the lead negotiator for MLB since joining. When asked if he had ever considered being executive director, he replied:“We don’t believe in a system that is basically a zero-sum game that says if we pay you, we have to take that out of another player’s pocket,” Meyer explained. “That’s how the other systems work. … What happens is that the best players get paid and then everyone else gets what’s left over.”
Bruce Meyer
Meyer is considered somewhat inflexible, even urged members to vote against the agreement that was ultimately reached during the last round of negotiations. This almost cost him and Clark their positions two years ago, when a group of players sought new leadership. However, this week he obtained enough support after Clark’s departure, showing the union solidarity by unanimously electing him. Chicago Cubs representative Nico Hoerner commented:“I’m not going to say it never crossed my mind, that it would be something I’d be good at or could contribute to the players, of course,” he said. “I was operating under the assumption that Tony was going to be here for a long time, and that’s really the only thing I was thinking about, doing my job, helping others do their job and, ultimately, helping the players.”
Bruce Meyer
Meyer acknowledged that disagreements are likely to arise between players, agents, and union leaders as negotiations intensify, but he expects them to be kept internal. He rejected the idea that his concerns for the players reside primarily with those who have the highest salaries, especially those represented by agent Scott Boras.“I love that people didn’t hesitate to ask questions, but in the end we were all on the same page when it came to making a decision.”
Nico Hoerner
Meyer’s interim status will remain in effect until after a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated. After that, the players will decide if they want him to continue as CEO.“I almost don’t want to dignify it,” Meyer said. “Scott is an agent, he represents many players. He has no more influence over the functioning of the union than any other agent. And the continuing suggestions to the contrary, which I believe mostly originate in the league, are really just an attempt at division.”
Bruce Meyer
“I think the expectation is that we will get through the negotiation with the current structure. At that point, it’s entirely up to the players,” Meyer said. “If the players want to conduct a search, a broader search, if they want to have someone from within… they will have complete freedom to do so when we are done with the negotiation.”
Bruce Meyer
