Amended Complaint For Senne v. MLB March 5 2014

Case3:14-cv-00608-JCS Document19 Filed03/05/14 Page1 of 381
1 STEPHEN M. TILLERY (pro hac vice) stillery@koreintillery.com 2 GARRETT R. BROSHUIS (pro hac vice) gbroshuis@koreintillery.com 3 GIUSEPPE S. GIARDINA (pro hac vice) ggiardina@koreintillery.com 4 KOREIN TILLERY, LLC 505 North 7th Street, Suite 3600 5 St. Louis, MO 63101 Telephone: (314) 241-4844 6 Facsimile: (314) 241-3525 7 GEORGE A. ZELCS (pro hac vice) gzelcs@koreintillery.com 8 KOREIN TILLERY, LLC 205 North Michigan, Suite 1950 9 Chicago, IL 60601 Telephone: (312) 641-9750 10 BRUCE L. SIMON (Bar No. 96241) bsimon@pswlaw.com 11 THOMAS K BOARDMAN (Bar No. 276313) tboardman@pswlaw.com 12 PEARSON, SIMON & WARSHAW, LLP 13 44 Montgomery Street, Suite 2450 San Francisco, CA 94104 14 Telephone: (415) 433-9000 Facsimile: (415) 7433-9008 15 Attorneys for all Plaintiffs, individually and on 16 behalf of all those similarly situated 17 18
DANIEL L. WARSHAW (Bar No. 185365) dwarshaw@pswlaw.com BOBBY POUYA (Bar No. 245527) bpouya@pswlaw.com PEARSON, SIMON & WARSHAW, LLP 15165 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 400 Sherman Oaks, California 91403 Telephone: (818) 788-8300 Facsimile: (818) 788-8104
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION CASE NO. 3:14-cv-00608-JCS CLASS ACTION FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL AND STATE WAGE AND HOUR LAWS JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
19 AARON SENNE, MICHAEL LIBERTO, OLIVER ODLE, BRAD MCATEE, CRAIG 20 BENNIGSON, MATT LAWSON, KYLE WOODRUFF, RYAN KIEL, KYLE 21 NICHOLSON, BRAD STONE, MATT DALY, AARON MEADE, JUSTIN MURRAY, 22 JAKE KAHAULELIO, RYAN KHOURY, DUSTIN PEASE, JEFF NADEAU, JON 23 GASTON, BRANDON HENDERSON, and TIM PAHUTA, Individually and on Behalf of 24 All Those Similarly Situated, 25 26 vs. Plaintiffs,
27 OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BASEBALL, an unincorporated association 28 doing business as MAJOR LEAGUE
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COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL AND STATE WAGE AND HOUR LAWS
1 BASEBALL; ALLAN HUBER BUD SELIG; KANSAS CITY ROYALS BASEBALL CORP.; 2 MIAMI MARLINS, L.P.; SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL ASSOCIATES LLC; BOSTON 3 RED SOX BASEBALL CLUB L.P.; ANGELS BASEBALL LP; CHICAGO WHITE SOX 4 LTD.; ST. LOUIS CARDINALS, LLC; COLORADO ROCKIES BASEBALL CLUB, 5 LTD.; BASEBALL CLUB OF SEATTLE, LLP; THE CINCINNATI REDS, LLC; HOUSTON 6 BASEBALL PARTNERS LLC; ATHLETICS INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC; ROGERS 7 BLUE JAYS BASEBALL PARTNERSHIP; CLEVELAND INDIANS BASEBALL CO., 8 L.P.; CLEVELAND INDIANS BASEBALL CO., INC.; PADRES L.P.; SAN DIEGO 9 PADRES BASEBALL CLUB, L.P.; MINNESOTA TWINS, LLC; and 10 WASHINGTON NATIONALS BASEBALL CLUB, LLC; 11 Defendants. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
4 I. NATURE AND BACKGROUND OF SUIT .................................................................................1 5 II. PARTIES .......................................................................................................................................5 6 III. CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS ...........................................................................................14 7 IV. COLLECTIVE ACTION ALLEGATIONS ..............................................................................18 8 V. JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND COMMERCE ........................................................................19 9 VI. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS .....................................................................................................20 10 VII. FEDERAL WAGE AND HOUR VIOLATIONS ....................................................................52 11 VIII. STATE WAGE AND HOUR VIOLATIONS ........................................................................54 12 IX. PRAYER FOR RELIEF .............................................................................................................69 13 X. DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL ....................................................................................................72 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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I. NATURE AND BACKGROUND OF SUIT 1. The collective Defendants1 are either members of or govern the cartel known as Major
3 League Baseball (MLB). The organization traces its roots to the nineteenth century. Unfortunately 4 for many of its employees, its wage and labor practices remain stuck there. 5 2. MLBs longstanding exemption from the United States antitrust laws allows it to openly
6 collude on the working conditions for the development of its chief commodity: young baseball
2 7 players. This antitrust exemption, however, in no way provides an exemption from the federal and
8 state wage and hour laws that the Defendants routinely violate. 9 3. MLB has a long, infamous history of labor exploitation dating to its inception. To hoard
10 players and depress salaries during its early years, the cartel inserted a provision (known as the reserve 11 clause) into players contracts that allowed teams to retain the contractual rights to players for their 12 entire careers. Moreover, it quickly quashed any rival leagues, which preserved MLBs system of 13 artificially low salaries and nonexistent contractual mobility. 14 4. Players at the highest level of the game (major leaguers) eventually unionized to
15 counteract MLBs collusive power. Since negotiating sports first collective bargaining agreement in 16 1968, major leaguers have enjoyed increased contractual mobility and an explosion in salaries. For 17 instance, the most recent collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union representing major 18 leaguersthe Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA)requires Defendants to pay 19 major leaguers a minimum of $500,000 per season. 20 5. Unlike the major leaguers, players in the minor leagues (minor leaguers) have no union,
21 even though they comprise the overwhelming majority of baseball players employed by the 22 Defendants. The MLBPA does not represent the interests of minor leaguers. 23 6. Efforts to unionize minor leaguers have been unsuccessful because minor leaguers fear
24 retaliation by the seemingly omnipotent Defendants. Striving towards a lifelong dream of playing in 25 26 27 28
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The term Defendants applies to all defendants named in this Complaint. Plaintiffs Complaint does not allege violations of antitrust laws.
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1 the major leagues, minor leaguers are reluctant to upset the status quo. As one minor leaguer, Dan 2 Peltier, testified before Congress not long ago, [W]hat minor league player is going to jeopardize his
3 3 career by challenging the system?
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7. Mr. Peltier further testified: [It is] very much like the indentured servitude of the 1700s. When you first sign, you are owned by that team for basically 7 seasons. A team can buy you, sell you, send you to another country, or fire you whenever they want. They can cut you if you get hurt. A player, on the other hand, cannot try to play for someone else. He cant try out for his home team. You have to play for the team that drafted you even if they are loaded at your position.[T]his obsession with making the majors should not be a justification for the current treatment of minor league players, and I certainly hope it would not be used as an excuse to give major league and minor league owners a legal blank check.4 8. The Defendants have preyed upon minor leaguers, who are powerless to combat the
11 collusive power of the MLB cartel. MLB continues to actively and openly collude on many aspects of 12 minor leaguers working conditions, including, but not limited to, wages, contract terms, drug testing, 13 and discipline. For example, while major leaguers salaries have increased by more than 2,000 percent 14 since 1976, minor leaguers salaries have, on average, increased only 75 percent since that time. 15 Meanwhile inflation has risen by more than 400 percent over that same time period. 16 9. Through this collective exercise of power, MLB has suppressed minor leaguers wages in
17 violation of federal and state law. Most minor leaguers earn between around $3,000 and $7,500 for the 18 entire year despite routinely working over 50 hours per week (and sometimes 70 hours per week) during 19 the roughly five-month championship season. They receive no overtime pay, and instead routinely 20 receive less than minimum wage during the championship season. 21 10. Worse still, the Defendants have conspired to pay no wages at all for significant periods of
5 22 minor leaguers work. Consistent with MLBs rules, the Defendants do not pay minor leaguers their
23 salaries during spring training, even though the Defendants require minor leaguers to often work over 24 25 26 27 28
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Major League Baseball Antitrust Reform, Hearing on S. 53 Before the S. Comm. on the Judiciary, 105th Cong. 1315 (June 17, 1997) (Testimony of Dan Peltier, Former Baseball Player).
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Id. See Exhibit A, Major League Rules (MLR) Attachment 3, UPC VII.D.
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1 fifty hours per week during spring training. Similarly, the Defendants do not pay salaries during other
6 2 training periods such as instructional leagues and winter training.
11. These wage violations force many minor leaguers to live in poverty. The minor leaguers
4 sometimes cram 5 or 6 playersoccasionally with wives and childreninto a small apartment, often 5 using air mattresses or couches as beds. Other minor leaguers live in the basements of host families 6 during the season, sleeping on futons. 7 12. Recent government investigations illustrate that MLBs illegal wage and labor practices are
8 rampant. In 2013, one of the Defendants settled a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) action for 9 illegally compensating clubhouse employees. The DOL is currently conducting other investigations 10 for similar conduct across the industry. In addition to the government investigations, private litigation 11 has been instituted against MLB for wage and hour violations involving the use of unpaid employees. 12 13. According to a recent MLB memo, the DOL has stated that wage and hour violations are
7 13 endemic to [the] industry. Recognizing the effect of the Defendants centralized power on employee
14 wages, the DOL made a presentation to the Defendants at their 2013 Winter Meetings concerning the 15 Franchises possible violations of federal and state wage and hour laws. 16 14. The Defendants have been on notice that they are not exempt from federal minimum
17 wage and overtime requirements since at least 1995 and 1998, when the Sixth Circuit issued a pair of
8 18 decisions making clear that the industry is not exempt. Yet wage abuses continue, as the Defendants
19 continue to misclassify workers and willfully violate federal and state laws. 20 15. Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act9 (FLSA) in 1938 to protect workers from
21 the types of wage and labor abuses experienced by minor leaguers. As President Franklin D. 22
6 At the end of each championship season, each MLB Franchise selects around 3045 players to 23 participate in an instructional league to further hone the minor leaguers skills. The Franchises 24 generally host the instructional league at their spring training sites. It usually lasts around one month. 7 See Memorandum from Robert D. Manfred Jr. to All Presidents and Club Counsel, Sept. 12, 2013, 25 available at http://www.fairwarning.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Sept.-12memo.pdf.
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See Bridewell v. The Cincinnati Reds, 68 F.3d 136, 139 (6th Cir. 1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1172 (1996); Bridewell v. The Cincinnati Reds, 155 F.3d 828, 829 (6th Cir. 1998).
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29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.
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1 Roosevelt said prior to its passage, [The Act must] protect workers unable to protect themselves 2 from excessively low wages and excessively long hours . . . . [and] should reiterate the oft-repeated
10 3 pledge of political parties that labor is not a mere commodity.
16. As is permitted by the FLSA, many states have also passed wage and hour laws to further
11 5 these protections.
17. This suit seeks to recoup the damages sustained by minor leaguers as a result of MLBs
7 illegal wage and labor practices. It seeks to recover damages through a nationwide FLSA collective 8 action. It also seeks to recover complementary class action damages under the state laws of California 9 (where five of the Defendants are located; where an entire minor league, the California League,
12 10 operates; and where hundreds of minor leaguers work during the winter), as well as Florida, Arizona, 13 11 North Carolina, and New York.
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18. Moreover, this suit seeks to enjoin the cartel known as MLB from subjecting future minor
13 leaguers to Defendants illegal wage and labor practices. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 See Message from the President of the United States to the Congress of the United States, Nov. 15, 22 1937, at 3, 6. The Act contains a savings clause that allows states to enact more protective wage and hour laws. 29 U.S.C. 218(a). Consequently, actions may be brought simultaneously under both state and federal 24 law. See Busk v. Integrity Staffing Solutions, Inc., 713 F.3d 525, 52830 (9th Cir. 2013) (stating that both a collective action under the FLSA and a class action under state law may be brought in the same 25 action). 23 26 27 28
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All members of the cartel maintain spring training sites in Florida and Arizona and many minor league teams operate within these two states. Minor league work occurs in New York and North Carolina.
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1 2 3 1. Plaintiffs
II. PARTIES
19. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Aaron Senne is a former minor leaguer who worked in
4 the Florida Marlins organization from 2010 to 2013. Mr. Senne is a covered employee within the 5 meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Senne currently resides in 6 Rochester, Minnesota. Mr. Senne is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective, the 7 Florida Class, the North Carolina Class, and the New York Class. 8 20. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Michael Liberto is a former minor leaguer who
9 worked in the Kansas City Royals organization from 2010 to 2013. Mr. Liberto is a covered employee 10 within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Liberto currently 11 resides in The Woodlands, Texas. Mr. Liberto is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League 12 Collective and the Arizona Class. 13 21. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Oliver Odle is a former minor leaguer who worked in
14 the San Francisco Giants organization from 2007 to 2011. Mr. Odle is a covered employee within the 15 meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Odle currently resides in 16 Pryor, Oklahoma. Mr. Odle is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective, the California 17 Class, and the Arizona Class. 18 22. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Brad McAtee is a former minor leaguer who worked
19 in the Colorado Rockies organization from 2008 to 2011. Mr. McAtee is a covered employee within 20 the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. McAtee currently resides 21 in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. McAtee is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective, the 22 California Class, the New York Class, and the Arizona Class. 23 23. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Craig Bennigson is a former minor leaguer who
24 worked in the Colorado Rockies organization from 2008 to 2013. Mr. Bennigson is a covered 25 employee within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. 26 Bennigson currently resides in Benicia, California. Mr. Bennigson is a representative plaintiff for the 27 Minor League Collective, the California Class, the North Carolina Class, and the Arizona Class. 28
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24. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Matt Lawson is a minor leaguer who worked in the 5
1 Texas Rangers organization from 2007 to 2010; the Seattle Mariners organization from 2010 to 2011; 2 and the Cleveland Indians organization from 2011 to present. Mr. Lawson is a covered employee 3 within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Lawson currently 4 resides in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Lawson is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League 5 Collective and the Arizona Class. 6 25. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Kyle Woodruff is a former minor leaguer who worked
7 in the San Francisco Giants organization from 2008 to 2011. Mr. Woodruff is a covered employee 8 within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Woodruff currently 9 resides in San Jose, California. Mr. Woodruff is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League 10 Collective, the California Class, and the Arizona Class. 11 26. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Ryan Kiel is a former minor leaguer who worked in
12 the Seattle Mariners organization from 2010 to 2012 and the Cincinnati Reds organization in 2012. 13 Mr. Kiel is a covered employee within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and 14 hour laws. Mr. Kiel currently resides in Melbourne, Florida. Mr. Kiel is a representative plaintiff for 15 the Minor League Collective, the California Class, the Florida Class, and the Arizona Class. 16 27. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Kyle Nicholson is a former minor leaguer who
17 worked in the San Francisco Giants organization from 2007 to 2011. Mr. Nicholson is a covered 18 employee within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. 19 Nicholson currently resides in Benton, Louisiana. Mr. Nicholson is a representative plaintiff for the 20 California Class. 21 28. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Brad Stone is a former minor leaguer who worked in
22 the Miami Marlins organization from 2006 to 2011. Mr. Stone is a covered employee within the 23 meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Stone currently resides in St. 24 Louis, Missouri. Mr. Stone is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective and the Florida 25 Class. 26 29. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Matt Daly is a former minor leaguer who worked in
27 the Toronto BlueJays organization from 2008 to 2013. Mr. Daly is a covered employee within the 28 meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Daly currently resides in
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1 Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Daly is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective, the 2 New York Class, and the Florida Class. 3 30. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Aaron Meade is a former minor leaguer who worked
4 in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheims organization from 2010 to 2013. Mr. Meade is a covered 5 employee within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Meade 6 currently resides in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Meade is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League 7 Collective, the California Class, and the Arizona Class. 8 31. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Justin Murray is a former minor leaguer who worked
9 in the Oakland Athletics organization from 2008 to 2011. Mr. Murray is a covered employee within 10 the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Murray currently resides in 11 Manhattan, Kansas. Mr. Murray is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective, the 12 California Class, and the Arizona Class. 13 32. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Jake Kahaulelio is a former minor leaguer who worked
14 in the Cincinnati Reds organization from 2007 to 2011. Mr. Kahaulelio is a covered employee within 15 the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Kahaulelio currently 16 resides in Windsor, California. Mr. Kahaulelio is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League 17 Collective, the California Class, and the Florida Class. 18 33. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Ryan Khoury is a former minor leaguer who worked
19 in the Boston Red Sox organization from 2006 to 2011. Mr. Khoury is a covered employee within the 20 meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Khoury currently resides in 21 Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Khoury is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective, the 22 New York Class, and the Florida Class. 23 34. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Dustin Pease is a former minor leaguer who worked in
24 the San Diego Padres organization from 2011 to 2013. Mr. Pease is a covered employee within the 25 meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Pease currently resides in 26 Frederick, Maryland. Mr. Pease is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective, the 27 California Class, and the Arizona Class. 28
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35. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Jeff Nadeau is a former minor leaguer who worked in 7
1 the St. Louis Cardinals organization from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Nadeau is a covered employee within the 2 meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. Mr. Nadeau currently resides in 3 Westminster, Colorado. Mr. Nadeau is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League Collective and 4 the Florida Class. 5 36. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Jon Gaston is a former minor leaguer who worked in
6 the Houston Astros organization from 2008 to 2012 and the Chicago White Sox organization in 7 2012. Mr. Gaston is a covered employee within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state 8 wage and hour laws. Mr. Gaston currently resides in Boise, Idaho. Mr. Gaston is a representative 9 plaintiff for the Minor League Collective, the Florida Class, the New York Class, and the Arizona 10 Class. 11 37. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Brandon Henderson is a former minor leaguer who
12 worked in the Minnesota Twins organization from 2010 to 2011. Mr. Henderson is a covered 13 employee within the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. He currently 14 resides in Madera, California. Mr. Henderson is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League 15 Collective, the Florida Class, and the California Class. 16 38. Plaintiff and representative plaintiff Tim Pahuta is a former minor leaguer who worked in
17 the Washington Nationals organization from 2005 to 2012. Mr. Pahuta is a covered employee within 18 the meaning of the FLSA and the applicable state wage and hour laws. He currently resides in 19 Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Mr. Pahuta is a representative plaintiff for the Minor League 20 Collective and the Florida Class. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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2.
Defendants
39. The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, d/b/a MLB. The Office of the
3 Commissioner of Baseball, doing business as MLB, is an unincorporated association comprised of the

14 4 thirty Major League baseball clubs (the Franchises). MLB has unified operation and common
5 control over the Franchises, as well as agent corporations such as Major League Baseball Properties,
15 6 Inc. and Major League Baseball Enterprises, Inc. All do business as MLB.
40. Under the broad meaning of employ used by the FLSA and the applicable state laws,
8 MLB employed (and/or continues to employ) Plaintiffs, all similarly situated employees, and all 9 employees of the proposed classes. As described more thoroughly below, the Defendants cartel has 10 developed a unified constitution and unified rules to closely control many fundamental aspects of the 11 minor leaguers employment, including, inter alia, hiring, contracts, wages, periods of wage payment 12 and nonpayment, other working conditions, and control over the minor leaguers before, during, and 13 after the championship season. 14 41. Allan Huber Bud Selig. Since 1998, Allan Huber Bud Selig has served as the
15 Commissioner of Baseball. Mr. Selig is the former owner of an MLB Franchise. 16 42. The Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer of Major League Baseball.16 Serving in
17 this capacity, Mr. Selig has the power to, among other things, discipline players, announce rules and
17 18 procedures, and preside over meetings.
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43. Mr. Selig also has executive responsibility for labor relations,18 meaning that Mr. Selig is
20 the chief bargaining agent for the owners during negotiations with the major league union. 21 See Exhibit B, Major League Constitution (MLC), Art. II 1; see also ECF No. 25, City of San Jose, et al. v. Officer of the Commissioner of Baseball, et al., No. 13-cv-02787-RMW, at n. 2 (N.D. Cal. August 7, 23 2013). 22 These entities are not named as Defendants at this time but Plaintiffs reserve the right to name these entities as Defendants if information obtained during the course of this lawsuit connects these 25 entities to the illegal conduct alleged. 24 26 27 28
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MLC Art. II 2. MLC Art. II 2, 3. MLC Art. II 2.
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44. Since he oversees all labor matters, Mr. Selig is also assumedly the chief agent for the
2 owners when it comes to forming labor practices involving minor leaguers, and he owes a duty to the 3 owners to act in their best interest. Moreover, Mr. Selig implements, enforces, and often directs the 4 development of MLBs rules, guidelines, and policies concerning the employment of minor league 5 players. 6 45. Mr. Selig also serves as MLBs agent in numerous other areas. For instance, Mr. Selig
7 serves as the fiscal agent of the Major League Central Fund; has the power to negotiate and enter 8 into settlement agreements for nationwide broadcasting rights; can receive funds made payable to 9 the Commissioner as agent for the Clubs; and can even invest central funds on behalf of the
19 10 Defendants.
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46. The MLB owners elect the Commissioner of Baseball by a vote.20 They also pay the
21 12 Commissioners salary.
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47. Under the broad meaning of employ and employer used by the FLSA and the
14 applicable state laws, which allow a chief executive to be held jointly and severally liable, Mr. Selig 15 employed (and/or continues to employ) Plaintiffs, all similarly situated employees, and all employees 16 of the proposed classes. As described later in this complaint, Mr. Selig oversees and closely controls 17 many aspects central to the minor leaguers employment, including, inter alia, hiring, contract terms,
22 18 discipline and firing, amount of wages, on-field work rules, and when wages are to be paid.
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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MLC Art. X; see also MLR 30 (saying that all funds in the hands of the Commissioner are joint funds of the MLB Clubs). MLC Art. II 8, 9. MLC Art. II 8.
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See MLR Attachment 3, Minor League Uniform Player Contract (UPC) VI (describing the conditions of employment), VII (payment of salaries), XXIII (granting Commissioner right to suspend the contract), XXVI (requiring approval by the Commissioner for the contract to have effect); see also, e.g., Addendum C to MLR Attachment 3 (salary form requiring approval by the Commissioner); MLR 4 (giving Commissioner power to oversee the amateur draft, one of the chief avenues of hiring players); MLR 13 (giving Commissioner the power to suspend players); MLR 3(e) (requiring all contracts to be approved by the Commissioner); MLR 14 (giving Commissioner the power to accept or deny an application for retirement); MLR 15 (giving Commissioner power to place players on an Ineligible List for misconduct, or to take any other disciplinary action in the best interest (footnote continued) 10
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48. Upon information and belief, and as described more fully below, Mr. Selig also had direct
2 involvement in the formation of programs affecting working conditions for minor leaguers, such as 3 the unilateral implementation of drug testing in 2001 and HGH testing in 2010, as well as the 4 implementation of a system to suppress signing bonuses for minor leaguers entering MLBs 5 developmental system for the first time. The Commissioner also has implemented and oversees a
23 6 tobacco policy, and all minor leaguers must abide by the policy.
49. Franchise Defendants. The below named MLB franchises are defendants in this lawsuit
8 and referred to collectively as the Franchise Defendants: 9 50. Kansas City Royals. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp. (d/b/a Kansas City Royals) is an
10 MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the 11 Kansas City Royals employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, 12 and employees of the Proposed Classes. 13 51. Miami Marlins. Miami Marlins, L.P. (d/b/a Miami Marlins) is an MLB Franchise. As a
14 member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the Miami Marlins employed 15 (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and employees of the Proposed 16 Classes. The Miami Marlins were known and operated as the Florida Marlins until changing its name 17 in 2012. Plaintiffs are informed and believe that the Miami Marlins is the successor in interest to the 18 Florida Marlins franchise. 19 52. San Francisco Giants. San Francisco Baseball Associates LLC (d/b/a San Francisco
20 Giants) is an MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own 21 behalf, the San Francisco Giants employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated 22 employees, and employees of the Proposed Classes. 23 53. Boston Red Sox. Boston Red Sox Baseball Club L.P. (d/b/a Boston Red Sox) is an MLB
24 Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the Red Sox 25 26 27 28
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of baseball).
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MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.E.
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1 employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and/or employees of 2 the Proposed Classes 3 54. Toronto Blue Jays. Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership (d/b/a Toronto Blue Jays) is an
4 MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the 5 Toronto Blue Jays employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and 6 employees of the Proposed Classes. 7 55. Chicago White Sox. Chicago White Sox Ltd. (d/b/a Chicago White Sox) is an MLB
8 Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the Chicago 9 White Sox employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and 10 employees of the Proposed Classes. 11 56. Cleveland Indians. Cleveland Indians Baseball Co., L.P., and Cleveland Indians Baseball Co,
12 Inc., (d/b/a Cleveland Indians) is an MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, 13 acting jointly and on its own behalf, the Cleveland Indians employed (and/or continue to employ) 14 Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and employees of the Proposed Classes. 15 57. Houston Astros. Houston Baseball Partners LLC (d/b/a Houston Astros) is an MLB
16 Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the Houston 17 Astros employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and employees 18 of the Proposed Classes. 19 58. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Angels Baseball LP (d/b/a Los Angeles Angels of
20 Anaheim) is an MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its 21 own behalf, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, 22 similarly situated employees, and employees of the Proposed Classes. 23 59. Oakland Athletics. Athletics Investment Group, LLC (d/b/a Oakland Athletics) is an
24 MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the 25 Oakland Athletics employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and 26 employees of the Proposed Classes. 27 60. Seattle Mariners. Baseball Club of Seattle, LLP (d/b/a Seattle Mariners) is an MLB
28 Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the Seattle
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1 Mariners employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and 2 employees of the Proposed Classes. 3 61. Cincinnati Reds. The Cincinnati Reds, LLC (d/b/a Cincinnati Reds) is an MLB Franchise.
4 As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the Cincinnati Reds 5 employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and employees of the 6 Proposed Classes. 7 62. St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis Cardinals, LLC (d/b/a St. Louis Cardinals) is an MLB
8 Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the St. Louis 9 Cardinals employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and 10 employees of the Proposed Classes. 11 63. Colorado Rockies. Colorado Rockies Baseball Club, Ltd. (d/b/a Colorado Rockies) is an
12 MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the 13 Colorado Rockies employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and 14 employees of the Proposed Classes. 15 64. San Diego Padres. Padres L.P., and the San Diego Padres Baseball Club, L.P. (d/b/a San
16 Diego Padres) is an MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its 17 own behalf, the San Diego Padres employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated 18 employees, and employees of the Proposed Classes. 19 65. Minnesota Twins. Minnesota Twins, LLC (d/b/a Minnesota Twins) is an MLB Franchise.
20 As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its own behalf, the Minnesota Twins 21 employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly situated employees, and employees of the 22 Proposed Classes. 23 66. Washington Nationals. Washington Nationals Baseball Club, LLC (d/b/a Washington
24 Nationals) is an MLB Franchise. As a member of Major League Baseball, acting jointly and on its 25 own behalf, the Washington Nationals employed (and/or continue to employ) Plaintiffs, similarly 26 situated employees, and employees of the Proposed Classes. 27 28
858649.1
13
1 2
III. CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS 67. Plaintiffs bring the state law claims, Counts 3 through 22 of this action, as class actions
3 under Rule 23(a) and Rule 23(b)(3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, on behalf of themselves 4 and all others similarly situated. The classes (collectively Proposed Classes) are as follows: 5 68. California Class. For Counts 3 through 5 and 7 through 10 (violations of California wage
6 and labor laws and quantum meruit under California law), the California Class is defined as follows: all 7 minor leaguers employed by Defendants under uniform player contracts (UPC) who worked, will 8 work, and/or continue to work as minor leaguers in the state of California at any time four years 9 before the filing of this action until its resolution, but who had no service time in the major leagues at 10 the time of performing work as a minor leaguer in California. Excluded from the California Class are 11 Defendants and their officers, directors, assigns, and successors, or any individual who has, or who at 12 any time during the class period has had, a controlling interest in Defendants. Also excluded are the 13 Court and any members of the Courts immediate family, counsel for plaintiffs, as well as persons 14 who submit timely and proper requests for exclusion from the California Class. 15 69. The California Class Representatives consists of Plaintiffs Aaron Meade, Oliver Odle, Kyle
16 Woodruff, Kyle Nicholson, Brandon Henderson, Brad McAtee, Craig Bennigson, Ryan Kiel, Jake 17 Kahaulelio, Justin Murray, and Dustin Pease. 18 70. California Waiting Time Subclass. Count 6 of this complaint seeks waiting time penalties
19 under California Labor Code 203 for the withholding of wages after employment ceases. 20 Consequently, Count 6 requires a subclass within the California Class. The California Waiting Time 21 Subclass will consist of the following: all Plaintiffs and members of the California Class whose 22 employment relationship with the Defendants has already ceased, and/or ceases during the course of 23 this action. 24 71. Florida Class. For Counts 11 and 12 (violations of Floridas Minimum Wage Law and
25 quantum meruit under Florida common law), the Florida Class is defined as follows: all minor 26 leaguers employed by Defendants under UPCs who worked, will work, and/or continue to work as 27 minor leaguers in the state of Florida at any time five years before the filing of this action until its 28 resolution, but who had no service time in the major leagues at the time of performing work as a
858649.1
14
1 minor leaguer in Florida. Excluded from the Florida Class are Defendants and their officers, directors, 2 assigns, and successors, or any individual who has, or who at any time during the class period has had, 3 a controlling interest in Defendants. Also excluded are the Court and any members of the Courts 4 immediate family, counsel for plaintiffs, as well as persons who submit timely and proper requests for 5 exclusion from the Florida Class. 6 72. The Florida Class Representatives consists of Plaintiffs Ryan Khoury, Brandon
7 Henderson, Jeff Nadeau, Ryan Kiel, Jake Kahaulelio, Jon Gaston, Tim Pahuta, Matt Daly, Aaron 8 Senne, and Brad Stone. 9 73. Arizona Class. For Counts 13 to 15 (violations of Arizona wage laws and quantum meruit
10 under Arizona law), the Arizona Class is defined as follows: all minor leaguers employed by 11 Defendants under UPCs who worked, will work, and/or continue to work as minor leaguers in the 12 state of Arizona at any time three years before the filing of this action until its resolution, but who had 13 no service time in the major leagues at the time of performing work as a minor leaguer in Arizona. 14 Excluded from the Arizona Class are Defendants and their officers, directors, assigns, and successors, 15 or any individual who has, or who at any time during the class period has had, a controlling interest in 16 Defendants. Also excluded are the Court and any members of the Courts immediate family, counsel 17 for plaintiffs, as well as persons who submit timely and proper requests for exclusion from the 18 Arizona Class. 19 74. The Arizona Class Representatives consists of Plaintiffs Aaron Meade, Jon Gaston, Oliver
20 Odle, Kyle Woodruff, Brad McAtee, Craig Bennigson, Matt Lawson, Ryan Kiel, Justin Murray, Dustin 21 Pease, and Michael Liberto. 22 75. North Carolina Class. For Counts 16 to 18 (violations of North Carolinas wage laws
23 and quantum meruit under North Carolina law), the North Carolina Class is defined as follows: all 24 minor leaguers employed by Defendants under UPCs who worked, will work, and/or continue to 25 work as minor leaguers in the state of North Carolina at any time two years before the filing of this 26 action until its resolution, but who had no service time in the major leagues at the time of performing 27 work as a minor leaguer in North Carolina. Excluded from the North Carolina Class are Defendants 28 and their officers, directors, assigns, and successors, or any individual who has, or who at any time
858649.1
15
1 during the class period has had, a controlling interest in Defendants. Also excluded are the Court and 2 any members of the Courts immediate family, counsel for plaintiffs, as well as persons who submit 3 timely and proper requests for exclusion from the North Carolina Class. 4 5 76. The North Carolina Class Representatives consists of Craig Bennigson and Aaron Senne. 77. New York Class. For Counts 19 to 22 (violations of New Yorks wage laws and quantum
6 meruit under New York law), the New York Class is defined as follows: all minor leaguers employed 7 by Defendants under UPCs who worked, will work, and/or continue to work as minor league players 8 in the state of New York at any time six years before the filing of this action until its resolution, but 9 who had no service time in the major leagues at the time of performing work as a minor leaguer in 10 New York. Excluded from the New York Class are Defendants and their officers, directors, assigns, 11 and successors, or any individual who has, or who at any time during the class period has had, a 12 controlling interest in Defendants. Also excluded are the Court and any members of the Courts 13 immediate family, counsel for plaintiffs, as well as persons who submit timely and proper requests for 14 exclusion from the New York Class. 15 78. The New York Class Representatives consists of Ryan Khoury, Brad McAtee, Jon Gaston,
16 Matt Daly, and Aaron Senne. 17 79. Common characteristics of the Proposed Classes. All of the Proposed Classes share the following
18 characteristics, making them all optimal for class resolution: 19 80. Each of the Proposed Classes is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable.
20 While the exact number of Class members in each Class is unknown to Plaintiffs at this time, 21 Plaintiffs are informed and believe that several hundred (and in the case of the Florida and Arizona 22 Classes several thousand) geographically-dispersed Class members worked, will work, and continue to 23 work as minor leaguers in each of the applicable states, either during spring training, at promotional 24 events, during other training and work periods, or during championship seasons occurring within the 25 states. 26 81. Plaintiffs claims are typical of the claims of the other members of each of the Proposed
27 Classes. Plaintiffs and the members of the Proposed Classes were subject to the same or similar 28 compensation practices arising out of Defendants common course of conduct in violation of the
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1 federal and state laws as alleged herein. Plaintiffs and the Proposed Classes have sustained similar 2 types of damages as a result of these common practices. 3 82. Plaintiffs will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the members of all members of
4 the Proposed Classes because they possess the same interests and suffered the same general injuries as 5 class members. Plaintiffs have retained counsel competent and experienced in class action litigation, 6 including wage and hour class action litigation. 7 83. Common questions of law and fact exist as to all members of the Proposed Classes and
8 predominate over any questions affecting solely individual members of the Class. Among the many 9 questions of law and fact common to the Proposed Classes are: 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 (g) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
858649.1
(a)
whether Defendants set wages at a rate below the minimum wages required under the applicable laws;
(b)
whether Defendants paid and continue to pay no wages at all during certain pay periods, contrary to the requirements of applicable laws;
(c) (d)
whether any exemptions apply to the industry or to minor leaguers; whether Defendants require all minor leaguers to sign the same UPC, which controls minor leaguers pay and pay periods and enables the unlawful practices;
(e) (f)
whether all minor leaguers signed substantially the same UPC; whether Defendants willfully, or with reckless disregard, carried out their unlawful practices; the compensability of certain work periods and the appropriate method of measuring damages for the injuries sustained by Plaintiffs and other members of the Proposed Classes as a result of Defendants unlawful activities; and
(h)
Whether Defendants have acted or refused to act on grounds generally applicable to the Plaintiff Class, thereby making final injunctive or declaratory relief appropriate with respect to the Plaintiff Class as a whole.
17
84. A class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication
2 of this controversy because joinder of all members in each of the Proposed Classes is impracticable. 3 The prosecution of separate actions by individual members of the Proposed Classes would impose 4 heavy burdens on the courts and the parties, and would create a risk of inconsistent or varying 5 adjudications of the questions of law and fact common to the Class. A class action, on the other hand, 6 would achieve substantial economies of time, effort, and expense, and would assure uniformity of 7 decision as to persons similarly situated, without sacrificing procedural fairness or bringing about other 8 undesirable results. 9 85. The interest of members of each of the Proposed Classes in individually controlling the
10 prosecution of separate actions is highly limited and impractical. Each of the Proposed Classes has a 11 high degree of cohesion and prosecution of the action through representatives would be 12 unobjectionable. The amounts at stake for Class members, while substantial in the aggregate, are 13 often not great individually. As individuals, the class members would lack the resources to vigorously 14 litigate against the ample and powerful resources of the Defendants cartel. Importantly, many of the 15 Class members are current minor league players and would not bring an individual action out of fear 16 of retaliation. Lastly, Plaintiffs do not anticipate any difficulty in the management of this action as a 17 class action. 18 19 IV. COLLECTIVE ACTION ALLEGATIONS 86. Plaintiffs bring Counts I and II, the FLSA claims, on behalf of themselves and all persons
20 similarly situated since three years before the filing of this action until its resolution (the Minor 21 League Collective). 22 87. The Defendants are liable under the FLSA for, inter alia, failing to properly compensate
23 Plaintiffs and the members of the Minor League Collective. The Minor League Collective consists of 24 thousands of similarly situated individuals who have been, will be, and/or continue to be underpaid 25 during certain work periods and not paid at all during other work periods. This Collective would 26 benefit from the issuance of a court-supervised notice of the lawsuit and the opportunity to join the 27 lawsuit. 28
858649.1
88. The members of the Minor League Collective are known to Defendants, are readily 18
1 identifiable, and can be located through Defendants records. Notice should be sent to the members 2 of the Collective pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 216(b). 3 4 V. JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND COMMERCE 89. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction with respect to Plaintiffs federal claims
5 pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1337, and jurisdiction over Plaintiffs state law claims pursuant to 6 28 U.S.C. 1367 (supplemental jurisdiction). 7 90. Plaintiffs state law claims are so closely related to Plaintiffs claims under the FLSA that
8 they form part of the same case or controversy under Article III of the United States Constitution. 9 91. Additionally and/or alternatively, this Court has jurisdiction over Plaintiffs state law
10 claims under 28 U.S.C. 1332 because the amount in controversy for the Proposed Classes exceeds 11 $5,000,000 and there are members of the Proposed Classes who are citizens of a different state than 12 Defendants, as well as members of the Proposed Classes who are citizens of a foreign state. 13 92. This Court also has jurisdiction over Plaintiffs claims under the FLSA pursuant to 29
14 U.S.C. 216(b). 15 93. All Defendants are subject to personal jurisdiction in California since all Defendants
16 transact a significant amount of business in California. 17 94. Defendants conduct had a direct, substantial, and reasonably foreseeable effect on
18 interstate commerce. The Defendants host baseball games, operate baseball leagues, and transact 19 business in multiple states. The Defendants routinely use instruments of interstate commerce, such as 20 interstate railroads, highways, waterways, wires, wireless spectrum, and the U.S. mail, to carry out their 21 operations. 22 95. Venue is proper in the Northern District of California pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b) and
23 (c) because a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims occurred in this 24 District. All the Defendants transact business in the Northern District of California; two MLB 25 Franchises are located in the Northern District of California; three of the plaintiffs were employed by 26 the San Francisco Giants and worked for a significant period of time at the Giants minor league 27 affiliate in San Jose, California; and one plaintiff was employed by the Oakland Athletics. Additionally, 28 it is believed that one of MLBs officers resides within this District.
858649.1
19
96. Upon information and belief, each Franchise employs minor leaguers from California,
2 which routinely ranks as the number one provider of minor leaguers in the United States. 3 97. In the last three years, California averaged 221 draft picks per year (compared to, for
4 instance, an average of 32 per year for New York over the same time span). Since most minor 5 leaguers return home during the offseason, where they continue to work for the Franchises without 6 pay, this complaint alleges that all Defendants employ minor leaguers in the state of California in 7 violation of California law. 8 98. Moreover, five Franchises are located in California, and an entire minor league is located
9 within the state. 10 99. All causes of action asserted in this Complaint are closely related to one another and each
11 accrued under the same common set of facts and share a common nucleus of operative facts. Each 12 cause of action emanates from the same uniform contract, from the same policies and practices, as 13 applied to the same group of employees. 14 15 16 1. VI. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS The Booming Business of MLB
100. MLB is the preeminent baseball league in the world. Its games are broadcast in 233
24 17 countries and territories in 17 different languages. During the 2013 season, over 74 million fans paid
18 to attend MLB games. 19 101. In 2012, revenue for MLB and its thirty teams surpassed $7.5 billion, an increase of 257
20 percent since 1995. Annual revenue will continue to climb as new television contracts begin to
25 21 perform and is expected to reach $9 billion dollars in 2014.
22
102. Franchise values for the thirty MLB teams have grown as well. In 2012 alone, Franchise
23 values increased by 23 percent. The New York Yankees are now the most valuable sports franchise in 24 25 26
24
MLB International, MLB.com, http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/international/mlbi_index.jsp (last visited Dec. 16, 2013).
See Maury Brown, MLB Revenues $7.5B for 2012, Could Approach $9B by 2014, Biz of Baseball (Dec. 10, 2012), http://www.bizofbaseball.com/?catid=30:mlb-news&id=5769:mlb-revenues-75b-for-201227 could-approach-9b-by-2014&Itemid=42&option=com_content&view=article. 28
858649.1
25
20
1 the United States with an estimated value of $2.3 billion; the average value of the thirty Franchises
26 2 stands at $744 million each.
103. The baseball players employed by the Defendants sustain this rise in revenue, as they
4 comprise the chief product offered by MLB and its teams. Without baseball players, MLB and its 5 teams would not exist. Yet MLB and its Franchises pay most playersthe minor leaguerswages 6 that fall well below minimum wage. They also fail to pay required overtime pay, and often fail to pay 7 wages at all for work performed, allowing manyif not mostminor leaguers to fall below federal 8 poverty levels. 9 10 2. Minor Leaguers Uniform, Adhesive Contracts
104. Since the 1920s, all MLB teams have used an extensive farm system to develop players.
11 MLB teams employ a small number of major leaguers that perform in MLB stadiums at the games 12 highest level. Rules allow Franchises to only maintain 25 major leaguers on an active roster and a 13 few additional players reserved on the 40-man roster. A few more players are inevitably on the 14 major league disabled list, so each Franchise employs a little over 40 major leaguers. 15 105. But each Franchise simultaneously stockpiles around 150 to 250 minor leaguers that
16 perform at the minor league levels of baseball. It is estimated that, at any given time, the Defendants 17 collectively employ around 6,000 minor leaguers total. The Defendants employ this high number of 18 minor leaguers in their farm systems, hoping they eventually develop into major leaguers. 19 106. MLB and its thirty teams enjoy a longstanding antitrust exemption. This exemption
20 allows the Defendants to operate as a single organization when establishing rules for employing minor 21 leaguers. Moreover, the exemption significantly increases the level of bargaining power the 22 Defendants collectively exercise over the minor leaguers. 23 107. While major leaguers have formed a union that successfully combats the Defendants
24 collusive bargaining power, minor leaguers have no union. Without a union to counteract MLBs 25 26 Mike Ozanian, Baseball Team Valuations 2013: Yankees on Top at $2.3 Billion, Forbes (Mar. 27, 2013), http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2013/03/27/baseball-team-valuations-2013-yankees-on27 top-at-2-3-billion/. 28
858649.1
26
21
1 power, MLB and its teams have exploited minor leaguers by, among other things, continuing to 2 promulgate and impose oppressive rules on minor leaguers entry into the industry and on contracts, 3 salaries, and other working conditions. 4 108. The MLB teams acquire minor leaguers in one of two ways: through an amateur draft or
5 through free agency. 6 109. The amateur draft, known as MLBs Rule 4 draft,27 occurs in June of each year. The
7 genesis of the Rule 4 draft is instructive on the Commissioners involvement in developing and 8 enforcing MLBs policies on payments to major leaguers. Since at least World War II, the Defendants
28 9 have sought to suppress signing bonuses for the most talented amateur players. Various solutions
10 were proposed, but none seemed to work. 11 110. In 1965, Commissioner Ford Frick oversaw the development and implementation of
12 what is now the Rule 4 draft. By forcing amateur players to participate in the draft, MLB and its 13 Commissioner limited those players seeking to enter MLBs developmental system to only negotiating 14 with a single team. Thus, signing bonuses declined. 15 111. Upon information and belief, Bud Selig sought to further curb signing bonuses for
29 16 draftees in the late 1990s. Acting in his capacity as chief labor agent, he directed the development
17 and implementation of an informal slotting system with recommended signing bonuses for each 18 high level pick. To enforce the mechanism, Mr. Selig required a Franchises scouting director to call 19 the Commissioners office prior to exceeding the recommended slot level. This requirement of 20 approval is an outgrowth of MLBs rules, which require all minor league contracts to be filed with and
30 21 approved by Mr. Selig.
22 23 24
27 28
MLR 4.
MLB teams offer large signing bonuses to the most talented amateur players as an incentive to forego college. Only the very top amateurs, however, receive large signing bonuses. The majority of 25 amateurs signed through the draft receive quite small signing bonuses, usually around $2500. 26
29
MLC Art. II 2.
30 See MLR 3(e) (requiring all contracts to be approved by the Commissioner); MLR Attachment 3, 27 UPC XXVI (requiring approval by the Commissioner for the contract to have effect).
28
858649.1
22
112. Not satisfied with an informal slotting system, Mr. Selig sought the implementation of a
2 more formal, mandatory slotting system. At his direction, a new, stricter system was instituted in 2012. 3 The current system places limits on the amounts Franchises can spend on signing bonuses. 4 113. MLBs current Rule 4 draft, as developed and enforced by the Commissioner, requires all
5 amateur players from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico to participate in the draft in order to
31 6 sign with an MLB team. Beginning with the worst MLB team from the previous season, teams select
7 previously amateur players over the course of forty rounds. 8 114. Players selected in the Rule 4 draft are between the ages of 18 and 22 (with the exception
9 of a few players who are 23). Once selected by a Franchise, a player cannot bargain with any other
32 10 Franchise, as MLBs rules grant the drafting Franchise exclusive rights to the player.
11
115. While some highly talented players retain agents (or advisors) to assist them with
12 negotiations, the National Collegiate Athletic Associationthe governing body for college baseball 13 players and prospective college baseball playersprohibits amateur athletes from employing agents or
33 14 attorneys during contract negotiations. MLB teams have even cooperated with the NCAA to enforce
15 the rule, with suspensions resulting. 16 116. Moreover, the less talented amateurs, who receive small signing bonuses, offer little
17 incentive for agents to represent them. Also, the Defendants scouts often discourage the use of 18 attorneys/agents. Thus, manyand likely mostminor leaguers are unrepresented when drafted and 19 initially signing UPCs. 20 117. In addition to the draft, teams acquire previously amateur Latin American players
21 through free agency. The Dominican Republic, followed by Venezuela, produces the most Latin 22 23 24 25
31 32 33
MLR 4(a). MLR 4(e).
See 20122013 NCAA Division I Manual, Article 12 Amateurism, at 68, available at http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/bc/genrel/auto_pdf/201226 13/misc_non_event/12_13_NCAA_Manual.pdf (A lawyer may not be present during discussions of 27 a contract offer with a professional organization or have any direct contactwith a professional sports organization on behalf of the individual.). 28
858649.1
23
1 American players. MLB rules allow the Franchises to sign the players as early as age sixteen, so most
34 2 Latinos are either sixteen or seventeen when signing with a Franchise.
118. Most Latino minor leaguers come from poor families and have only the equivalent of an
4 eighth grade education. Before signing, many are only represented by similarly-educated 5 busconesusually former players who maintain training facilities for young amateur players. Some 6 of the Franchises scouts have been reprimanded in recent years for participating in bribes and
35 7 kickback schemes with the buscones, and the FBI has even investigated the exploitative practices.
8 These Latino signees comprise over forty percent of minor leaguers. 9 119. Similar to the slotting system, Mr. Selig also personally oversaw the development of
10 bonus pools for Latino players in an effort to curtail Latino signing bonuses. Instituted in 2012, Mr. 11 Seligs plan allows each Franchise a certain amount to spend on signing bonuses for Latino players. 12 120. Teams also sign additional players from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico who
36 13 were not drafted in the Rule 4 draft. MLB rules place limits on when such free agent acquisitions can
14 occur. Since they were not selected in the draft, they are viewed as less skilled amateur players and, 15 even as free agents, have no bargaining power. 16 121. MLB operates a scouting service known as the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau
17 that evaluates amateur players on the behalf of all the Defendants. MLB owners created the 18 centralized service in 1974, and it operates under the umbrella of the Office of the Commissioner. 19 The Scouting Bureau routinely hosts tryouts for amateur players seeking to enter the industry, and its 20 scouts attend amateur games throughout the entire country and in Latin America to develop reports 21 on amateur players. The Scouting Bureau additionally requests that amateur players fill out 22 informational cards and, sometimes, psychological tests. All the Franchises have access to these 23 evaluations, and it is believed that they use them when making draft and free agent acquisitions. 24 25 26 27 28
858649.1
34 35
See MLR 3(a).
See Jorge L. Ortiz, Exploitation, steroids hitting home in Dominican Republic, USA Today (Mar. 26, 2009), http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2009-03-26-dominican-republic-cover_N.htm. MLR 4(i).
36
24
122. MLB rules, as implemented and enforced by the Defendants and the Commissioner,
2 require all teams to use the same uniform player contract (UPC) when signing these previously 3 amateur players. MLR 3(b)(2) states: 4 5 6 7 8 9 To preserve morale among Minor League players and to produce the similarity of conditions necessary for keen competition, all contractsshall be in the form of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract that is appended to these Rules as Attachment 3. All Minor League Uniform Player Contracts between either a Major or a Minor League Club and a player who has not previously signed a contract with a Major or Minor League Club shall be for a term of seven Minor League playing seasons.The minimum salary in each season covered by a Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be the minimum amount established from time to time by the Major League Clubs. 123. Moreover, [a]ll contracts shall be in duplicate, and [a]llmust be filed with the
37 10 Commissionerfor approval. No contract can vary any term without the approval of the 38 11 Commissioner. A minor leaguer cannot work for an MLB team without signing the UPC because a
12 players refusal to sign a formal contract shall disqualify the player from playing with the contracting
39 13 Club or entering the service of any Major or Minor League Club.
14
124. Thus, the UPC grants the MLB team the exclusive rights to the minor leaguer for seven
40 15 championship seasons (about seven years). During that time period, the MLB team may assign the
16 minor leaguers rights to any other team, and the MLB team may terminate the agreement at any time
41 17 for almost any reason.
18
125. But the minor leaguer cannot leave voluntarily to play for another baseball teameven
42 19 outside of MLB, and even outside of the United States. A player doing so shall be subject to the 43 20 discipline of the Commissioner. Retirement from baseball during the seven-year term even requires
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
858649.1
37 38 39 40 41 42 43
MLR 3(b)(3); see also MLR 3(b)(4) (saying that a player cannot play until the UPC is signed). MLR 3(b)(3). MLR 3(d). MLR 3(b)(2); MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.A. MLR 9; MLR Attachment 3, UPC XVIII. MLR 18; MLR Attachment 3, UPC XVI. MLR 18.
25
44 1 the Commissioners approval. Thus, minor leaguers possess very little (and one-sided) contractual
2 mobility. 3 126. The one-sided mobility often traps a player in the minor leagues of a single organization.
4 A minor leaguer selected in the amateur draft can only sign with the MLB team that drafted him. For 5 the next seven years, the MLB team controls the minor leaguers rights. By the expiration of the 6 contract, much of the value of the minor leaguer as a young prospect has expired because the player 7 has aged. 8 127. The MLB cartel uses a vertically integrated system of development for these minor
9 leaguers. Players begin at the lowest levels of MLBs developmental system, levels known as Rookie 10 and Short-Season A. Ideally they then advance to higher levels: Class-A, Advanced Class-A, Double11 A, and Triple-A (one step from the major leagues). Each level acts as a funnel, though, with many 12 minor leaguers never advancing past Class-A, and the vast majority never reaching the major leagues. 13 128. Since the signing of a 1962 Player Development Plan, MLB requires MLB Franchises to
14 maintain a certain number of minor league teams. Commissioner Frick oversaw this requirement, 15 even testifying before Congress about the need for maintaining a high number of minor league teams. 16 Currently, all MLB teams have minor league teams at all the levels of the minor leagues, with most 17 having either seven or eight minor league teams. 18 129. Often the MLB Franchises do not operate the minor league stadium but instead sign
19 agreements with owners of minor league teams. These agreements are known as Player Development 20 Contracts (PDC), and the teams are affiliates of the MLB Franchises. 21 130. MLB rules make clear that MLB and its Franchises remain the employers of minor
22 leaguers at all times when using PDCs. MLR 56(g) states: 23 24 25 26 27 28

858649.1
44
The players so provided shall be under contract exclusively to the Major League Club and reserved only to the Major League Club. The Minor League Club shall respect, be bound by, abide by and not interfere with all contracts between the Major League Club and the players that it has provided to the Minor League Club. 131. Moreover, MLB requires the MLB Franchise to pay the salaries of the minor league
MLR 14.
26
45 1 players at all times and allows the MLB Franchise the ability to control assignments.
132. MLBs rules also mandate that the Franchises select and employ and compensate and
3 provide benefits for the minor league managers, coaches, instructors and trainers at all times
46 4 during a PDC agreement. These coaches and instructors, directed by MLB and MLBs Franchises
5 and working under MLBs rules, oversee the daily work of the players. The MLB Franchise 6 consequently makes all decisions related to player development, including selecting the coaching staff
47 7 and deciding which players to assign to the team.
133. The minor league party to the PDC, on the other hand, has little control over players.
9 MLR 56(g) merely requires the minor league party to furnish uniforms, share in the cost of bats and 10 balls, and maintain the minor league stadium. 11 3. 12 The Illegal Minor League Salaries 134. Since minor leaguers do not belong to a union, nothing has prevented the Defendants
13 from artificially and illegally depressing minor league wages. Indeed, MLBs exemption from antitrust 14 laws has only made it easier. Given that MLB carefully controls the entryway into the highest levels of 15 baseball, and given the young minor leaguers strong desire to enter the industry, MLB and the 16 Defendants have exploited minor leaguers by paying salaries below minimum wage, by not paying 17 overtime wages, and by often paying no wages at all. 18 135. Plaintiffs are informed and believe that MLB and the Commissioner issue minor league
19 salary guidelines for players signed to an initial UPC, and teams deviate very little from these 20 guidelines. After all, MLR 3(c) requires that all first-year minor leaguers earn the amount established
48 21 by MLB. It is currently believed that all first-year minor leaguers employed by the Defendants must
22 earn $1,100 per month. 23 24 25

45 46
MLR 56(g). MLR 56(g).
47 MiLB.com Frequently Asked Questions, MiLB.com, http://www.milb.com/milb/info/faq.jsp?mc 26 =business#3 (last visited Dec. 17, 2013).
27 28
48
As the 2013 Miami Marlins Minor League Player Guide states, all first-year players receive $1,100 per month regardless of playing level per the terms of the [UPC].
858649.1
27
136. Salaries beyond the first year are very similar across all Franchises. It is believed that
2 discussions regarding minor league salaries (and other working conditions concerning minor leaguers) 3 occur when MLB hosts its quarterly owner meetings that all Defendants attend. 4 137. While salary guidelines are not publicly available, the Plaintiffs are informed and believe,
5 based on the salaries paid by the Defendants across the minor leagues, that MLB currently 6 recommends the following salaries, paid only during the championship season: 7 8 9 10 11 $1,100 per month for Rookie and Short-Season A; $1,250 per month for Class-A; $1,500 per month for Class-AA; and $2,150 for Class-AAA.
138. Beyond the first year, the UPC required by MLB, and enforced by Mr. Selig, purports to
12 allow salary negotiation by the minor leaguer, as the UPC states that salaries will be set out in an
49 13 addendum to the UPC and subject to negotiation. But the same UPC provision states that if the
14 Franchise and minor leaguer do not agree on salary terms, the Franchise may unilaterally set the salary
50 15 and the minor leaguer must agree to it.
16
139. In truth, then, the UPCand Mr. Selig as enforcerdoes not allow for minor league
17 salary negotiations. It is believed that the Franchises simply follow MLBs salary guidelines, and the 18 minor leaguers must accept them. As the 2013 Miami Marlins Minor League Player Guide states, 19 This salary structure will be strictly adhered to; therefore, once a salary figure has been established 20 and sent to you, there will be NO negotiations. 21 140. MLB also centrally controls when and how minor leaguers are paid. During the
22 championship season, the Franchises must pay minor leaguers in two (2) semi-monthly installments
51 23 on the 15th day and last day of the month.
24 25
49
141. The UPC required by MLB, and enforced by Mr. Selig, further states that salaries are only MLR Attachment 3, UPC VII.A. MLR Attachment 3, UPC VII.A. MLR Attachment 3, UPC VII.B.
26 27 28
50 51
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28
1 to be paid during the championship season, which, for most players, lasts about five months out of
52 2 the year. Due to the funneling that occurs at each level, significantly more minor leaguers perform at
3 the lower levels of the minor leagues than at the upper two levels of the minor leagues (Class-AA and 4 Class-AAA), so Plaintiffs believe that most minor leaguers earn less than $7,500 per calendar year. 5 Some earn $3,000 or less. Despite only being compensated during the championship season, MLBs 6 UPC obligates Player to perform professional services on a calendar year basis, regardless of the fact
53 7 that salary payments are to be made only during the actual championship playing season. Consistent
8 with that obligation, the UPC states that Player therefore understands and agrees that Players duties 9 and obligations under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract continue in full force throughout 10 the calendar year. 11 142. MLBs UPC, and the Defendants application of the UPC, requires the minor leaguer to
54 12 participate in spring training. Again, the UPC does not allow for salaries during this period since
13 spring training falls outside the championship season, so minor leaguers work without earning a 14 paycheck. The spring training season usually lasts around one month, during the month of March, but 15 it sometimes lasts longer. 16 143. Around 3050 minor leaguers per MLB Franchise do not earn a roster spot on a minor
17 league team at the end of spring; they instead remain at the Franchises spring training site in 18 extended spring training. Since they are not participating in a championship season, MLBs UPC
55 19 again does not require salaries to be paid. Upon information and belief, many of these players will
20 not earn paychecks until the end of June, when the Rookie and Short-Season A leagues begin. Thus, 21 many minor leaguers are not paid for work performed during March, April, May, and most of June. 22 23 MLR Attachment 3, UPC VII.B. (Obligation to make such payments to Player shall start with the beginning of Clubs championship playing season[and] end with the termination of Clubs 25 championship playing season.). 53 MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.B. 26 54 See MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.B. (saying that the UPC applies to the Clubs training season). 27 55 MLR Attachment 3, UPC VII.B. 28 24
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52
144. At the end of the championship season, around 3045 minor leaguers per MLB
29
1 Franchise are also selected to participate in an instructional league to further hone their skills. Again, 2 MLBs UPCas approved and enforced by Mr. Seligrequires minor leaguers to perform this work 3 without pay since it is outside the championship season, so the minor leaguers receive no paychecks
56 4 during the instructional league. The instructional leagues usually last around one month.
145. MLBs UPC also requires minor leaguers to maintain first-class conditioning
57 6 throughout the calendar year because the players physical condition is important tothe success 58 7 of the Club. Consequently, a Club may require Player to maintain Players playing condition and
8 weight during the off-season and to report for practice and condition at such times and places as Club
59 9 may determine. If the player fails to meet these requirements, the Club may impose a reasonable 60 10 fine upon Player.
11
146. Carrying out this provision of MLBs UPC, the Defendants therefore require players to
12 perform extensive training and conditioning during the winter off-season. It is believed that all 13 Franchises direct the winter work by issuing training packets to all the players. Many, and perhaps all, 14 Franchises monitor workouts and punish players for not performing off-season workouts. Per MLBs 15 required UPC, as approved by Mr. Selig, minor leaguers receive no wages during this training period
61 16 because it is outside the championship season.
17
147. In sum, the Defendants, as directed by Mr. Selig, pay illegally low wages during the
18 championship season, no overtime wages, and no wages for work performed outside the 19 championship season. As demonstrated below, the cartel requires players to work very long hours, 20 further demonstrating the illegality of the wage scheme. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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56 57 58 59 60 61
MLR Attachment 3, UPC VII.B. MLR Attachment 3, UPC XII. MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.D. MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.D. MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.D. See MLR Attachment 3, UPC VII.B.
30
1 2
4.
The Long Hours Worked By Minor Leaguers
148. During the roughly five-month championship season, minor league teams play games
3 either six or seven days per week. The minor leaguer enjoys a day off on average only once every 23 4 weeks. 5 149. For Monday through Saturday games, minor leaguers must participate in mandatory
6 pregame activities: stretching, batting practice, fielding practice, throwing, conditioning, etc. With 7 games averaging around three hours in length, minor leaguers usually work around eight mandatory 8 hours at the stadium on these days. For Sunday workdays, players also perform significant amounts of 9 work. 10 150. In a seven-day workweekwhich is typicalthe minor leaguer consequently works well
11 in excess of forty hours at the stadium. If the minor leaguer enjoys a rare off day during a week, the 12 minor leaguer still works in excess of forty hours per week at the stadium during the altered six-day 13 workweek. 14 151. As part of the maintenance of first-class conditioning required by MLBs UPC, players
15 must also regularly perform strength and conditioning workouts during the season. These workouts 16 are devised and supervised by strength coaches employed by MLBs Franchises. The required 17 workouts thus add additional compensable time onto the minor leaguers work schedule. 18 152. Additionally, minor leaguers are required to perform protracted travel, usually by a team
19 bus. Half of the games are played away from home, and the usual road trip often entails a handful of 20 bus rides each lasting several hours. 21 153. The minor leaguer arrives to the home stadium before beginning the trip; packs
22 belongings, bats, uniforms, gloves, and other things; loads the bus with these belongings and other 23 items required by the team on the trip; and then proceeds on the trip. The minor leaguer performs a 24 similar process prior to beginning each trip and reverses the process upon returning to the home 25 stadium from the trip. 26 154. This required team travel adds considerable amounts of work onto the players workweek
27 when on the road. 28

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155. Consequently, when strength and conditioning work and required travel work are added 31
1 onto the workweek, minor leaguers often work over 6070 hours per week during the season in 2 Plaintiffs experience. 3 156. As stated above, minor leaguers also perform extensive work outside the championship
4 season for which they earn no salary. 5 157. Spring training usually lasts four weeks or more. Minor leaguers normally work seven
6 days a week, as minor leaguers do not enjoy a day off during the spring training period unless rain 7 renders the baseball fields unplayable. 8 158. Minor leaguers perform considerable amounts of work during spring training,
9 sometimesand perhaps usuallyexceeding forty hour workweeks. Again, MLBs UPC does not
62 10 allow players to earn salaries during this time, much less overtime wages.
11
159. The 3045 minor leaguers selected for instructional leagues perform a work schedule
12 similar to that performed during spring training. A similar number of players often also attend a pre13 spring training minicamp that involves similar work hours. And again, the minor leaguer earns no 14 salary for this work. 15 160. During the winter months of the off-season, minor leaguers work a few hours per day
16 performing required training. This work is performed 46 days per week, depending on the month, 17 and results in considerable unpaid hours. This training is not only required by the Franchises but also
63 18 required by MLBs UPC.
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
62
5.
The Careers of the Class Representatives: Aaron Senne, Michael Liberto, and Oliver Odle 5.1 Aaron Senne
161. In June of 2010, Aaron Senne was drafted by the Florida Marlins (now the Miami Marlins) in the tenth round of MLBs 2010 Rule 4 draft. 162. Less than a week later, Mr. Senne agreed to terms without seeing a written contract. On
26 27 28
See MLR Attachment 3, UPC VII.B. See MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.D., XXII.
63
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32
1 or around June 15, he traveled to Jupiter, Florida, site of the Marlins training facilities. Once there, he 2 underwent a physical, took a drug test, and signed a contract. 3 163. The contract was a UPC, as required by MLB, but the Marlins did not point out or
4 explain the provisions of the contract. Mr. Senne was unrepresented throughout the process. 5 164. Mr. Senne received $25,000 as a one-time bonus for signing his seven-year contract. He
6 also received two semesters in a college scholarship fund as an incentive for signing. 7 165. The Marlins sent Mr. Senne to Jamestown, New York, site of the Marlins Short-Season
8 A team (the Jamestown Jammers), where he played for the rest of the 2010 championship season. 9 166. Mr. Senne worked at the Marlins spring training site in Jupiter for the entire 2011 season.
10 In 2012, he worked the entire championship season in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 2013, he 11 worked in Jupiter. 12 167. Consistent with MLBs guidelines, the Marlins paid Mr. Senne around $1,100 per month
13 for his work in Jamestown. Thus, for the entire championship season in 2010, Mr. Senne believes he 14 earned about $3,000. Similarly, Mr. Senne believes he earned slightly in excess of $3,000 in 2011; 15 around $7,000 in 2012; and around $3,000 in 2013. Thus, the Marlins failed to meet minimum wage 16 standards. 17 168. Throughout each of these championship seasons, Mr. Senne routinely worked in excess
18 of forty hours per week but received no overtime pay. 19 169. Like all minor leaguers, Mr. Senne remained property of the Franchise (the Marlins)
20 throughout each of these championship seasons and throughout the contract, and, consistent with 21 MLB rules, the Franchises coaching staff and front office made all work-related decisions no matter
64 22 where Mr. Senne worked throughout the year.
23
170. After each season ended, the Marlins allowed Mr. Senne to travel to his home. A short
24 time later, he began conditioning in order to maintain the first-class conditioning required by his UPC. 25 The Marlins provided a training packet for each winter off-season period. 26 27 28
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See MLR 56(g).
33
171. As stipulated in MLBs required UPC, Mr. Senne was not paid at all for this winter work,
2 even though the Marlins required it to be performed. 3 172. Before each championship season, Mr. Senne worked at the Marlins spring training site.
4 The Marlins directed and required all of the work Mr. Senne performed during spring, and Mr. Senne 5 often exceeded forty hours of work per week. 6 7 work. 8 174. Mr. Senne retired from the game of baseball around June 11, 2013. Per MLBs UPC, it is 173. Consistent with MLBs required UPC, Mr. Senne received no paycheck during this spring
65 9 believed that Mr. Selig approved his retirement. Also per MLBs UPC, he cannot play for another
10 baseball organization, foreign or domesticor even play another recreational sportuntil the
66 11 expiration of his contract, even though he has retired.
12
175. To summarize, Mr. Senne, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
13 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 14 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 15 16 5.2 Michael Liberto 176. Like Mr. Senne, Mr. Liberto was selected in the June, 2010 Rule 4 draft. The Kansas City
17 Royals selected him in the twenty-first round. 18 177. Immediately after being drafted, an employee of the Royals contacted Mr. Liberto. He
19 said he would quickly bring a contract to Mr. Liberto and that Mr. Liberto would receive a one-time 20 $1,000 signing bonus for signing his seven-year UPC. 21 178. A short time later, the Royals employee arrived at Mr. Libertos house and did not allow
22 any negotiations to occur. He presented a contract, which was a UPC as required by MLBs rules. The 23 employee did not explain any provisions of the contract other than the incentive bonus plan, and 24 instead merely instructed Mr. Liberto where to sign. Mr. Liberto was unrepresented during the 25 26 27 28
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65 66
See MLR 14. See MLR Attachment 3, UPC XVI.
34
1 process, which took only a few minutes. 2 179. Mr. Liberto then traveled to Surprise, Arizona, site of the Royals training camp. He
3 underwent a physical and drug test, and he participated in a minicamp. 4 180. At the conclusion of minicamp, Mr. Liberto remained in Surprise for the beginning of
5 the Rookie ball season. Around July 20 of 2010, the Royals moved Mr. Liberto to Burlington, Iowa, 6 site of their Single-A affiliate. In mid-August of 2010, the Royals moved Mr. Liberto to Burlington, 7 North Carolina, site of one of its Short-Season A teams. The Burlington season ended in early 8 September, and the Royals allowed Mr. Liberto to travel home. The day Mr. Liberto arrived home, the 9 Royals called Mr. Liberto and asked him to work at Idaho Falls, Idaho, site of the Royals other Short10 Season A team. Mr. Liberto left the next day and worked in Idaho Falls until the season ended around 11 September 9. 12 181. During the 2011 championship season, Mr. Liberto split time between extended spring
13 training in Arizona; Kane County (in Illinois, home of the Royals Class-A affiliate); Idaho Falls; and 14 Wilmington, Delaware (site of the Royals Advanced Class-A affiliate). For the 2012 championship 15 season, Mr. Liberto split time between Wilmington and Northwest Arkansas (site of the Royals 16 Double-A affiliate). The Royals released Mr. Liberto around the end of the 2013 spring training. 17 182. Similar to Mr. Senne, and consistent with what are believed to be MLBs guidelines, Mr.
18 Liberto received $1,100 per month during his first championship season. He believes he received 19 around $3,000 total in 2010, and believes he earned no more than around $7,500 total during 20 subsequent championship seasons. Thus, he received below the minimum wage. 21 183. Like Mr. Senne and all similarly-situated minor leaguers, Mr. Liberto routinely worked in
22 excess of forty hours per week but received no overtime pay throughout these championship seasons. 23 184. After each season ended, the Royals allowed Mr. Liberto to travel to his home. A short
24 time later, he began conditioning in order to maintain the first-class conditioning required by his UPC. 25 The Royals provided a training packet for this winter off-season work. 26 185. As stipulated in MLBs required UPC, Mr. Liberto was not paid at all for this work, even
27 though the Royals required it to be performed. 28

858649.1
186. Before each championship season, Mr. Liberto worked at the Royals spring training site. 35
1 The Royals directed and required all of the work Mr. Liberto performed during spring, and Mr. 2 Liberto often exceeded forty hours of work per week. 3 4 work. 5 188. To summarize, Mr. Liberto, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB, 187. Consistent with MLBs required UPC, Mr. Liberto received no paycheck for this spring
6 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime pay despite 7 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay at all. 8 9 5.3 Oliver Odle
189. Around June 5, 2007, Oliver Odle was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 22nd
10 round of the 2007 Rule 4 draft. 11 190. Shortly after selecting Mr. Odle, a Giants employee called Mr. Odle and asked him if he
12 could quickly sign a contract and fly to the Giants spring training complex the next day. 13 191. The Giants arranged for Mr. Odle to arrive to their spring complex in Scottsdale,
14 Arizona, on or around June 11. Before arriving, Mr. Odle had not seen a contract and the Giants did 15 not permit any negotiations to occur. 16 192. A Giants employee quickly instructed Mr. Odle to sign his contract, which, as required by
17 MLBs rules, was a UPC. The employee did not explain any provisions other than the signing bonus 18 and incentive bonus schedule. Mr. Odle signed the contract and received a one-time signing bonus of 19 $2,500 for signing the seven-year contract. Like Mr. Senne and Mr. Liberto, he was unrepresented 20 throughout the contractual process. 21 193. Mr. Odle worked at the Giants Rookie-Level Arizona League team for most of the 2007
22 championship season, though the Giants also required him to work in Salem, Oregon (site of their 23 Short-Season A team) for a brief time. 24 194. The Giants required Mr. Odle to work the entire 2008 season in Augusta, Georgia, site of
25 its Class-A affiliate. Mr. Odle spent most of the 2009 and 2010 season working in San Jose, California 26 (site of the Giants Advanced Class-A team), though he spent very brief periods working for the 27 Giants team in Fresno, California. Mr. Odle was released during the 2011 spring training. 28
858649.1
195. Consistent with all first-year minor leaguersincluding Mr. Senne and Mr. LibertoMr. 36
1 Odle believes he received around $1,100 per month during the first championship season. He believes 2 the Giants paid him between around $3,000 and around $7,500 total per championship season. Thus, 3 the Giants failed to meet minimum wage standards. 4 196. Throughout these championship seasons, Mr. Odle routinely worked in excess of forty
5 hours per week but received no overtime pay. 6 197. After each season ended, the Giants allowed Mr. Odle to travel to his home. A short
7 time later, he began conditioning in order to maintain the first-class conditioning required by his UPC. 8 The Giants provided a training packet for this winter off-season period. 9 198. As stipulated in MLBs required UPC, Mr. Odle was not paid at all for this work, even
10 though the Giants required it to be performed. 11 199. Before each championship season, Mr. Odle worked at the Giants spring training site.
12 The Giants directed and required all of the work Mr. Odle performed during spring, and Mr. Odle 13 often exceeded forty hours of work per week. 14 200. Consistent with MLBs required UPC, Mr. Odle did not receive a paycheck for this
15 spring work. 16 201. To summarize, Mr. Odle, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
17 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 18 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 19 20 5.4 Brad McAtee
202. In June of 2008, the Colorado Rockies drafted Brad McAtee in the 45th round of the
21 Rule 4 draft. He quickly signed a UPC a few days later, and the Rockies only pointed out a couple of 22 the UPCs provisions to himfocusing on the salary provisions. 23 203. Mr. McAtee played the 2008, 2009, and 2010 seasons at the Rockies short-season team
24 in Pasco, Washington. He also spent significant portions of time working at extended spring training 25 at the Rockies site in Arizona. During the season, Mr. McAtee believes he routinely worked more 26 than 50 hours per week. 27 28
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37
204. Mr. McAtee went to at least one instructional league and several spring trainings at the
2 Rockies site in Arizona. He did not earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full 3 workdays, 7 days per week. 4 205. Mr. McAtee spent much of his off-seasons in California, though he also spent some time
5 in New York. The Rockies provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off6 season training without being paid. 7 206. Mr. McAtee was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around
8 $1,100 per month. He believes he earned around $3,000 in salary during his first year, and believes he 9 never earned more than around $6,000 in salary during any year that he played. He was released in 10 June of 2011. 11 207. To summarize, Mr. McAtee, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
12 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 13 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 14 15 5.5 Craig Bennigson
208. Also in June of 2008, the Colorado Rockies drafted Craig Bennigson in the 9th round of
16 the Rule 4 draft. A few days later he signed a UPC. The Rockies only pointed out the salary provisions 17 of the UPC to him. 18 209. Mr. Bennigson worked the 2008 season at the Rockies short-season team in Casper,
19 Wyoming; the 2009 season at extended spring training and at Pasco, Washington; the 2010 season at 20 extended spring training, Pasco, Washington, and Tulsa, Oklahoma; the 2011 season at Asheville, 21 North Carolina and Pasco, Washington; and the 2012 season at Asheville and Modesto, California. 22 During the season, Mr. Bennigson believes he routinely worked more than 50 hours per week. 23 210. Mr. Bennigson worked several spring trainings at the Rockies site in Arizona. He did not
24 earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 25 211. Mr. Bennigson performed work for the Rockies during the off-seasons, mostly in the Bay
26 Area. The Rockies provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season 27 work without being paid. 28
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38
212. Mr. Bennigson was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around
2 $1,100 per month. He believes he earned around $3,000 in salary during his first year, and believes he 3 never earned more than around $7,500 in salary during any year that he worked. 4 213. Because of these salaries, Mr. Bennigson often either stayed with host families or with
5 many players crammed into a small apartment during the season. At times he lived with five players in 6 a two-bedroom apartment, sleeping on an air mattress. 7 8 214. He was released on March 28, 2013. 215. To summarize, Mr. Bennigson, like all Class Members working under the direction of
9 MLB, the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime 10 despite routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 11 12 5.6 Matt Lawson
216. The Texas Rangers drafted Matt Lawson in the 14th round of the 2007 Rule 4 draft. A
13 few days later he signed a UPC without the help of an agent or attorney. The Rangers only pointed 14 out a couple of the UPCs provisions to him. 15 217. Mr. Lawson worked the 2007 season at the Rangers short-season team in Spokane,
16 Washington; the 2008 season at Clinton, Iowa; the 2009 season at Bakersfield, California; and part of 17 the 2010 season at Frisco, Texas. 18 218. In July of 2010, the Rangers traded Mr. Lawson to the Seattle Mariners. He finished the
19 season working at the Mariners affiliated in West Tennessee. 20 219. In March of 2011, the Mariners traded Mr. Lawson to the Cleveland Indians. He worked
21 the 2011 and 2012 seasons at the Indians affiliate in Akron, Ohio. He worked the 2013 season in 22 Akron and Columbus, Ohio. 23 220. Whether working for the Rangers, Mariners, or Indians, Mr. Lawson worked the same
24 hours and believes he routinely worked well in excess of 50 hours per week during the seasons. 25 221. Mr. Lawson worked several spring trainings at the Rangers site in Arizona. He also
26 worked at the Indians spring training site in Arizona during the springs of 2011, 2012, and 2013. 27 While working for either team, he did not earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked 28 full workdays, 7 days per week.
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39
222. During the off-seasons, Mr. Lawson performed work for the Franchises, mostly in
2 Springfield, Missouri. He believes each of his employer Franchises provided an off-season training 3 manual, and each off-season he performed significant work without being paid. 4 223. No matter the Franchise, Mr. Lawson was only paid his salary during the season, and his
5 salary began at around $1,100 per month. He believes his pay did not change when he changed teams. 6 He believes he earned around $3,000 in salary during his first year, and believes he never earned more 7 than around $11,000 in salary during any year that he worked. 8 224. Because of these salaries, Mr. Lawson often either stayed with host families or with many
9 guys crammed into a small apartment during the season. At one point he stayed with six guys in a 10 small apartment and slept on an air mattress. 11 12 225. Mr. Lawson is still under contract with the Indians. 226. To summarize, Mr. Lawson, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
13 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 14 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 15 16 5.7 Kyle Woodruff
227. In June of 2008, the San Francisco Giants drafted Kyle Woodruff in the 27th round of
17 the Rule 4 draft. A few days later he signed a UPC. No agent or attorney represented him, and no 18 negotiations occurred. The Giants only pointed out a couple of the UPCs provisions to him. 19 228. Mr. Woodruff worked the 2008 season at the Giants complex in Scottsdale, Arizona; the
20 2009 season at extended spring training in Arizona and at Augusta, Georgia; and the 2010 season at 21 extended spring training and Augusta, Georgia. During the season, Mr. Woodruff believes he 22 routinely worked more than 50 hours per week. 23 229. Mr. Woodruff worked several spring trainings at the Giants site in Arizona. He did not
24 earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 25 230. Mr. Woodruff performed work for the Giants during the off-seasons, mostly in San Jose,
26 California, though he performed some work for the Giants in Arizona. The Giants provided an off27 season training manual, and he performed significant off-season work without being paid. 28
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40
231. Mr. Woodruff was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around
2 $1,100 per month. He believes he earned around $3,000 in salary during his first year, and believes he 3 never earned more than around $5,500 in salary during any year that he worked. 4 232. Because of these salaries, Mr. Woodruff often stayed with many crammed guys into a
5 small apartment, sleeping on air mattresses during the season. At one point seven guys lived with him 6 in a single apartment. 7 8 233. He was released on March 15, 2011. 234. To summarize, Mr. Woodruff, like all Class Members working under the direction of
9 MLB, the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime 10 despite routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 11 12 5.8 Ryan Kiel
235. The Seattle Mariners drafted Ryan Kiel in the 37th round of the 2010 Rule 4 draft. He
13 quickly signed a UPC without negotiations. The Mariners only pointed out a couple of the UPCs 14 provisions to him, specifically the salary and bonus provisions. 15 236. Mr. Kiel worked the 2010 season at the Mariners short-season team in Pulaski, Virginia;
16 he worked the 2011 season at the Mariners extended spring training, the Mariners Arizona League 17 team, and at Clinton, Iowa. The Mariners released Mr. Kiel in the spring of 2012. 18 237. In April of 2012, the Cincinnati Reds signed Mr. Kiel. He played the 2012 season at the
19 Reds extended spring training in Arizona, and at their affiliates in Dayton, Ohio, and Bakersfield, 20 California. 21 238. For both the Reds and Mariners, Mr. Kiel believes he routinely worked more than 50
22 hours per week during the season. 23 239. Mr. Kiel worked several spring trainings at the Mariners site in Arizona. He did not earn
24 a salary for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 25 240. Mr. Kiel performed work for the Franchises during the off-seasons, mostly in Los Gatos,
26 California. He was provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season 27 work without being paid. 28
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41
241. Mr. Kiel was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around $1,100
2 per month. He believes he earned around $3,000 in salary during his first year, and believes he never 3 earned more than around $4,500 in salary during any year that he played. 4 5 242. His career ended in late July of 2012. 243. To summarize, Mr. Kiel, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB, the
6 Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite routinely 7 working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 8 9 5.9 Kyle Nicholson
244. In June of 2007, the San Francisco Giants drafted Kyle Nicholson in the 7th round of
10 the Rule 4 draft. A short time later, he signed a UPC; the Giants did not draw attention to any of the 11 UPCs provisions to him. 12 245. Mr. Nicholson worked the 2007 season at the Giants complex in Scottsdale, Arizona; the
13 2008 season in Scottsdale and briefly at Salem, Oregon; the 2009 season at Augusta, Georgia, and San 14 Jose, California; and the 2010 season in San Jose, California. During the season, Mr. Nicholson 15 believes he routinely worked more than 50 hours per week. 16 246. Mr. Nicholson worked several spring trainings at the Giants site in Arizona. He did not
17 earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 18 247. Mr. Nicholson performed work for the Giants during the off-seasons, mostly in Texas,
19 though he performed some work for the Giants in Arizona, especially during his first offseason. The 20 Giants provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season work without 21 being paid. 22 248. Mr. Nicholson was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around
23 $1,100 per month. He believes he earned between around $3,000 and $7,000 in salary each year that 24 he worked. 25 26 249. Mr. Nicholson retired sometime after the 2010 season. 250. To summarize, Mr. Nicholson, like all Class Members working under the direction of
27 MLB, the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime 28 despite routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay.
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42
1 2
5.10
Brad Stone
251. The Marlins drafted Brad Stone in the 12th round of the 2006 Rule 4 draft. A few days
3 later he signed a UPC. The Marlins failed to draw attention to any details in the contract other than 4 the signing bonus and salary. 5 252. Mr. Stone worked the 2006 season at Jamestown, New York, and Greensboro, North
6 Carolina; the 2007 season at Greensboro; the 2008 season at Greensboro and Jupiter, Florida; the 7 2009 season in Jupiter, Jacksonville, and New Orleans; and the 2010 season at the Marlins spring 8 training site and at Jacksonville. During the season, Mr. Stone believes he routinely worked more than 9 50 hours per week. 10 253. Mr. Stone worked several spring trainings at the Marlins site in Florida. He did not earn
11 a salary for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 12 254. Mr. Stone performed work for the Marlins during the off-seasons, mostly in St. Louis.
13 The Marlins provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season work 14 without being paid. 15 255. Mr. Stone was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around
16 $1,100 per month. He believes he earned around $3,000 in salary during his first year, and believes he 17 never earned more than around $12,000 in salary during any year that he playedeven while in 18 Triple-A. 19 256. Because of these salaries, Mr. Stone often stayed with many crammed guys into a small
20 apartment, sleeping on air mattresses during the season. 21 22 257. He was released on March 28, 2011. 258. To summarize, Mr. Stone, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
23 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 24 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 25 26 5.11 Matt Daly
259. The Toronto Blue Jays drafted Matt Daly in the 13th round of the 2008 Rule 4 draft. He
27 quickly signed a UPC, and the Blue Jays failed to thoroughly explain all the provisions in the contract. 28
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43
260. Mr. Daly first worked briefly at the Blue Jays Florida site, and he worked the rest of the
2 2008 season in Auburn, New York. He worked the 2009 season at affiliates in Lansing, Michigan, and 3 Dunedin, Florida; the 2010 season in Dunedin; the 2011 season in Dunedin and New Hampshire; and 4 the 2012 season in New Hampshire. During the season, Mr. Daly believes he routinely worked more 5 than 50 hours per week. 6 261. He worked several spring trainings at the Blue Jays site in Florida, and worked at least
7 one instructional league. He did not earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full 8 workdays, 7 days per week. 9 262. Mr. Daly performed work for the Blue Jays during the off-seasons, mostly in California
10 but also in Colorado. The Blue Jays provided an off-season training manual and even used online 11 tracking to monitor off-season work. He performed significant off-season work without being paid. 12 263. He was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around $1,100 per
13 month. He believes he earned less than $3,000 in salary his first season, and he believes he never made 14 more than around $8,500 in any subsequent season that he worked for the Blue Jays. 15 16 264. He was released on March 19, 2013. 265. To summarize, Mr. Daly, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB, the
17 Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite routinely 18 working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 19 20 5.12 Aaron Meade
266. In June of 2010, the Anaheim Angels drafted Aaron Meade in the 10th round of the Rule
21 4 draft. He quickly signed a UPC, and the Angels failed to thoroughly explain all the provisions in the 22 contract. 23 267. Mr. Meade first worked at a minicamp at the Angels Arizona site, and worked the rest of
24 the 2010 season in Orem, Utah. He worked the 2011 season at Arizona and Orem, and he worked at 25 Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and San Bernardino, California, during the 2012 season. During the season, Mr. 26 Meade believes he routinely worked more than 50 hours per week. 27 28
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268. He worked several spring trainings at the Angels site in Arizona, and worked at least one
2 instructional league. He did not earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full 3 workdays, 7 days per week. 4 269. Mr. Meade performed work for the Angels during the off-seasons, mostly in Missouri.
5 The Angels provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season work 6 without being paid. 7 270. He was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around $1,100 per
8 month. He believes he earned less than $3,000 in salary his first season, and he believes he never made 9 more than around $7,000 in any subsequent season that he worked for the Angels. 10 11 271. He was released on March 26, 2013. 272. To summarize, Mr. Meade, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
12 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 13 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 14 15 5.13 Justin Murray
273. In June of 2008, the Oakland Athletics drafted Justin Murray in the 29th round of the
16 Rule 4 draft. Later that summer, he signed a UPC. The Athletics only pointed out a couple of the 17 UPCs provisions to him. 18 274. Mr. Murray worked the 2008 season at the Athletics complex in Arizona and at Midland,
19 Texas; the 2009 season at Stockton, California and Kane County, Illinois; the 2010 season at Stockton 20 and Midland; and the 2011 season also at Stockton and Midland. During the season, Mr. Murray 21 believes he routinely worked more than 50 hours per week. 22 275. Mr. Murray worked several spring trainings at the Athletics site in Arizona and worked at
23 least one instructional league. He did not earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full 24 workdays, 7 days per week. 25 276. Mr. Murray performed offseason work for the Athletics in Manhattan, Kansas. The
26 Athletics provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season work 27 without being paid. 28
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277. Mr. Murray was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around
2 $1,100 per month. He believes he earned less than $2,000 in salary during his first year, and believes 3 he never earned more than around $7,500 in salary during any year that he worked. 4 278. Because of these salaries, Mr. Murray often stayed with many guys crammed into a small
5 apartment, sleeping on air mattresses during the season. He also stayed with host families. 6 7 279. He was released on May 16, 2011. 280. To summarize, Mr. Murray, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
8 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 9 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 10 11 5.14 Jake Kahaulelio
281. The Cincinnati Reds drafted Jake Kahaulelio in the 20th round of the 2007 Rule 4 draft.
12 A few days later he signed a UPC. No agent or attorney represented him, and the Reds did not allow 13 negotiations to occur. The Reds only pointed out a couple of the UPCss provisions to him. 14 282. Mr. Kahaulelio worked the 2007 season mostly at the Reds complex in Sarasota, Florida;
15 the 2008 season in Dayton, Ohio; the 2009 season in Sarasota and Zebulon, North Carolina; the 2010 16 season in Zebulon; and the 2011 season in Bakersfield, California and Zebulon. During the season, he 17 believes he routinely worked more than 50 hours per week. 18 283. Mr. Kahaulelio worked several spring trainings at the Reds site in Florida. He did not
19 earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 20 284. He performed work for the Reds during the off-seasons, mostly in California. The Reds
21 provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season work without being 22 paid. 23 285. Mr. Kahaulelio was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around
24 $1,100 per month. He believes he earned around $3,000 in salary during his first year, and believes he 25 never earned more than around $9,000 in salary during any year that he worked. 26 286. Because of these salaries, he often stayed with many guys crammed into a small
27 apartment, sleeping on air mattresses during the season. At one point he and three other guys lived in 28 a single room with a host family.
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1 2
287. He was released on October 26, 2011. 288. To summarize, Mr. Kahaulelio, like all Class Members working under the direction of
3 MLB, the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime 4 despite routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 5 6 5.15 Ryan Khoury
289. In June of 2006, the Boston Red Sox drafted Ryan Khoury in the 12th round of the Rule
7 4 draft. A few days later he signed a UPC after very few negotiations. The Red Sox did not draw 8 attention to any of the UPCs provisions. 9 290. Mr. Khoury worked the 2006 season at the Red Sox affiliates in Lowell, Massachusetts;
10 Greenville, South Carolina; and Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He worked the 2007 season at Lancaster, 11 California; the 2008 season at Lowell and Portland, Maine; the 2009 season at Portland; and the 2010 12 season at Portland and Pawtucket. 13 291. The Red Sox released Mr. Khoury on March 31, 2011 but re-signed him on June 21,
14 2011. He worked the rest of the 2011 season at Portland and Pawtucket. 15 292. During the season, Mr. Khoury believes he routinely worked far in excess of 50 hours
16 per week. 17 293. Mr. Khoury worked several spring trainings at the Red Sox site in Florida. He did not
18 earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 19 294. Mr. Khoury performed work for the Red Sox during the off-seasons, mostly in Utah,
20 though he performed some work for the Red Sox in Florida. The Red Sox provided an off-season 21 training manual, and he performed significant off-season work without being paid. 22 295. He was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around $1,100 per
23 month. He believes he earned around $3,000 in salary during his first year despite spending significant 24 time at Triple-A, and believes he never earned more than around $10,000 in salary during any year 25 that he played. 26 296. Because of these salaries, Mr. Khoury often stayed with many other guys in a small
27 apartment during the season. He also stayed with host families. 28

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297. He was granted free agency by the Red Sox on November 2, 2011. 47
298. To summarize, Mr. Khoury, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
2 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 3 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 4 5 5.16 Dustin Pease
299. The San Diego Padres signed Dustin Pease as an undrafted free agent out of independent
6 ball in February of 2011. He received no signing bonus and signed a UPC. No agent or attorney 7 represented him, and no negotiations occurred. The Padres only pointed out a couple of the UPCs 8 provisions to him, focusing on the salaries. 9 300. Mr. Pease worked the 2011 season in Lake Elsinore, California, and he worked the 2012
10 season at San Antonio. During the season, Mr. Pease believes he routinely worked more than 50 11 hours per week. 12 301. He worked several spring trainings at the Padres site in Arizona. He did not earn a salary
13 for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 14 302. Mr. Pease performed work for the Padres during the off-seasons, mostly in Maryland.
15 The Padres provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season work 16 without being paid. 17 303. While playing independent ball, Mr. Pease worked as a minister during the off-seasons.
18 But given the Padres extensive work requirements (which mirror all the Franchises requirements), 19 Mr. Pease could not work at this off-season job after he began working for the Padres. 20 304. He was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around $1,100 per
21 month. He believes he earned between $6,000 and $8,000 in salary each year that he worked for the 22 Padres. 23 305. Because of these salaries, Mr. Pease struggled to survive. He searched for host families on
24 his own because he could not afford rent. 25 26 306. He was released on March 20, 2013. 307. To summarize, Mr. Pease, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
27 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 28 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay.
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1 2
5.17
Jeff Nadeau
308. In the 38th round of the 2010 Rule 4 draft, the St. Louis Cardinals drafted Jeff Nadeau.
3 He quickly signed a UPC, and he believes that the Cardinals only explained the salary provisions of 4 the contract to him. 5 309. Mr. Nadeau worked the 2010 season at the Cardinals facility in Jupiter, Florida, and at an
6 affiliate in Johnson City, Tennessee. Due to an injury, he worked the entire 2011 season at Jupiter. 7 During the season, he believes he routinely worked more than 50 hours per week, and even worked 8 overtime hours for the Cardinals while injured. 9 310. He worked several spring trainings at the Cardinals site in Florida, and also spent time in
10 extended spring training. He did not earn a salary for this work, even though he often worked full 11 workdays, 7 days per week. 12 311. Mr. Nadeau performed work for the Cardinals during the off-seasons, either in Arizona,
13 Florida, or Colorado. The Cardinals provided an off-season training manual, and he performed 14 significant off-season work without being paid. 15 312. He remained in Jupiter for almost the entire 20112012 offseason, where the Cardinals
16 directed his rehabilitation and training. He was not paid his salary for this work. 17 313. He was only paid his salary during the season, and he believes he received less than
18 $3,000 in salary for the entire 2010 and 2011 seasons (each season). 19 20 314. He was released in April of 2012. 315. To summarize, Mr. Nadeau, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
21 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 22 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 23 24 5.18 Jon Gaston
316. The Houston Astros drafted Jon Gaston in the 7th round of the 2008 Rule 4 draft. Once
25 his collegiate season ended, he signed a UPC. The Astros only pointed out a couple of the UPCs 26 provisions to him, focusing on the salary and bonus provisions. 27 28
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317. Mr. Gaston worked the 2008 season at the Astros affiliate in Albany, New York; the
2 2009 season in Lancaster, California; and the 2010 and 2011 seasons in Corpus Christi, Texas. The 3 Astros released Mr. Gaston on March 27, 2012. 4 318. On May 25, 2012, the Chicago White Sox signed Mr. Gaston. He worked for the White
5 Sox affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama, until they released him on June 21, 2012. 6 319. For both the Astros and White Sox, Mr. Gaston believes he routinely worked more than
7 50 hours per week during the season. 8 320. Mr. Gaston worked several spring trainings at the Astros site in Florida. He also worked
9 at least one instructional league and minicamp in Florida. He did not earn a salary for this work, even 10 though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 11 321. Mr. Gaston performed work for the Astros during the off-seasons, mostly in Idaho. The
12 Astros provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off-season work without 13 being paid. 14 322. He was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around $1,100 per
15 month. He believes he was paid less than $3,000 in salary his first season, and he believes he never 16 earned more than $8,000 in salary during subsequent seasons. 17 323. To summarize, Mr. Gaston, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
18 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 19 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 20 21 5.19 Brandon Henderson
324. In June of 2010, the Minnesota Twins drafted Brandon Henderson in the 27th round of
22 the 2010 draft. He had no agent or representative, and he quickly signed a UPC. The Twins only 23 pointed out a couple of the UPCs provisions to him, focusing on the salaries. 24 325. Mr. Henderson worked most of the 2010 season at the Twins affiliate in Tennessee,
25 though he spent some time at the Twins site in Florida. He worked the 2011 season in both Florida 26 and Tennessee. During the season, Mr. Henderson believes he routinely worked more than 50 hours 27 per week. 28
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326. He worked one spring training at the Twins site in Florida. He did not earn a salary for
2 this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 3 327. Mr. Henderson performed work for the Twins during the off-seasons, mostly in
4 California. The Twins provided an off-season training manual, and he performed significant off5 season work without being paid. 6 328. He was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around $1,100 per
7 month. He believes he earned around $3,000 or less in salary each year that he worked for the Twins. 8 9 329. He was released on October 21, 2011. 330. To summarize, Mr. Henderson, like all Class Members working under the direction of
10 MLB, the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime 11 despite routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 12 13 5.20 Tim Pahuta
331. The Washington Nationals drafted Tim Pahuta in the 18th round of the 2005 Rule 4
14 draft. He did not have an agent, and he quickly signed a UPC. The Nationals focused only on the 15 salary provisions when presenting Mr. Pahuta with the UPC. 16 332. He worked the 2005 season at the Nationals site in Florida; the 2006 season at the
17 Nationals affiliate in Savannah, Georgia; the 2007 season at the Florida site; the 2008 season at 18 Hagerstown, Maryland; the 2009 season at Woodbridge, Virginia; the 2010 season at Woodbridge and 19 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and the 2011 and 2012 seasons at Harrisburg. During the season, Mr. 20 Pahuta believes he routinely worked more than 50 hours per week. 21 333. He worked several spring trainings at the Nationals site in Florida. He did not earn a
22 salary for this work, even though he often worked full workdays, 7 days per week. 23 334. Mr. Pahuta performed work for the Nationals during the off-seasons, mostly in New
24 Jersey but sometimes in Florida. The Nationals provided an off-season training manual, and he 25 performed significant off-season work without being paid. 26 335. He was only paid his salary during the season, and his salary began at around $1,100 or
27 less per month. He believes he earned less than $3,000 in salary during his first season, and he earned 28 less than $10,000 in salary during his last season governed by his initial UPC.
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336. His initial UPC expired after the 2011 season, and the Nationals re-signed him for a
2 slight salary increase. He believes he made around $20,000 in salary for the 2012 season, but, again, 3 was only paid his salary during the season. 4 337. Because of these salaries, Mr. Pahuta struggled to live. He often lived with host families,
5 or he lived with several other players crammed in a small apartment. He often slept on air mattresses 6 during the season. 7 338. He has not worked for the Nationals since the expiration of his second contract
8 following the 2012 season. 9 339. To summarize, Mr. Pahuta, like all Class Members working under the direction of MLB,
10 the Franchises, and Mr. Selig, worked for less than minimum wage, received no overtime despite 11 routinely working overtime hours, and often worked for no pay. 12 13 14 15 16 VII. FEDERAL WAGE AND HOUR VIOLATIONS Count 1: FLSA Minimum Wage and Overtime Violations (Plaintiffs and the Minor League Collective Against All Defendants) 340. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 341. As detailed above, the Defendants have engaged in a long-standing and widespread
17 violation of the FLSA. The FLSAs minimum wage and overtime requirements, 29 U.S.C. 201 et 18 seq., and the supporting regulations, apply to all Defendants and protect Plaintiffs and the class 19 members. 20 342. At all relevant times, Plaintiffs and all the minor leaguers of the proposed class were
21 (and/or continue to be) employees within the meaning of 29 U.S.C. 203(e), and were (and/or 22 continue to be) employed by covered enterprises and/or entities engaged in commerce and/or the 23 production or sale of goods for commerce within the meaning of 29 U.S.C. 203(e), (r) and (s). The 24 work also regularly involves interstate commerce. 25 343. At all relevant times, the Defendants jointly employed (and/or continue to employ)
26 Plaintiffs and all similarly-situated minor leaguers within the broad meaning of 29 U.S.C. 203(d) 27 and (g). 28
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344. The Defendants constructed, implemented, and engaged in a policy and/or practice of 52
1 failing to pay Plaintiffs and all similarly-situated minor leaguers the applicable minimum wage for all 2 hours the minor leaguers worked on behalf of Defendants, and continue to engage in such a policy 3 and practice. 4 345. Further, the Defendants constructed, implemented, and engaged in a policy and practice
5 that failed to pay Plaintiffs and all similarly-situated minor leaguers the applicable overtime wage for 6 all hours minor leaguers worked beyond the normal, forty-hour workweek, and continue to engage in 7 such a policy and practice. 8 346. Defendants also implemented and engaged in the policy and/or practice of failing to pay
9 Plaintiffs and all similarly-situated minor leaguers any wages at all for many hours the minor leaguers 10 worked on behalf of Defendants, and continue to engage in such policies and practices. 11 347. As a result of these minimum wage and overtime violations, Plaintiffs and all similarly-
12 situated minor leaguers have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be determined at 13 trial, and are entitled to recovery of such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, 14 attorneys fees, costs, and other compensation pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 216(b). 15 348. The Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct was and continues to be willful and
16 intentional, or the Defendants at least acted with reckless disregard. The Defendants were and are 17 aware, or should have been aware, that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The 18 Defendants have not made a good-faith effort to comply with the FLSA with respect to the 19 compensation of Plaintiffs and all similarly-situated minor leaguers. Instead, the Defendants 20 knowingly and/or recklessly disregarded federal wage and hour laws. 21 349. All similarly-situated minor leaguers are entitled to collectively participate in this action by
22 choosing to opt-in and submitting written Consents to Join this action. 29 U.S.C. 216(b). 23 24 25 26 Count 2: FLSA Recordkeeping Requirements (Plaintiffs and the Minor League Collective Against All Defendants) 350. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 351. The Defendants failed (and continue to fail) to make, keep, and preserve accurate records
27 with respect to Plaintiffs and all similarly-situated minor leaguers, including hours worked each 28 workday and total hours worked each workweek, as required by the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. 211(c), and
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1 supporting federal regulations. 2 352. The lack of recordkeeping has harmed the Plaintiffs and creates a rebuttable presumption
67 3 that the employees estimates of hours worked are accurate.
4 5
VIII. STATE WAGE AND HOUR VIOLATIONS 353. The state Counts seek to recover for all minor league work performed by the Proposed
6 Classes, including (but not limited to) winter off-season work. Plaintiffs are informed and believe that, 7 during the winter work periods, most minor leaguers return to the state where they were drafted, 8 where they work without pay. 9 354. The states enumerated in the Proposed Classes routinely produce high numbers of minor
68 10 leaguers. Thus, Plaintiffs are informed and believe that all Defendants employed and continue to
11 employ minor leaguers in each of the states enumerated in the Proposed Classes during the relevant 12 time periods. Upon information and belief, Plaintiffs further allege that each of the Defendants 13 violated the laws in each of the states enumerated in the Proposed Classes due to uncompensated 14 winter off-season work and/or work performed during other portions of the year. 15 16 17 18 Count 3: California Minimum Wage Violations (The California Class Representatives and the California Class Against All Defendants) 355. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 356. Pursuant to California law, the Defendants are and were required to pay the California
19 Class Representatives and the California Class a minimum wage set by California state law. Cal. Lab. 20 Code 1182 et seq. and 1197. The states minimum wage requirements apply to the Defendants and 21 protect the California Class Representatives and the California Class. 22 23 24 25
67 68
357. The Defendants constructed, implemented, and engaged in a policy and/or practice of
See Anderson v. Mt. Clemens Pottery Co., 328 U.S. 680, 687-88 (1946).
For instance, California averaged 221 draft picks per year during the last Rule 4 drafts; Florida averaged 141 per year; North Carolina averaged 51 per year; Arizona averaged 46 per year; and New 26 York averaged 32 per year. See All-time Draft Database, Baseball America, 27 http://www.baseballamerica.com/all-time-draft-db/ (last visited Feb. 6, 2013) (providing a database that allows searches of draft picks by state, which allows for counting draft picks). 28
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1 failing to pay the California Class Representatives and all of the California Class the applicable 2 minimum wage for all hours they suffered or permitted the minor leaguers to work in the state, and 3 they continue to engage in such practices. 4 358. As a result of these minimum wage violations, the California Class Representatives and
5 the California Class have suffered (and continue to suffer) damages in amounts to be determined at 6 trial, and are entitled to recovery of such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, 7 attorneys fees, costs, and other compensation pursuant to California Labor Code 1194 and 1194.2. 8 359. The Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct was and continues to be willful and
9 intentional, or at least with reckless disregard. The Defendants were aware or should have been aware 10 that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The Defendants have not made a good11 faith effort to comply with Californias minimum wage requirements with respect to the 12 compensation of the California Class Representatives and the California Class, and instead knowingly 13 and/or recklessly disregarded state law. 14 15 16 17 Count 4: California Unpaid Overtime Violations (The California Class Representatives and the California Class Against All Defendants) 360. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 361. The laws of California require the Defendants to pay overtime compensation for work in
18 excess of eight hours in a day or forty hours in a week, at a rate of one and one-half times the regular 19 rate of pay for the employee. Cal. Lab. Code 510. The laws of California further require employees 20 to be compensated at twice the regular rate of pay for work in excess of twelve hours in one day. The 21 states overtime requirements apply to the Defendants and protect the California Class 22 Representatives and the California Class members. 23 362. Throughout the California Class period, the California Class Representatives and the
24 California Class routinely worked (and continue to work) in excess of 8 hours per workday, 25 sometimes work(ed) in excess of 12 hours in a workday, routinely work(ed) in excess of 40 hours in a 26 workweek, usually work(ed) 7 days in a workweek and sometimes in excess of 8 hours on the seventh 27 day of the workweek. 28
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363. The Defendants failed and continue to fail to pay the California Class Representatives 55
1 and the California Class overtime wages as required by California Labor Code 510. 2 364. As a result of these violations, the California Class Representatives and the California
3 Class have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be determined at trial, and are 4 entitled to recover such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, attorneys fees, costs, and 5 other compensation pursuant to California Labor Code 1194. 6 365. As a result of these violations, and pursuant to California Labor Code 558, the
7 California Class Representatives and the California Class are also entitled to recover civil penalties in 8 the amount of $50 per employee per violative pay period for initial violations and $100 per employee 9 per violative pay period for subsequent violations. 10 366. The Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct was and continues to be willful and
11 intentional, or at least with reckless disregard. The Defendants were aware or should have been aware 12 that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The Defendants have not made a good13 faith effort to comply with Californias overtime requirements with respect to the compensation of 14 the California Class Representatives and the California Class, and instead knowingly and/or recklessly 15 disregarded state law. 16 17 18 19 Count 5: Violation of California Payday Requirements (The California Class Representatives and the California Class Against All Defendants) 367. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 368. California law requires employers to pay employees on designated days at least twice per
20 calendar month. Cal. Lab. Code 204. Overtime wages must be paid no later than the payday 21 following the payroll period during which overtime wages are earned. These requirements apply to the 22 Defendants and protect the California Class Representatives and the California Class members. 23 369. The Defendants failed and continue to fail to pay overtime wages in a timely manner as
24 required by California Labor Code 204. 25 370. As a result of these violations, the California Class Representatives and the California
26 Class have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be determined at trial, and are 27 entitled to recover penalties in the amount of $100 per pay period per employee for first-time 28 violations and $200 per pay period per employee for subsequent violations, along with attorneys fees
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1 and any other damages permitted by statute. 2 3 4 5 6 Count 6: California Waiting Time Penalties (The California Class Representatives and the California Waiting Time Subclass Against All Defendants) 371. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 372. California Labor Code 201 and 202 require Defendants to pay their employees all
7 wages due immediately upon discharge. California Labor Code 203 states that if an employer fails to 8 pay any wages to an employee who is discharged or quits, wages continue to accrue as a penalty for up 9 to thirty days. 10 373. The Defendants failed and continue to fail to pay minimum wages and overtime wages
11 for work performed in California. These wages remained unpaid at the time the California Class 12 Representatives and other members of the California Waiting Time Subclass were discharged or quit. 13 Further, the Defendants failed to pay the wages within the time required by California Labor Code 14 201 and 202 and continue to remain unpaid today. 15 374. As a result of the Defendants conduct, the wages continue to accrue as a penalty for up
16 to 30 days, as required by 203. The California Class Representatives and members of the California 17 Waiting Time Subclass are entitled to recover from Defendant this statutory penalty for each day 18 unpaid up to the thirty-day maximum, together with interest, attorneys fees, and costs. 19 20 21 22 Count 7: California Itemized Wage Statement Violations (The California Class Representatives and the California Class Against All Defendants) 375. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 376. California Labor Code 226 requires Defendants to provide the California Class
23 Representatives and the California Class with regular, written statements showing, among other 24 things, total hours worked, all applicable hourly rates during the pay period, and the corresponding 25 number of hours worked at each rate by the employee. Defendants knowingly and intentionally failed 26 and continue to fail to provide timely, accurate itemized wage statements including this required 27 information. 28
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377. Under 226(e), an employee suffering injury as a result of a knowing and intentional 57
1 violation of 226(a) is entitled to recover the greater of all actual damages or $50 for the initial 2 violative pay period and $100 for each subsequent violative pay period (up to a maximum of $4,000 3 per employee). 4 378. As a result of these violations, the California Class Representatives and the California
5 Class have been injured (and continue to be injured) by, among other things, not being paid all wages 6 due, not knowing how many hours were worked, and not knowing the relevant wage rate. Thus, the 7 California Class Representatives and the California Class suffered and continue to suffer damages in 8 amounts to be calculated at trial, and are entitled to recover the penalties, prejudgment interest, 9 attorneys fees, costs, and other damages pursuant to California Labor Code 226. 10 11 12 13 Count 8: Unfair Business Practices Under California Law (The California Class Representatives and the California Class Against All Defendants) 379. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 380. The California Class Representatives bring this cause of action on behalf of themselves
14 and others similarly situated, seeking restitution of all unpaid wages as described above, including 15 interest, for the four-year period preceding the filing of this complaint until the resolution of this 16 action. 17 381. The Defendants conduct constitutes an unfair and unlawful business practice under
18 Business and Professions Code 17200, et seq. Defendants conducted and continue to conduct 19 business activities while failing to comply with Californias legal mandates for employment. The 20 California Class Representatives and others similarly situated suffered and continue to suffer injury in 21 fact and lost and continue to lose money as a result of Defendants unfair competition. 22 382. The California Class Representatives and others similarly situated are entitled to
23 restitution of the uncompensated pay that has accrued and continues to accrue, as well as costs, fees, 24 and any other relief that the Court determines is proper. 25 26 27 28
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Count 9: Recovery under Californias Private Attorney General Act (Craig Bennigson and All Those Similarly Situated Against All Defendants) 383. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 384. The Defendants conduct violated (and continues to violate) many sections of Californias 58
1 Labor Code, including but not limited to 201, 202, 203, 204, 208, 226, 510, 1194, and 1197. 2 385. Mr. Bennigson, as an aggrieved employee, seeks recovery of civil penalties as required by
3 the Labor Code Private Attorney General Act of 2004. Mr. Bennigton seeks these penalties on behalf 4 of himself and other current and former employees of the Defendants against whom one or more of 5 the violations of the Labor Code were committed. 6 386. In accordance with Labor Code 2699.3, on January 30, 2014, written notice was sent by
7 certified mail detailing the Labor Code violations to the California Labor and Workforce Development
69 8 Agency (LWDA), and the same notice was sent to all Defendants. Plaintiffs have not received
9 written notification by the LWDA of an intention to investigate the allegations set forth in the notice 10 letter, or written notice of cure, by March 3, 2014. 11 12 13 14 Count 10: Quantum Meruit Under California Common Law (The California Class Representatives and the California Class Against All Defendants) 387. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 388. Although the parties operated and/or continue to operate under express contracts, many
15 of the provisions of the contracts, such as the salary provisions, are invalid and unenforceable. 16 Quantum meruit may be used as a substitute for the unenforceable contract provisions. 17 389. In employing the minor leaguers as baseball players, the Defendants requested that the
18 minor leaguers perform work. Much of this work occurred and continues to occur in California. 19 390. The California Class of minor leaguers performed and continues to perform this work
20 and expects to be compensated for these services. They were not amateurs and expect to be paid for 21 all work performed. By not receiving payment for all services, they were (and continue to be) 22 impoverished. 23 391. The Defendants benefited and continue to benefit from these services because the minor
24 leaguers perform in the Defendants developmental system for baseball players. The Defendants 25 developmental system yields the Defendants chief product of major league players and allows the 26 27 28
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See Exhibit C. The same notice letter was sent to MLB and all thirty Franchises.
59
1 Defendants to operate their multi-billion-dollar industry. Yet the Defendants do not pay minor 2 leaguers at all during some periods of services and conspired to pay below-market salaries during 3 other periods of services. Thus, the Defendants were (and continue to be) unjustly enriched. 4 392. Under quantum meruit, the Defendants owe the California Class of minor leaguers the
5 salaries that the parties would expect in the open market, in a system in which minor leaguers could
70 6 freely negotiate with any team.
7 8 9 10
Count 11: Florida Minimum Wage Law Violations (The Florida Class Representatives and the Florida Class Against All Defendants) 393. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 394. Pursuant to Article X, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, and pursuant to state
11 statute, Fla. Stat. 448.01 et seq., the Defendants are and were required to pay the Florida Class 12 Representatives and the Florida Class a minimum wage set by Florida state law. The states minimum 13 wage requirements apply to the Defendants and protect the Florida Class Representatives and the 14 Florida Class. 15 395. The Defendants constructed, implemented, and engaged in a policy and/or practice of
16 failing to pay the Florida Class Representatives and all of the Florida Class the applicable minimum 17 wage for all hours they suffered or permitted the minor leaguers to work in the state, and they 18 continue to engage in such policies and practices. 19 396. Before instituting this claim, all Defendants were served with the statutory notice
20 required by Section 448.110, which alerted Defendants of the intent to bring this action.71 Defendants 21 refused to pay the unpaid wages or otherwise satisfactorily settle the claim within fifteen days of 22 receiving the notice. 23 397. As a result of these minimum wage violations, the Florida Class Representatives and the
24 Florida Class have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be determined at trial, and 25 26 27 28
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The quantum meruit measurement of damages demonstrates that statutory damages at law would be an inadequate remedy by, among other things, failing to yield complete relief.
71
See Exhibit D. The same notice letter was sent to MLB and all thirty Franchises.
60
1 are entitled to recovery of such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, attorneys fees, 2 costs, and other compensation pursuant to Article X, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and 3 Section 448.110 of the Florida Statutes. 4 398. Through the Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct, the Defendants acted and
5 continue to act willfully and intentionally, or at least with reckless disregard. The Defendants were 6 aware or should have been aware that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The 7 Defendants have not made a good-faith effort to comply with Floridas minimum wage requirements 8 with respect to the compensation of the Florida Class Representatives and the Florida Class, and 9 instead knowingly and/or recklessly disregarded state law. 10 399. Article X, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, and Section 448.110 of the Florida
11 Statutes, entitles members of the Florida Class to bring this action as a class action. 12 13 14 15 Count 12: Quantum Meruit Under Florida Common Law (The Florida Class Representatives and the Florida Class Against All Defendants) 400. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 401. Although the parties operated and/or continue to operate under express contracts, many
16 of the provisions of the contracts, such as the salary provisions, are invalid and unenforceable. 17 Quantum meruit may be used as a substitute for the unenforceable contract provisions. 18 402. In employing the minor leaguers as baseball players, the Defendants acquiesced to the
19 provision of services by directing, controlling, and allowing the minor leaguers to work. Much of this 20 work occurred and continues to occur in Florida. 21 403. The Florida Class of minor leaguers expected (and continue to expect) to be
22 compensated for these services. They were not amateurs and expected (and continue to expect) to be 23 paid for all work performed. 24 404. The Defendants benefited and continue to benefit from these services because the minor
25 leaguers perform in the Defendants developmental system for baseball players. The Defendants 26 developmental system yields the Defendants chief product of major league players and allows the 27 Defendants to operate their multi-billion-dollar industry. Yet the Defendants do not pay minor 28 leaguers at all during some periods of services and conspired to pay below-market salaries during
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1 other periods of services. Thus, the Defendants were (and continue to be) unjustly enriched. 2 405. Under quantum meruit, the Defendants owe the minor leaguers the salaries that the
3 parties would expect in the open market, in a system in which minor leaguers could freely negotiate
72 4 with any team.
5 6 7 8
Count 13: Arizona Minimum Wage and Wage Law Violations (The Arizona Class Representatives and the Arizona Class Against All Defendants) 406. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 407. Pursuant to Arizona law, the Defendants are and were required to pay the Arizona Class
9 Representatives and the Arizona Class a minimum wage set by Arizona state law. Ariz. Rev. Stat. 10 23-363, 23-364. The states minimum wage requirements apply to the Defendants and protect the 11 Arizona Class Representatives and the Arizona Class members. 12 408. The Defendants constructed, implemented, and engaged in a policy and/or practice of
13 failing to pay the Arizona Class Representatives and all of the Arizona Class the applicable minimum 14 wage for all hours they suffered or permitted the minor leaguers to work in the state, and they 15 continue to engage in such practices. 16 409. As a result of these minimum wage violations, the Arizona Class Representatives and the
17 Arizona Class have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be determined at trial, and 18 are entitled to recover such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, attorneys fees, costs, 19 and other compensation pursuant to Section 23-364. 20 410. The Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct was and continues to be willful and
21 intentional, or at least with reckless disregard. The Defendants were aware or should have been aware 22 that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The Defendants have not made a good23 faith effort to comply with Arizonas minimum wage requirements with respect to the compensation 24 of the Arizona Class Representatives and the Arizona Class, and instead knowingly and/or recklessly 25 disregarded state law. 26
72
27 28
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411. Under Arizonas Wage Law, 23-351 et seq., Defendants have also willfully failed to pay
2 wages to the Arizona Class Representatives and the Arizona Proposed Class for work performed. 3 Thus, the Arizona Class Representatives and the Arizona Proposed Class are also entitled to treble the 4 amount of wages unpaid. 23-355(A). 5 6 7 8 Count 14: Arizona Recordkeeping Requirements (The Arizona Class Representatives and the Arizona Class Against All Defendants) 412. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 413. The Defendants failed (and continue to fail) to make, keep, and preserve accurate records
9 with respect to the Arizona Class Representatives and the Arizona Class, including hours worked each 10 workday and total hours worked each workweek, as required by the Arizona Minimum Wage Law, 11 Ariz. Rev. Stat. 23-364, and supporting state regulations. 12 414. The failure to maintain such records shall raise a rebuttable presumption that the
13 employer did not pay the required minimum wage rate. 23-364. 14 15 16 17 Count 15: Quantum Meruit Under Arizona Common Law (The Arizona Class Representatives and the Arizona Class Against All Defendants) 415. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 416. Although the parties operated and/or continue to operate under express contracts, many
18 of the provisions of the contracts, such as the salary provisions, are invalid and unenforceable. 19 Quantum meruit may be used as a substitute for the unenforceable contract provisions. 20 417. In employing the minor leaguers as baseball players, the Defendants acquiesced to the
21 provision of services by directing, controlling, and allowing the minor leaguers to work. Much of this 22 work occurred in Arizona. 23 418. The Arizona Class of minor leaguers expected (and continues to expect) to be
24 compensated for these services. They are and were not amateurs and expect to be paid for all work 25 performed. By not receiving payment for all services, they were (and continue to be) impoverished. 26 419. The Defendants benefited (and continue to benefit) from these services because the
27 minor leaguers perform in the Defendants developmental system for baseball players. The 28 Defendants developmental system yields the Defendants chief product of major league players and
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1 allows the Defendants to operate their multi-billion-dollar industry. Yet the Defendants do not pay 2 minor leaguers at all during some periods of services and conspired to pay below-market salaries 3 during other periods of services. Thus, the Defendants were and continue to be unjustly enriched. 4 420. Under quantum meruit, the Defendants owe the minor leaguers the salaries that the
5 parties would expect in the open market, in a system in which minor leaguers could freely negotiate
73 6 with any team.
7 8 9 10
Count 16: North Carolina Minimum Wage Violations (The North Carolina Class Representatives and the North Carolina Class Against All Defendants) 421. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 422. Pursuant to North Carolina law, the Defendants are and were required to pay the North
11 Carolina Class Representatives and the North Carolina Class a minimum wage at least as high as that 12 set by federal law. N.C. Gen. Stat. 95-25.3. The states minimum wage requirements apply to the 13 Defendants and protect the North Carolina Class Representatives and the North Carolina Class 14 members. 15 423. The Defendants were also required to pay all wages accrued on the regular payday, and
16 were not allowed to withhold wages in contravention of the applicable laws. 95-25.6, 95-25.8. 17 424. The Defendants constructed, implemented, and engaged in a policy and/or practice of
18 failing to pay the North Carolina Class Representatives and all of the North Carolina Class the 19 applicable minimum wage for all hours they suffered or permitted the minor leaguers to work in the 20 state, and they continue to engage in such practices. The Defendants also failed to pay all wages 21 accrued on the regular payday and wrongfully withheld some wages. 22 425. As a result of these minimum wage violations, the North Carolina Class Representatives
23 and the North Carolina Class have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be 24 determined at trial, and are entitled to recover such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment 25 interest, attorneys fees, costs, and other compensation pursuant to section 95-25.22. 26
73
27 28
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426. The Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct was and continues to be willful and
2 intentional, or at least with reckless disregard. The Defendants were aware or should have been aware 3 that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The Defendants have not made a good4 faith effort to comply with North Carolinas minimum wage requirements with respect to the 5 compensation of the North Carolina Class Representatives and the North Carolina Class, and instead 6 knowingly and/or recklessly disregarded state law. 7 8 9 10 Count 17: North Carolina Overtime Violations (The North Carolina Class Representatives and the North Carolina Class Against All Defendants) 427. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 428. The laws of North Carolina require the Defendants to pay overtime compensation. N.C.
11 Gen. Stat. 95-25.4. The states overtime requirements apply to the Defendants and protect the 12 North Carolina Class Representatives and the North Carolina Class members. 13 429. The Defendants were also required to pay all wages accrued on the regular payday, and
14 were not allowed to withhold wages in contravention of the applicable laws. 95-25.6, 95-25.8. 15 430. Throughout the North Carolina Class Period, the North Carolina Class Representatives
16 and the North Carolina Class routinely worked (and continue to work) far more than 40 hours in a 17 workweek. The Defendants failed and continue to fail to pay the North Carolina Class 18 Representatives and the North Carolina Class overtime wages as required. 95-25.4. The Defendants 19 also failed to pay all wages accrued on the regular payday and wrongfully withheld some wages. 20 431. As a result of these violations, the North Carolina Class Representatives and the North
21 Carolina Class have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be determined at trial, and 22 are entitled to recover such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, attorneys fees, costs, 23 and other compensation pursuant to section 95-25.22. 24 432. The Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct was and continues to be willful and
25 intentional, or at least with reckless disregard. The Defendants were aware or should have been aware 26 that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The Defendants have not made a good27 faith effort to comply with North Carolinas overtime requirements with respect to the compensation 28 of the North Carolina Class Representatives and the North Carolina Class, and instead knowingly
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1 and/or recklessly disregarded state law. 2 3 4 5 Count 18: Quantum Meruit Under North Carolina Common Law (The North Carolina Class Representatives and the North Carolina Class Against All Defendants) 433. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 434. Although the parties operated and/or continue to operate under express contracts, many
9 minor leaguers perform work that occurred and continues to occur in North Carolina. 10 436. The North Carolina Class of minor leaguers performed and continues to perform this
11 work and expects to be compensated for these services. They were not amateurs and expect to be 12 paid for all work performed. By not receiving payment for all services, they were (and continue to be) 13 impoverished. 14 437. The Defendants benefited and continue to benefit from these services because the minor
15 leaguers perform in the Defendants developmental system for baseball players. The Defendants 16 developmental system yields the Defendants chief product of major league players and allows the 17 Defendants to operate their multi-billion-dollar industry. Yet the Defendants do not pay minor 18 leaguers at all during some periods of services and conspired to pay below-market salaries during 19 other periods of services. Thus, the Defendants were (and continue to be) unjustly enriched. 20 438. Under quantum meruit, the Defendants owe the North Carolina Class of minor leaguers
21 the salaries that the parties would expect in the open market, in a system in which minor leaguers
74 22 could freely negotiate with any team.
23 24 25 26
74
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1 2 3 4
Count 19: New York Minimum Wage Violations (The New York Class Representatives and the New York Class Against All Defendants) 439. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 440. Pursuant to New York law, the Defendants are and were required to pay the New York
5 Class Representatives and the New York Class a minimum wage set by New York state law. N.Y. Lab. 6 Law 652. The states minimum wage requirements apply to the Defendants and protect the New 7 York Class Representatives and the New York Class members. 8 441. The Defendants constructed, implemented, and engaged in a policy and/or practice of
9 failing to pay the New York Class Representatives and all of the New York Class the applicable 10 minimum wage for all hours they suffered or permitted the minor leaguers to work in the state, and 11 they continue to engage in such practices. 12 442. As a result of these minimum wage violations, the New York Class Representatives and
13 the New York Class have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be determined at 14 trial, and are entitled to recover such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, attorneys 15 fees, costs, and other compensation pursuant to New York Labor Law 663. 16 443. The Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct was and continues to be willful and
17 intentional, or at least with reckless disregard. The Defendants were aware or should have been aware 18 that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The Defendants have not made a good19 faith effort to comply with New Yorks minimum wage requirements with respect to the 20 compensation of the New York Class Representatives and the New York Class, and instead 21 knowingly and/or recklessly disregarded state law. 22 23 24 25 Count 20: New York Overtime Violations (The New York Class Representatives and the New York Class Against All Defendants) 444. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 445. The laws of New York require the Defendants to pay overtime compensation. 12
26 N.Y.C.R.R. 142-2.2. The states overtime requirements apply to the Defendants and protect the 27 New York Class Representatives and the New York Class members. 28
858649.1
446. Throughout the New York Class Period, the New York Class Representatives and the 67
1 New York Class routinely worked (and continue to work) in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. The 2 Defendants failed and continue to fail to pay the New York Class Representatives and the New York 3 Class overtime wages as required by New York law. 12 N.Y.C.R.R. 142-2.2. 4 447. As a result of these violations, the New York Class Representatives and the New York
5 Class have suffered and continue to suffer damages in amounts to be determined at trial, and are 6 entitled to recover such amounts, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, attorneys fees, costs, and 7 other compensation pursuant to New York Labor Law 663. 8 448. The Defendants pattern of unlawful conduct was and continues to be willful and
9 intentional, or at least with reckless disregard. The Defendants were aware or should have been aware 10 that the practices described in this Complaint are unlawful. The Defendants have not made a good11 faith effort to comply with New Yorks overtime requirements with respect to the compensation of 12 the New York Class Representatives and the New York Class, and instead knowingly and/or 13 recklessly disregarded state law. 14 15 16 17 Count 21: New York Wage Statement Violations (The New York Class Representatives and the New York Class Against All Defendants) 449. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 450. New York Labor Law 195.3 requires Defendants to provide the New York Class
18 Representatives and the New York Class with regular, written statements showing, among other 19 things, deductions, the regular rate of pay, the overtime rate of pay, and the corresponding number of 20 hours worked at each rate by the employee. Defendants knowingly and intentionally failed and 21 continue to fail to provide timely, accurate itemized wage statements including this required 22 information. 23 451. Under New Yorks Wage Theft and Prevention Act, the New York Class Representatives
24 and the members of the New York Class who suffered injury as a result of a violation of 195.3 are 25 entitled to recover in a civil suit $100 per pay period, up to a maximum of $2500 per employee. 26 452. As a result of these violations, the New York Class Representatives and the New York
27 Class have been injured (and continue to be injured) by, among other things, not being paid all wages 28 due, not knowing how many hours were worked, and not knowing the relevant wage rate. Thus, the
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1 New York Class Representatives and the New York Class suffered and continue to suffer damages in 2 amounts to be calculated at trial. 3 4 5 6 Count 22: Quantum Meruit Under New York Common Law (The New York Class Representatives and the New York Class Against All Defendants) 453. Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference all allegations in all preceding paragraphs. 454. Although the parties operated and/or continue to operate under express contracts, many
10 minor leaguers perform work that occurred and continues to occur in New York. 11 456. The New York Class of minor leaguers performed and continues to perform this work
12 and expects to be compensated for these services. They were not amateurs and expect to be paid for 13 all work performed. By not receiving payment for all services, they were (and continue to be) 14 impoverished. 15 457. The Defendants benefited and continue to benefit from these services because the minor
16 leaguers perform in the Defendants developmental system for baseball players. The Defendants 17 developmental system yields the Defendants chief product of major league players and allows the 18 Defendants to operate their multi-billion-dollar industry. Yet the Defendants do not pay minor 19 leaguers at all during some periods of services and conspired to pay below-market salaries during 20 other periods of services. Thus, the Defendants were (and continue to be) unjustly enriched. 21 458. Under quantum meruit, the Defendants owe the New York Class of minor leaguers the
22 salaries that the parties would expect in the open market, in a system in which minor leaguers could
75 23 freely negotiate with any team.
24 25 26
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IX. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, on their own and on behalf of all other similarly situated persons, The quantum meruit measurement of damages demonstrates that statutory damages at law would be an inadequate remedy by, among other things, failing to yield complete relief.
27 28
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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seek the following relief: That at the earliest possible time, Plaintiffs be allowed to give notice of this collective action, or that the Court issue such notice, to members of the Minor League Collective, as defined above. Such notice shall inform them that this civil action has been filed, of the nature of the action, and of their right to join this lawsuit if they believe they were denied (and/or continue to be denied) proper wages; Unpaid minimum wages and overtime wages, that have accrued and continue to accrue until the resolution of this action, and an additional and an equal amount as liquidated damages pursuant to the FLSA and the supporting regulations; Unpaid wages and pay pursuant to Arizona, Florida, California, North Carolina, and New York state law, that have accrued and continue to accrue until the resolution of this action, and liquidated damages pursuant to state law and supporting regulations; Statutory damages for Defendants recordkeeping violations pursuant to federal and state law; Certification of the Proposed Classes, as set forth above, pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; A determination that Defendants violated and continue to violate California Labor Code 204 payday requirements, and an award of appropriate damages for the violations that have accrued and continue to accrue until the resolution of this action; A determination that Defendants violated and continue to violate California Labor Code 201, 202, and 203 for withholding compensation at the time of termination of the California Class Representatives and the California Waiting Time Subclass, and an award of appropriate damages for the violations that have accrued and continue to accrue until the resolution of this action; A determination that Defendants violated and continue to violate the itemized wage statement requirements of California Labor Code 226 as to the California Class Representatives and the California Class, and an award of appropriate damages for the violations that have accrued and continue to accrue until the resolution of this action; 70
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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A determination that the relevant claims may be maintained as a representative action under Californias Private Attorney General Act, 2698 et seq., and a determination that Defendants violated and continue to violate many of the Labor Code sections identified in 2699.5, and an award of appropriate damages for the violations that have accrued and continue to accrue until the resolution of this action;
A determination that Defendants violated and continue to violate the itemized wage statement requirements of New York Labor Law 195.3 as to the New York Class Representatives and the New York Class, and an award of appropriate damages for the violations that have accrued and continue to accrue until the resolution of this action;
An award of quantum meruit under California, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, and New York common law;
Designation of Plaintiffs as class representatives of the Classes, designation of counsel of record as Class Counsel, and a reasonable incentive payment to Plaintiffs;
Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest as permitted by law; An injunction requiring Defendants to pay all statutorily required wages pursuant to state and federal law and an order enjoining Defendants from continuing or reinstating their unlawful policies and practices as described within this Complaint;
Reasonable attorneys fees and costs of the action; and Such other relief as this Court shall deem just and proper.
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1 2
X. DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL Pursuant to Rule 38(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiffs demand a jury trial as
3 to all issues triable by a jury. 4 DATED: March 5, 2014 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

858649.1
PEARSON, SIMON & WARSHAW, LLP BRUCE L. SIMON DANIEL L. WARSHAW BOBBY POUYA THOMAS K. BOARDMAN KOREIN TILLERY, LLC STEPHEN M. TILLERY GARRETT R. BROSHUIS GIUSEPPE S. GIARDINA GEORGE A. ZELCS
By:
/s/ Daniel L. Warshaw DANIEL L. WARSHAW Attorneys for Plaintiffs Aaron Senne, Michael Liberto and Oliver Odle, individually and on behalf of all those similarly situated
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EXHIBIT A
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES A ACTIVE LIST ....................................................................... Numerical limits........................................................... AGENTS Acting as, when prohibited .......................................... Payments to, prohibited................................................ Control of Club ............................................................ MLR 2(c) MLR 2(c)(2), 2(j)
MLR 20(b) MLR 3(j)(4) MLR 54(a)(5)(B)
ALL-STAR GAME (SEE ALSO ALL-STAR GAME MANUAL) Supervision by Commissioner ..................................... MLC IX(5), ................................................................................ MLR 18(d) All-Star break............................................................... MLR 32(a)(2) Futures Game, Minor League....................................... PBA X(B) Revenues and expenses ................................................ MLC X(2) Votes relating to........................................................... MLC V(2)(a)(3) World Series, home-field advantage ............................ MLR 37(a)(3) AMATEUR DRAFT (SEE FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT) AMENDMENTS To Major League Constitution ..................................... To Major League Rules................................................ ................................................................................ ASSIGNMENT OF PLAYER CONTRACTS .................... Minor League, restrictions on ...................................... On disciplinary lists ..................................................... Temporary.................................................................... Uniformity of ............................................................... Veteran Players, consent required................................ B BARNSTORMING ............................................................... Prohibited to Winter League participants..................... Prohibited to World Series participants ....................... BEREAVEMENT LIST ........................................................ Waiver of player prohibited ......................................... MLR 18 MLR 18(b) MLR 47 MLR 2(n) MLR 10(e)(7)
MLC V(2)(b)(7) MLC III(2)(d), PBA VI(C) MLR 9 MLR 9(b) MLR 15(i) MLR 9A MLR 50(c) MLR 9(e)
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES
BEST INTERESTS OF BASEBALL Authority of Commissioner to act ................................ ................................................................................ BETTING ON GAMES PROHIBITED .............................. BONUSES .............................................................................. College Scholarship Plan ............................................. Incentive Bonus Plan ................................................... None contingent on Club standing ............................... None contingent on skill .............................................. Responsibility for in event of assignment .................... World Series, prohibited .............................................. BROADCASTS Agreements as control interest transfer, Minor League Clubs ............................................................................ Copyright royalties, Major League Clubs .................... Major League Club practices ....................................... Minor League transaction ............................................ ................................................................................ Proceeds of, Major League .......................................... Votes relating to........................................................... BULLETINS ..........................................................................
MLC II(3)-(6), PBA II(B)-(C) MLR 21(d) MLR 3(c)(4) MLR 3(c)(4)(D) MLR 3(c)(4)(C) MLR 3(b)(5) MLR 3(b)(5) MLR 9(c) MLR 46
MLR 54(a)(5)(B) MLC X(4) MLC X(3) MLR 54(a)(3), 54(b)(1) MLC X(4) MLC V(2)(a)(5) MLC XI(3), MLR 31
C CENTRAL FUND (SEE MAJOR LEAGUE CENTRAL FUND) CIRCUITS Change of Major League circuits ................................. ................................................................................ Of Major Leagues ........................................................ ................................................................................ Of Minor Leagues ........................................................ ................................................................................ CLAIMS, DISPUTES ........................................................... Affecting umpires ........................................................
MLC V(2)(b), MLR 1(a) MLC VIII(8), MLR Attachment 52 MLR 52, MLR Attachment 52 MLC VI, MLR 22 MLR 19(e) 3/08
ii
CLOSED PERIODS Assignment of player contracts .................................... First-Year Player Draft, before .................................... Optional assignments ................................................... COACHES Eligibility for World Series.......................................... Limit of six permitted.................................................. Minor League............................................................... Player-coach restrictions .............................................. Re-signing as player..................................................... COLLEGE RULE ................................................................. COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PLAN.................................... COMMISSIONER ................................................................ Arbitration by .............................................................. Budget of office ........................................................... ................................................................................ Bulletins ....................................................................... Diminution of compensation or powers prohibited ...... Discipline of Minor League players............................. Election of.................................................................... ................................................................................ Enforcement of rules.................................................... Functions of ................................................................ Jurisdiction of............................................................... ................................................................................ Schedule, responsibility for.......................................... ................................................................................ Supervises World Series .............................................. Supervision of Minor League Club transactions .......... Term of ....................................................................... CONFLICTS OF INTEREST .............................................. ................................................................................
MLR 9(b) MLR 4(f) MLR 11(e)
MLR 40(b) MLR 2(m)(4)(1)(D) MLR 56(g)(4) MLR 2(m) MLR 2(l) MLR 3(a)(3) MLR 3(c)(4)(D) MLC II, PBA II MLC VI MLC II(7), MLR 30(c) MLR 31 MLC II(8)(c) MLR 56(g)(6) MLC II(8)(a)-(b), II(9) MLR 50(a) MLC II(2) MLC II(3), VI, PBA II, MLR 22 MLC IX(1), MLR 37 MLR 35 MLR 54(a)(8) MLC II(8)(a) MLR 20, 50(c), 54(a)(5)(B)
CONTROL INTEREST TRANSFER (SEE TRANSFER OF CLUB)
iii
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES CONSIDERATIONFOR PLAYER TRANSFER Must be in definite terms.............................................. Performance bonuses ................................................... ................................................................................
MLR 12(e)(1) MLR 9(c), MLR 12(e)(1)(B)
CONTRACTS (SEE ALSO UNIFORM PLAYER CONTRACTS) Acceptance................................................................... MLR 3(d) False information in................................................ MLR 3(a)(1)(E)-(G) In violation of Rules..................................................... MLR 3(f) Managers...................................................................... MLR 3(i) Of first-year players ..................................................... MLR 3(c), 17(a) Performance bonuses ................................................... MLR 9(c), 12(e)(1) Reporting and filing ..................................................... MLR 3(e) Submit to jurisdiction of Commissioner, requirement to......................................................... MLC VI(3), ................................................................................ PBA II(A) Tender and renewal of ................................................. MLR 3(h) Tender to drafted player............................................... MLR 4(e), MLR ................................................................................ Attachment 4 Termination.................................................................. MLR 7 Uniform player............................................................. MLR 3(b), MLR ................................................................................ Attachment 3 CONTRACTION (SEE ALSO TERMINATION OF FRANCHISE) Major Leagues ............................................................. MLC V(2)(b)(1), ..................................................................................... MLC VIII(2) Minor Leagues ............................................................. MLR 53(a)(1) CROSS-OWNERSHIP OF CLUBS ..................................... ..................................................................................... Minor League............................................................... D DEBT SERVICE RULE (SEE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY) DEFINITIONS ...................................................................... DESIGNATED PLAYER RULE ......................................... MLR 60 MLR 2(k) MLR 20(a), MLR 50(c) MLR 54(a)(5)(B)
iv
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES DISABLED LISTS ................................................................ Injury rehabilitation ..................................................... Major League ............................................................... Minor League............................................................... Standard form of diagnosis required ............................ Waiver of player on ..................................................... DISASTER PLAN ................................................................. Other relief to Disabled Club ....................................... Restocking Draft .......................................................... Triggering event........................................................... DISCIPLINARY LISTS ....................................................... DISCIPLINE Jurisdiction of Commissioner....................................... ................................................................................ DISPUTES (SEE CLAIMS, DISPUTES) ............................ Arbitration of by Commissioner .................................. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ Arbitration of by President of National Association .... Compensation for drafted territories ............................ Relating to umpires ...................................................... Relating to votes .......................................................... DISQUALIFIED LIST.......................................................... Assignment of player on .............................................. Effect on player limits.................................................. Reinstatement of player from....................................... Reservation of player on .............................................. Status of player on ....................................................... Waiver of player, prohibited ........................................ DIVISION SERIES (SEE POST-SEASON) DIVISIONS Major League ............................................................... MLR 2(g), 2(h) MLR 9(f) MLR 2(g) MLR 2(h) MLR 2(g) MLR 10(e)(8) MLR 29 MLR 29(b)(4) MLR 29(b)(3) MLR 29(a) MLR 13, 15
MLC II(2)(f), MLR 21 MLR 22 MLC VI, PBA II(D), II(E), MLR 22 PBA II(D) PBA IX MLR 19(e) MLC V(2)(d) MLR 2(d), 15 MLR 15(i) MLR 15(f) MLR 16 MLR 15(g) MLR 15(e) MLR 10(e)(7)
MLC VIII(1)
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES Realignment of, Major League..................................... ................................................................................ Tie-breaking procedures............................................... DRAFTED PLAYERS Assignment prohibited for one year ............................. Effect on limits............................................................. Eligibility ..................................................................... DRAFTED TERRITORIES Compensation for ........................................................ DRAFT-EXCLUDED PLAYERS Defined......................................................................... Waivers restricted ........................................................ E EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ..................................................... Acts for Commissioner in event of vacancy................. Composition of............................................................. Jurisdiction of .............................................................. Meetings, when ............................................................ Quorum ........................................................................ EXHIBITION GAMES Commissioners approval required .............................. Hall of Fame Game ...................................................... Other than for Club ...................................................... Penalty for unauthorized play ...................................... Post-season................................................................... Minor League Clubs..................................................... ................................................................................ ................................................................................ EXPANSION Major League ............................................................... ................................................................................ Minor League............................................................... MLC III MLC II(9) MLC III(1) MLC III(2) MLC III(4) MLC III(1) MLC V(2)(B)(4)(5), VIII(2) MLR 33(c)
MLR 3(b)(6) MLR 2(i), 4(g) MLR 3(a)
PBA IX
MLR 6(e) MLR 10(e)(6)
MLC IX(1) MLR 18(e) MLR 18(b) MLR 18(c) MLR 47 PBA X(C), MLR 56(d)(6)-(7), 56(h)
MLC V(2)(b)(1), MLC VIII(2) MLR 53(a)
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3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES F FACILITIES Restriction on changes, Major League ......................... Standards, Minor League ............................................. ................................................................................ FINANCES Commissioner's Office ................................................. ................................................................................ Minor League Clubs..................................................... ................................................................................ ................................................................................ FINES Imposed by Commissioner........................................... ................................................................................ ................................................................................ Payment of ................................................................... FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT......................................... Closed period, exception.............................................. Effect of selection ........................................................ Effect of signing on player limits................................. Interpretation................................................................ Negotiation rights......................................................... Order of selection......................................................... Players eligible for selection ........................................ Player not selected ....................................................... Process for ................................................................... Selection limits............................................................. Supplemental selections ............................................... Tender of contract ........................................................ ................................................................................ Transfer of right to select prohibited............................ Unsigned selected player.............................................. FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS Contracts ...................................................................... Signed for future services.............................................
MLC IX(3) MLR 58, MLR Attachment 58
MLC II(7), X(5)(b), MLR 30 MLR 54(a)(5)(C), 54(b), MLR Attachment 54
MLC II(3), PBA II(c), MLR 46(b), 50(a), 50(b) MLR 50(b) MLR 4 MLR 4(f) MLR 4(d) MLR 2(i), 4(g) MLR 4(k) MLR 4(e) MLR 4(c) MLR 3(a), 4(a), 4(j) MLR 4(i), 4(j) MLR 4(b) MLR 4(b) MLR 4(c)(2) MLR 4(e), MLR Attachment 4 MLR 4(b) MLR 4(h)
MLR 3(c) MLR 2(j)
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3/08
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY Assets-to-liabilities, Minor League Clubs.................... Debt Service Rule, Major League Clubs...................... FRANCHISE Pledge prohibited without approval ............................. FREE AGENTS Annual selection of amateurs ....................................... Failure to tender or renew contract .............................. When subject to Rule 5 Draft....................................... Future services of free agents....................................... Minor League............................................................... G GAMBLING .......................................................................... ................................................................................ ................................................................................ GATE RECEIPTS................................................................. GIFTS, IMPROPER ............................................................. ................................................................................ H HALL OF FAME GAME ..................................................... HIGH SCHOOL RULES ...................................................... HOLIDAYS ........................................................................... I INDEBTEDNESS Of Minor League Club ................................................. INDEMNIFICATION Of officials ...................................................................
MLR 54(b) MLC XI(1)
MLR 54(a)(1)
MLR 4 MLR 3(h) MLR 5(c) MLR 2(j) MLR 55
MLR 21(d), 54(a)(5)(F), 54(a)(6) MLR 26 MLR 3(j), 21(b), 21(c)
MLR 18(e) MLR 3(a)(2) MLR 23
MLR 59
MLC XI(2)
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INELIGIBILITY As penalty for misconduct ........................................... INELIGIBLE LIST ............................................................... Effect on player limits.................................................. Release of player on..................................................... Reinstatement of player on........................................... Reservation of player on .............................................. Waiver of player prohibited ......................................... INJURY REHABILITATION ............................................. INTERNET (SEE VIDEO MEDIA) J JAPAN, JAPANESE BASEBALL .......................................
MLR 21 MLR 15(c) MLR 2(d), 15(f) MLR 8(c)(1) MLR 15(d), 16 MLR 15(g) MLR 10(e)(7) MLR 9(f)
MLR 18(f)
JOINT MAJOR LEAGUE MEETINGS (SEE MAJOR LEAGUE MEETINGS) JUNIOR COLLEGE RULE ................................................. K KOREA, KOREAN BASEBALL ......................................... L LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (SEE POST-SEASON) LIEN On territory of Minor League Club .............................. LOANS Prohibited (of money) .................................................. ................................................................................ Prohibited (of players) ................................................. M MAIL VOTE OF MAJOR LEAGUES ................................ MLC V(1) 3/08 MLR 59 MLR 18(g) MLR 3(a)(4)
MLR 20(b), 20(c), 20(d) MLR 11(i)
ix
MAJOR LEAGUE CENTRAL FUND ................................ Payments from ............................................................. Termination of ............................................................. MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION Superseding effect of .................................................. MAJOR LEAGUE MEETINGS Notice for ..................................................................... Quorum ........................................................................ Special Major League Meetings................................... When held .................................................................... Voting requirements..................................................... MAJOR LEAGUE REGULATIONS .................................. MAJOR LEAGUE RULES Amendments to ............................................................ ................................................................................ ................................................................................ Binding upon all Clubs ................................................ Penalties for violations................................................. MANAGERS Contracts for................................................................. Minor League............................................................... Player-manager restrictions.......................................... Player-managers and professional draft ....................... Re-signing as Player..................................................... MARKETING Minor Leagues, cooperation with................................. MEETINGS Executive Council ........................................................ Major League ............................................................... Rule 5 Selection Meeting .............................................
MLC X MLC X(5) MLC X(5)-(6)
MLC VII
MLC V(1)(b) MLC V(1)(a) MLC V(3) MLC V(1)(A) MLC V(2) MLC XI(3)
MLC III(2)(d), V(2)(c), PBA VI(C) MLC IV, MLR 50 MLR 50(a)
MLR 3(i) MLR 56(g)(4) MLR 2(m) MLR 5(e) MLR 2(l)
PBA X(E)
MLC III MLC V MLR 5
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES MILITARY LIST .................................................................. Release of player on..................................................... Waiver of player prohibited ......................................... MLR 2(e) MLR 8(c)(1) MLR 10(e)(7)
MINOR LEAGUES (SEE ALSO NATIONAL ASSOCIATION) All-Star Games............................................................. PBA X(B), ................................................................................ MLR 32(b)(6) Change in classifications or League affiliations........... MLR 53(c) Classification of leagues .............................................. MLR 51(a) Finances, Club.............................................................. MLR 54, ................................................................................ MLR Attachment 54 Free agents ................................................................... MLR 55 Lien on territory ........................................................... MLR 59 Marketing cooperation ................................................. PBA X(E) Player Development Contracts..................................... MLR 56, ................................................................................ MLR Attachment 56 Player limits, length of service..................................... MLR 51(b) Playing facilities........................................................... MLR 56(i), 58, ................................................................................ MLR Attachment 58 Playoffs ........................................................................ MLR 32(b)(5), 40(c) Regulation of franchises............................................... MLR 54 Schedules ..................................................................... MLR 32(b) Statistics ....................................................................... PBA X(A) Telecast rights .............................................................. PBA X(D) Territories..................................................................... MLR 52, ................................................................................ MLR Attachment 52 Transfer of Club........................................................... MLR 54 Transportation, travel standards ................................... MLR 57 MISCONDUCT ..................................................................... MOVING EXPENSES On assignment.............................................................. N NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (SEE ALSO MINOR LEAGUES; NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT) .................. PBA Admission of new leagues............................................ MLR 53(d) Minor League Alignment Committee .......................... PBA III(C) Joint Committee with Major Leagues .......................... PBA III(B) MLR 13(a), 21
MLR 9(a)
xi
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES Jurisdiction of Commissioner....................................... Payment to Major Leagues Central Fund..................... NEGOTIATION LIST .......................................................... NOTICES ............................................................................... Assignment of player, form.......................................... O OPTIONAL AGREEMENTS .............................................. Closed period ............................................................... Form of notice.............................................................. Player loan prohibited .................................................. Reacquiring player, option charged ............................. Recall ........................................................................... Salary, responsibility for .............................................. ................................................................................ Three season maximum................................................ Total permitted per Club .............................................. Waivers required, when ............................................... OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENTS Form of notice.............................................................. Generally...................................................................... Option charged, when .................................................. Waivers required.......................................................... OWNERSHIP AND AFFILIATIONS Information to be submitted annually, Major Leagues ............................................................. Information to be submitted annually, Minor Leagues ............................................................. P PAYMENTS Certain Payments Forbidden ........................................ PENNANTS AND MEMENTOS ......................................... MLR 3(j) MLR 36 MLR 11 MLR 11(e) MLR Attachment 12 MLR 11(i) MLR 11(j) MLR 11(b) MLR 11(f), 11(g), 11(h) MLR 11(c) MLR 11(d) MLR 10(b)(3) PBA II PBA VII(F) MLR 4(d), 4(e) MLR 24 MLR Attachment 12
MLR Attachment 12 MLR 9 MLR 11(j) MLR 10(b)(2)
MLR 20(h) MLR 54(b)(2)
xii
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT ......................... Assignability ................................................................ Duration and termination ............................................. Filing of........................................................................ Form of ........................................................................ Rights and obligations.................................................. Negotiation of affiliations ............................................ PLAYER LIMITS ................................................................. Active lists ................................................................... Designated player rule ................................................. Effect of Bereavement List .......................................... Effect of Disabled List placement ................................ Effect of Disqualified List placement .......................... Effect of First-Year Player Draft player....................... Effect of future services ............................................... Effect of Ineligible List placement............................... Effect of injury rehabilitation assignment .................... Effect of Military List placement ................................. Effect of reinstatement of player.................................. Effect of Restricted List placement .............................. Effect of request for unconditional release waivers ..... Effect of Suspended List placement............................. Effect of Temporary Assignment ................................. Effect of Temporarily Inactive List.............................. Effect of Voluntary Retired List placement ................. Player-coach restrictions .............................................. Player-manager restrictions.......................................... Players not included ..................................................... Reserve lists ................................................................. PLAYING FACILITIES Minor League............................................................... ................................................................................ World Series ................................................................ PLAYING RULES ................................................................ ................................................................................ PBA VII, MLR 56 MLR 56(f) MLR 56(c) MLR 56(n) MLR Attachment 56 MLR 56(g) MLR 56(d), 56(e) MLR 2 MLR 2(c) MLR 2(k), 10(h) MLR 2(n) MLR 2(g), 2(h) MLR 15(f) MLR 2(i), 4(g) MLR 2(j) MLR 15(f) MLR 9(f) MLR 2(e) MLR 16(d) MLR 15(f) MLR 8(d) MLR 2(f) MLR 9A(g) MLR 2(h) MLR 15(f) MLR 2(m) MLR 2(m) MLR 2(d) MLR 2(a), 2(b)
MLR 56(i), 58, MLR Attachment 58 MLR 43 MLC IX(2), PBA V, MLR 25
xiii
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES Amendment of.............................................................. ................................................................................ Official Scoring Rules Committee ............................... Playing Rules Committee............................................. PLEDGE Of Minor League franchise prohibited......................... POST-SEASON (SEE ALSO POST-SEASON MANUAL) Administration of, by Commissioner ........................... 35 Division Series ............................................................. Eligibility, coaches....................................................... Eligibility, Major League players ................................ Eligibility, Minor League players ................................ Expenses ...................................................................... Facilities....................................................................... League Championship Series ....................................... Playing rules ................................................................ Qualification for........................................................... Receipts, division of..................................................... Schedule....................................................................... Tickets.......................................................................... Tie-breaking procedures............................................... Votes relating to........................................................... Wild Card..................................................................... PRESIDENTS, LEAGUE Major League, appointment of ..................................... PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT Conflicts with Major League Rules prohibited ............ Purpose......................................................................... Term............................................................................. PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ..................................................... MLC V(2)(a)(4), MLR 25(c) MLR 25(d) MLR 25(b)
MLR 54(a)(1)
MLC IX(4), MLR MLR 34(a), 37(a)(1) MLR 40(b) MLR 40(a) MLR 40(c) MLR 42 MLR 43 MLR 34(b), 37(a)(2) MLR 39 MLR 33 MLR 45 MLR 37 MLR 44 MLR 33(c) MLC V(2)(a)(3) MLR 33(b)
MLC II(2)(e)
PBA VI(B) PBA I PBA III(A)
PBA IV
xiv
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES Q QUORUM Executive Council ........................................................ Joint Major League Meetings....................................... R RADIO (SEE BROADCASTS) REACQUISITION OF PLAYER CONTRACT Generally...................................................................... REALIGNMENT (SEE DIVISIONS) REGULATED TRANSACTION Minor League............................................................... RELEASE, UNCONDITIONAL ........................................ Form of notice.............................................................. Notice required............................................................. Re-signing by releasing club ........................................ Salary obligations......................................................... Waiver price................................................................. Waiver procedures ....................................................... Waivers required.......................................................... RELOCATION OF FRANCHISE Major League ............................................................... ..................................................................................... Minor League............................................................... RESERVE LISTS .................................................................. Maximum number of reserved players......................... RESTRICTED LIST ............................................................. Assignment of player on .............................................. Effect on player limits.................................................. Reinstatement of player ............................................... Reservation of player on .............................................. Waiver of player prohibited ......................................... MLC III(1) MLC V(1)(a)
MLR 11(j)
MLR 54(a), 54(b)(1) MLR 8 MLR Attachment 12 MLR 8(f), 8(g) MLR 2(l), 8(i) MLR 8(h) MLR 8(e) MLR 8(b) MLR 8(a)
MLC V(2)(b)(3), MLR 1(a) MLR 53, 56(j) MLR 2(a), 2(b) MLR 2(b), 2(j) MLR 2(d), 15(a) MLR 15(i) MLR 15(f) MLR 16 MLR 15(g) MLR 10(e)(7)
xv
3/08
REVENUE SHARING Votes relating to........................................................... S SALARIES OF PLAYERS ................................................... Minor Leagues ............................................................. SALE OF CLUB (SEE TRANSFER OF CLUB) SCHEDULES Major Leagues ............................................................. ................................................................................ Minor Leagues ............................................................. Post-season................................................................... Votes relating to........................................................... SCORERS Duties and control by Commissioner ........................... SCORING RULES COMMITTEE...................................... SEASON OF SERVICE Defined for option purposes......................................... SELECTED PLAYER .......................................................... Salary liability for ........................................................ SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL PLAYER CONTRACTS ........................................................................ "Covering up" prohibited ............................................. "Draft-excluded player," defined ................................. "Full trial" of, required................................................. Method of selection...................................................... Offer of assignment...................................................... Player-manager contract............................................... Payment for.................................................................. Players subject ............................................................. Return...........................................................................
MLC V(2)(b)(6)
MLR 3(c)(2)(A), 17 MLR 3(c)(2)(B)
MLC IX(1), MLR 32(a) MLR 32(b), 56(h) MLR 37 MLC V(2)(a)(2)
MLR 19(d) MLR 25(d)
MLR 11(c) MLR 5, 6 MLR 6(d)
MLR 5, 6 MLR 5(f) MLR 6(e) MLR 6(a), 6(c) MLR 5(b) MLR 6(b) MLR 5(e) MLR 5(d) MLR 5(c) MLR 6
xvi
3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES SUMMER MEETING (SEE FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT) SUSPENDED LIST ............................................................... Appeal of suspension ................................................... Waiver of player prohibited ......................................... SUSPENDED PERSONNEL ................................................ Appeal of suspension ................................................... Effect of suspension ..................................................... T TAIWAN, TAIWANESE BASEBALL ................................ TAMPERING ........................................................................ TELEVISION (SEE ALSO BROADCASTS) Minor League telecasts ................................................ Territories..................................................................... TEMPORARILY INACTIVE LIST .................................... TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENTS ......................................... "TEN-AND-FIVE" PLAYER .............................................. TERMINATION OF FRANCHISE Effect of, Major League ............................................... Involuntary, Major League .......................................... Procedure, Major League ............................................. Voluntary, Major League ............................................. Votes relating to........................................................... TERRITORIES Compensation for, Major League................................. Compensation for, Minor League ................................ Protection of, Major League ........................................ ................................................................................ Protection of, Minor League ........................................ ................................................................................ Liens on........................................................................ MLR 18(h) MLR 3(k) MLR 2(f), 13 MLR 13(c) MLR 10(e)(7) MLR 24 MLR 24(b) MLR 24(c)
PBA X(D) MLC VIII(9) MLR 2(h)(2) MLR 9A MLR 9(e)
MLC VIII(6)-(7) MLC VIII(4) MLC VIII(5) MLC VIII(3) MLC V(2)(b)(8)
MLR 1(a)(4) PBA IX MLC VIII(8), MLR 1(a), 1(b), 52 PBA IX, MLR 52, MLR Attachment 52 MLR 59 3/08
xvii
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES List of .......................................................................... ................................................................................ Television..................................................................... TRANSFER AGREEMENTS .............................................. Filing of........................................................................ Form of notice.............................................................. Penalties for improper .................................................. Salary responsibility..................................................... Transportation .............................................................. Void, when................................................................... TRANSFER OF CLUB Continuity of assignments, agreements and transactions............................................................. Major League votes relating to .................................... Minor League Club ...................................................... TRANSPORTATION Minor Leagues ............................................................. Transferred players ...................................................... TRYOUTS FOR AMATEUR PLAYERS ........................... U UMPIRES .............................................................................. Acting as scouts, prohibited ......................................... Assault upon, prohibited .............................................. Claims affecting, jurisdiction of Commissioner........... Duties and control by Commissioner ........................... Gifts to, prohibited ....................................................... Umpire Development Program .................................... MLR 19 MLR 19(f) MLR 21(e) MLR 19(e) MLR 19(a)-(c) MLR 21(c) PBA VIII MLC VIII(8), MLR Attachment 52 MLC VIII(9) MLR 12 MLR 12(d) MLR Attachment 12 MLR 12(b) MLR 12(g) MLR 12(h) MLR 12(f)
MLR 50(c) MLC V(2)(b)(2) MLR 54
MLR 57 MLR 12(h) MLR 3(g)
UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE (SEE RELEASE, UNCONDITIONAL) UNIFORM PLAYER CONTRACT .................................... Form for Minor League ............................................... Must be signed before playing ..................................... MLR 3(b) MLR Attachment 3 MLR 3(b)(4)
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3/08
MLCMAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION PBAPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL AGREEMENT MLRMAJOR LEAGUE RULES V VIDEO MEDIA Votes relating to........................................................... VOLUNTARILY RETIRED LIST ...................................... Application for ............................................................ Effect of player limits .................................................. No playing while retired .............................................. Reinstatement of player................................................ Release of player on .................................................... Waiver of player prohibited ........................................ VOTING REQUIREMENTS ............................................... Collective bargaining matters....................................... Commissioner, election of............................................ Major League Meetings ............................................... Minor League Amendments......................................... W WAIVERS, GENERALLY ................................................... Assignment waivers, definition.................................... Awarding of contract ................................................... Claims .......................................................................... Definitions ................................................................... For return of selected player ........................................ Irrevocable, when......................................................... Optional assignment waivers, definition ...................... Outright assignment waivers, definition....................... Penalties ....................................................................... Procedures.................................................................... Restrictions on ............................................................. Request for ................................................................... Trade assignment waivers, definition........................... Types of ....................................................................... Unconditional release................................................... Waiver periods ............................................................. Waiver price................................................................. When required for assignment ..................................... Withdrawal of request.................................................. MLR 10 MLR 10(a)(6) MLR 10(d)(4) MLR 10(d) MLR 10(a) MLR 6 MLR 8(b), 10(e)(4) MLR 10(a)(4) MLR 10(a)(3) MLR 10(g) MLR 8(b), 10(c) MLR 10(e) MLR 10(c)(1) MLR 10(a)(2) MLR 10(a) MLR 8(a), 10(a)(5) MLR 10(c)(4) MLR 8(e), 10(d)(5) MLR 10(b) MLR 10(d)(3) MLC V(2)(A)(5) MLR 2(d), 14 MLR 14(a) MLR 15(f) MLR 14(b) MLR 16 MLR 8(c)(2) MLR 10(e)(7) MLC V(2) MLC V(2)(a)(1) MLC II(9) MLC V(2) MLR 28
xix
3/08
WINTER LEAGUES ............................................................ Conflicts of interest......................................................
MLR 18(a), 60(t) MLR 20(f)
WORLD SERIES (SEE ALSO POST-SEASON MANUAL) MLR 34(c)-48 Administration by Commissioner ................................ MLR 35, 38(b) Bonus prohibited .......................................................... MLR 46 Conclusion of .............................................................. MLR 38 Playing Rules ............................................................... MLR 39 Rings, mementos .......................................................... MLR 36 Schedule....................................................................... MLR 37(a)(3) Votes relating to........................................................... MLC V(2)(a)(3)
xx
3/08
MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 1(a) to 1(b) IMPORTANT NOTE: TO THE EXTENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PROVISIONS OF THESE RULES AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE BASIC AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MAJOR LEAGUE CLUBS AND THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION, THE BASIC AGREEMENT SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS CONTROL.
Rule 1 CIRCUITS (a) CONDITIONS TO RELOCATION TO ANOTHER CLUB'S TERRITORY. A Major League Club, in order to relocate within the home territory of another Major League Club, must comply with the following conditions: (1) The Major League Club intending to so relocate shall give notice of such intention to the Commissioner not later than midnight of October 31 of the year next preceding the first year it proposes to operate a second Major League Club in such home territory. (2) Such Major League Club shall satisfy the Commissioner as to the bona fides of such Club's intention to operate in such home territory on a long-term basis and as to the financial ability and character of the owners of such Club to maintain such Club for a period of five years. (3) Any park owned or occupied by such second Major League Club in such home territory shall be located not less than five air miles distant from the park of the Club first located in such home territory, unless the two Clubs mutually agree otherwise. (4) Such second Major League Club, before commencing its first year of operation in such home territory, shall pay to the Club already located in such home territory such sum of money as the Commissioner deems appropriate under the circumstances and in addition shall pay to the latter Club one-half of all sums paid by the latter Club to Minor Leagues or Clubs as compensation for inclusion of such home territory in a Major League. Any disputes as to the amounts paid as such compensation shall be determined by the Commissioner. (b) NUMBER OF CLUBS. In no event shall any home territory in either Major League circuit have more than two Major League Clubs.
3/08
MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 1(c) to 2(a)
(c) NOTICE. (1) A Major League Club desiring to locate in a home territory in which a Minor League Club is operating must file notice of its intention to do so with the Commissioner between October 1 and October 31 (both inclusive) next preceding the first season it proposes to operate in such city. (2) If a Major League Club transfers its location to another home territory after approval is obtained under the Major League Constitution, such Club shall notify the Commissioner of the transfer as soon as the agreements or proceedings necessary to effect such transfer and relocation have been completed. Fifteen days after delivery of such notice, but in no event later than February 1 next preceding the first season such Club proposes to operate in its new location, the Major League circuits set forth in the Major League Constitution shall be deemed amended to reflect such relocation and the city from which such Major League Club transferred shall be deemed vacated by such Club unless another Major League Club has located in such home territory prior to the expiration of 15 days after the delivery of such notice. (d) DEFINITION.For the purposes of this Rule 1, "home territory" shall refer to the operating territories described in Article VIII, Section 8 of the Major League Constitution, and in Attachment 52 to these Rules in the case of Minor League Clubs.
Rule 2 PLAYER LIMITS AND RESERVE LISTS (a) RESERVE LISTS. (1) Filing of Reserve Lists. On a date designated by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee (which shall be no later than November 20, or the last business day preceding November 20, if November 20 is not a business day), each Major League Club shall file Major League and Minor League Reserve Lists with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. A Major League Club shall include on its Major League Reserve List all players, player-managers and playercoaches who are currently under Major League Uniform Player's Contracts (unless they have been assigned outright to a Minor League Club) or who have been promoted to Major League status and must be tendered a Major League Uniform Player's Contract for the following championship season by December 12.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(a) A Major League Club also must file a separate Minor League Reserve List for each Minor League classification in which it desires to reserve Minor League players. A Major League Club, however, may reserve players only in classifications in which it owned or had a PDC with a Minor League Club during the previous season. The Minor League Reserve Lists filed by a Major League Club must contain all players, player-managers and player-coaches that it has under Minor League Uniform Player Contracts, including players whose Major League Uniform Player's Contracts have been assigned outright to Minor League Clubs. The composition of each Minor League Reserve List shall comply with the length of prior Minor League service limitations described in Rule 51(b) (Composition). All players on one of the Minor League Reserve Lists filed by a Major League Club shall be reserved only to the Major League Club, which shall have the exclusive contractual right to the services of the players on such a list. On the same date designated by the Commissioner for the filing of Minor League Reserve Lists by Major League Clubs, each independent Minor League Club shall file with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee a Minor League Reserve List containing the names of all players, player-managers and player-coaches that it has under Minor League Uniform Player Contracts. The composition of each Minor League Reserve List shall comply with the length of prior Minor League service limitations described in Rule 51(b) (Composition). A Minor League Club that is party to a PDC may not file a Minor League Reserve List and/or retain any sort of reserve or contractual rights to a player. (2) Maintenance of and Changes to Reserve Lists. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall continuously maintain and update the Reserve Lists filed by Major League and Minor League Clubs. As part of this process, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall promptly record any transactions or player transfers permitted by these Rules and shall make them available to all Major League and Minor League Clubs through computer terminals and/or other means of electronic communication. Both Major League and Minor League Clubs shall immediately notify the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee of any changes to their Reserve Lists. Such Reserve List changes shall not take effect until approved by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and the Commissioner may establish procedures for notifying the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee of such changes. Except for outright assignments from the Major League Reserve List in accordance with Rule 9 (Assignment of Player Contracts), outright assignments of players not subject to selection at the next Rule 5 Selection Meeting or the addition of players signed as Major League or Minor League free agents, Minor League Reserve Lists may not be amended during the period between the latest date
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(a) to 2(b) designated by the Commissioner for filing Minor League Reserve Lists and the conclusion of the Rule 5 Selection Meeting. (3) Effect of Placement on Reserve List. No player on a Reserve List filed by a Major League or Minor League Club shall be eligible to play or negotiate with any other Major League or Minor League Club until the player is removed from the Reserve List because the player's contract has been terminated or assigned. (b) MAXIMUM NUMBER OF RESERVED PLAYERS. (1) Major League Club Limits. A Major League Club may place a maximum number of (A) 40 players on its Major League Reserve List; (B) 38 players on its Class AAA Reserve List for each Class AAA Club that it owned or with which it had a PDC during the previous season; (C) 37 players on its Class AA Reserve List for each Class AA Club that it owned or with which it had a PDC during the previous season; (D) 35 players on its Class A Reserve List for each Class A or Short-Season A Club that it owned or with which it had a PDC during the previous season; and (E) 35 players on its Rookie Reserve List for each Rookie classification Club that it owned or with which it had a PDC during the previous season. If two or more Major League Clubs shared a PDC with a single Minor League Club during the previous season, those Major League Clubs may place additional players on their Minor League Reserve Lists for the shared Minor League Club's classification. The number of players so reserved by each Major League Club sharing a PDC, however, shall not exceed the number of players that each Major League Club had placed on the Active and Inactive Lists of the shared Minor League Club as of the last day of the most recently concluded championship season. (2) Minor League Club Limits. If a Minor League Club is not owned by a Major League Club and is not party to a PDC, the maximum number of players that it may place on its Minor League Reserve List shall be the same as the maximum number of players that a Major League Club could place on a Minor
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(b) to 2(c) League Reserve List in the same classification for each Minor League Club that it owned or with which it had a PDC. (3) Reserve List Limits. As used in these Rules, the maximum limits on the number of players that a Major League or Minor League Club may place on the various Major and Minor League Reserve Lists shall be referred to as "Reserve List" limits. A Major or Minor League Reserve List may contain more than the maximum number of players if the additional players are on a List (Voluntarily Retired, Disqualified, Restricted, Ineligible, or Military) that does not count against the Reserve List limits or these Rules otherwise provide that such additional players in excess of the maximum number may be placed on a Major or Minor League Reserve List. See Rule 2(g)(3) (Major League Disabled List; Effect on Limits), Rule 2(j)(1) (Players Signed for Future Services) and Rule 4(g) (Effect on Player Limits). (c) ACTIVE LISTS. (1) Filing and Maintenance. Each Major League Club must file and maintain an Active List with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee for the Major League Club itself and for all Minor League Clubs that it owns or with which it has a PDC. If a Minor League Club is not owned by a Major League Club and does not have a PDC, it must file its own Active List with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. The Active List of a Minor League Club owned by a Major League Club or under a PDC may include only players who are reserved to and under Major League Uniform Player's Contracts or Minor League Uniform Player Contracts with a Major League Club. An Active List must include all players who are currently eligible to play in a championship season game for the Major League or the Minor League Club for which the list was filed. All Major League Active Lists must be filed by such time or times on the opening date of the Major League championship season as the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may set forth, provided, however, that any such filing time shall be no later than one hour before the scheduled start of the first game of the championship season on such opening date. All Minor League Active lists must be filed by the opening date of the championship season of the Minor League Club to which the list applies. An optional player who has been recalled shall not be counted against the Major League Active List until the player physically reports to the recalling Club.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(c) to 2(d) (2) Numerical Limits. (A) The maximum number of players who may be placed on an Active List for a Major League Club shall be 25 from opening day until midnight on August 31 of the same championship season, at which time the number of players on the Active List of a Major League Club may be increased to 40. (B) The maximum number of players on the Active List of a Class AAA Club shall be 24. (C) The maximum number of players on the Active List of a Class AA Club shall be 24. (D) The maximum number of players on the Active List of a Class A Club shall be 25. (E) The maximum number of players on the Active List of a Short-Season A Club shall be 30, only 25 of whom may be in uniform and eligible to play in any given game. (F) The maximum number of players on the Active List of a Rookie Club shall be 35, only 30 of whom may be in uniform and eligible to play in any given game. (3) For purposes of applying the limits in Rule 2(c)(2) (Numerical Limits), a player-manager or player-coach shall be considered an active player. (d) VOLUNTARILY RETIRED, RESTRICTED, DISQUALIFIED AND INELIGIBLE LISTS. Players on the Voluntarily Retired, Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible Lists shall not count against either the Reserve List or Active List limits. A player under a Major League Uniform Player's Contract or Minor League Uniform Player Contract who has been reserved for two consecutive years on the Voluntarily Retired, Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible Lists shall be omitted from further Reserve Lists and shall not be eligible to play until the player is first reinstated in accordance with Rule 16 (Reinstatement of Players). Upon reinstatement, the Major League or Minor League Club to which the player is reserved shall restore the player to the same status that the player had at the time when the player retired or became ineligible.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(e) (e) MILITARY LIST. Players under reserve to Major or Minor League Clubs may be placed on the Military List subject to conditions and strictures set forth in this Rule 2(e). (1) If a player has received definite orders to report for military service, the player may be placed on the Military List within 15 days of the date on which the player is to report. A player may not be placed on the Military List, however, unless the player has left the player's Major League or Minor League Club in preparation for reporting for military service. (2) A player on the Military List shall not count against any Reserve List or Active List limits as of the date the player commences active military service if the player and the player's Major or Minor League Club advise the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee in writing of the exact date that the player began active military service, the unit with which the player is serving and the player's serial number. (3) Upon discharge from military service a player will count against Reserve List and Active List limits after the player has completed a 15-day trial period or has participated in a championship season game, whichever comes first. This trial period shall begin when the player physically reports during either spring training or the championship season to the Major or Minor League Club for which the player has been directed to perform. A player on the Military List who is discharged from military service after the Rule 5 Selection Meeting, however, shall not count against any Reserve List or Active List limit until the opening day of the following championship season and such a player shall not count against any Reserve List limit in any event until the player has had a trial period of at least 15 days or has played in a championship season game. (4) Upon learning that a player has been separated from military service, the Major or Minor League Club to which the player is under reserve must immediately transmit such information to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. (5) A player who is required to return for additional military service, but who may be available to the player's Major or Minor League Club while still in military service, shall be counted against the player's Club's Active List limit from the day the player participates in a championship season game and for the balance of the season. Any time accumulated by such player during spring training or the championship season shall be charged against the 15-day trial period that the player's Club must give the player.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(f) to 2(g) (f) SUSPENDED LIST. (1) Major League. A player on the Suspended List shall count against both Reserve List and Active List limits. (2) Minor League. A player on the Suspended List of a Minor League Club shall count against Reserve List limits and not against Active List limits. (g) MAJOR LEAGUE DISABLED LIST. Upon written application to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, a Major League Club may request that a player on its Major League Active List, who is unable to render services because of a specific injury or ailment, be placed on one of the Disabled Lists set forth in this Rule 2(g). The application shall be accompanied by a Standard Form of Diagnosis completed by the Major League Club physician, and a copy of this completed form shall be given to the player. At the time of the request, the player's Club must designate the specific list on which the player is to be placed. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may approve such requests after having received the Standard Form of Diagnosis. (1) Lists. The Major League Disabled Lists shall consist of 15-day and 60-day lists, which shall be the minimum period of inactivity for a player placed on such a list. There shall be no limit on the number of players placed on either list, but a player may not be placed on or transferred to the 60-day list unless the player's Club's Major League Reserve List is at the maximum limit of 40 or the players Club acquires a player by waiver claim for its Major League Reserve List who otherwise would cause the 40-player Reserve List limit to be exceeded. A player placed on the 15-day Disabled List during spring training shall serve no less than six days on such Disabled List during the championship season. For the effect of the minimum activity period on post-season rosters, see Rule 40(a)(2) (Submission of Rosters). (2) Transfers. Subject to the restriction above, a player may be transferred from the 15-day list to the 60-day list, and the time spent on the 15-day list prior to such transfer shall count towards the 60-day minimum inactivity period. Players placed on (but not players transferred to) the 60-day list after August 1 shall remain there for the balance of the season, shall not be eligible for post-season play unless their minimum period of inactivity has been completed prior to the scheduled start of a post-season series, and, notwithstanding their eligibility status for post-season play, shall not be eligible to be replaced under Rule 40 (Players Eligible).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(g) (3) Effect on Limits. Players on the 15-day list shall count against the Reserve List limits, but not against the Active List limits. Players on the 60-day list shall not count against either limit. (4) Recertifications. The Club physician must complete and submit the Standard Form of Diagnosis for Recertification for a player on the 15-day Disabled List when the player first becomes eligible for reinstatement to active status, and then every 15 days following the date upon which the player first becomes eligible for reinstatement. No recertification shall be required for players on the 60-day Disabled List. (5) Disposition of Disabled Players. A Major League Club may not direct, assign or otherwise transfer a player on a Major League Disabled List to a Minor League Club, except for the purpose of injury rehabilitation as provided in Rule 9(f) (Injury Rehabilitation). A Major League player undergoing injury rehabilitation pursuant to Rule 9(f) shall not count against the Active List limit of either the Major or the Minor League Club to which the player is assigned but shall continue to count against the Reserve List limit for the Major League Reserve List unless the player is on the 60-day Disabled List. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a player who is injured may be assigned outright to a Minor League Club, provided that: (A) the player has less than three years of Major League service; (B) the contemplated assignment would not be the player's second (or subsequent) career outright assignment since March 19, 1990; (C) the player had no Major League service in the prior championship season; (D) the player was not selected by the assignor Major League Club in the immediately preceding Rule 5 Selection Meeting; and (E) the assignment is not made in the period commencing with the 16th day prior to the start of a championship season and ending with the close of that championship season.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(h) (h) MINOR LEAGUE DISABLED LIST AND TEMPORARILY INACTIVE LIST. (1) If a Minor League Player is unable to render services because of a specific injury, the player may be placed on the Disabled List for that particular Minor League Club. If the Minor League Club is not owned by a Major League Club and is not party to a PDC, the Minor League Club may submit a written application to the President of its Minor League Association requesting that a player on its active list be placed on the Disabled List. The two lists a Minor League player may be placed on during the championship season are: (A) Regular Disabled List. Minimum period of placement on a Minor League Disabled List shall be seven consecutive days. (B) Emergency Disabled List. Minimum period of placement on an Emergency Disabled List shall be 60 consecutive days. A player on this list shall not count against either a Minor League Club's Active or Reserve List limit. Effect on Limits: A player on a Regular Minor League Disabled List shall count against the player's Minor League Club's Reserve List limit but not against the Club's Active List limit. A player assigned on rehabilitation while on the Disabled List shall count towards the Reserve List limit of the assignor Club and shall not count against the player limits of the assignee Club. (2) Placement on Temporarily Inactive List. If a Minor League player is (A) not in position to render active service to the player's Club due to any of the following: (i) necessary temporary absence during the playing season on account of a family member's bona-fide illness; (ii) absence excused for the performance of any personal obligation; or (iii) the player not being in condition to render services as a result of an absence described in Rules 2(h)(2)(A) or 2(h)(2)(B), or as a result of having reported recently for service in that season; or (B) awaiting completion of the players unconditional release for the purpose of allowing the player to sign with a club in a foreign league,
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(h) to 2(j) provided the players Club submits documentation of the transaction with the foreign club satisfactory to the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee, the player may be placed on the Minor League Club's Temporarily Inactive List. If the placement is pursuant to Rule 2(h)(2)(A), the Player's salary entitlement shall be at the Club's discretion until such player returns to the Club in physical condition to render services. A Player may not be placed on the Temporarily Inactive List prior to the start of the championship season. The minimum period of placement on the Temporarily Inactive List shall be three consecutive days, during which the player will not be allowed in uniform during a game. No assignment of a Temporarily Inactive List player shall be permitted until after reinstatement, following expiration of the minimum period. However, a Temporarily Inactive List player may be unconditionally released at any time, provided the player has first been reinstated from the Temporarily Inactive List. Effect on Limits: A Temporarily Inactive player shall not be counted on a Minor League Club's Active List, but the player shall be included in the Reserve List limit. Written notice of placement upon the Temporarily Inactive List must be given to the player. A player cannot be carried on the Reserve List as Temporarily Inactive. (i) PLAYERS SIGNED AFTER SELECTION. Players who are signed after selection in the Rule 4 draft shall count against Reserve List and Active List limits only as provided in Rule 4(g) (Effect on Player Limits). (j) PLAYERS SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICES. No Major or Minor League Club may sign an eligible player if the player has no previous Major or Minor League experience and if the contract is for services to commence after the current calendar year, except as provided for in subparagraphs (1) or (2) of this Rule 2(j). (1) A Major League Club may sign, after July 1, a player who has no previous Major or Minor League experience to a contract for the succeeding year, provided, however, that the number of players so signed shall not exceed 12 for each Class A, Short-Season A or Rookie League Club that the Major League Club owns or with which it has a PDC during the current season. Each such additional player signed to a Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be placed on either a Class A, Short-Season A or Rookie Reserve List, but the player shall not count against Reserve List or Active List limits until the opening day of the succeeding championship season of the Club to which the player is assigned. The Club shall
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(j) to 2(l) be obligated to take such player to its spring training camp (Major League, Minor League or a combination of both) for a minimum 15-day trial period. Each such additional player signed to a Major League Uniform Players Contract shall be placed on a Major League Reserve List, shall count against such Reserve List limits immediately, shall be directed not to report until Major League spring training camp and shall not count against Active List limits until the opening day of the succeeding championship season of the Club to which the player is assigned. The Club shall be obligated to take such player to its spring training camp (Major League, Minor League or a combination of both) for a minimum 15day trial period. (2) A player who has no previous Major or Minor League experience and who is in the Armed Services may contract, regardless of the date on which the player is scheduled to be discharged, for either the current or the next succeeding season if the player is signed between the Rule 4 draft and the Winter Meetings, or for the season following the Winter Meetings if the player is signed between the Winter Meetings and the next Rule 4 draft. A player so signed shall not be eligible for placement on the Military List and shall be counted against the signing Club's Major or Minor League Reserve List limits. Players signed pursuant to this Rule 2(j)(2) shall not be charged for player classification purposes with any time between the date of the contract and the date of reporting. (k) DESIGNATED PLAYERS. When the Active List and/or Reserve List limits of a particular Major League Club have been reached, and the Club desires to acquire, sign, transfer, recall from an optional assignment or reinstate an additional player, notice must first be given to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee of the Club's intention to release or assign an equal number of designated players. The player(s) so designated shall be released or their contracts assigned within 10 days after such notice is given, and they shall not be eligible to participate in a championship season game after having been so designated until they are released or assigned to another Major or Minor League Club. No player obtained from a waiver claim award may be designated if such designation would violate Rule 10(h) (Player Limit). (l) RE-SIGNING OF COACH OR MANAGER AS PLAYER. Any Major League Reserve List player who has been unconditionally released and signed as a coach or manager after midnight on August 1 of any championship season cannot be resigned as a player by the releasing Major League Club until May 15 of the following championship season.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(m) (m) LIMITATIONS ON COACHES, PLAYER-COACHES AND PLAYERMANAGERS. (1) Major League. (A) A person employed as a coach shall not count against the Reserve List or Active List limits unless and until the person signs a contract as a player. Upon signing as a player the person cannot be re-employed as a coach during the same season, unless any applicable waivers are first secured and the person is unconditionally released as a player. (B) A person signed as a player or a player-manager cannot be re-employed as a manager or coach until any applicable waivers are first secured and the person is unconditionally released as a player. If the person is then employed under a coach's or manager's contract, a Major League Club cannot release the person as coach or manager and subsequently re-sign the person as a player during the same championship season. (C) No contract shall be approved unless a Major League Club indicates in the contract whether the person is to be employed as a player or as a coach. (D) From opening day through August 31 and during the post-season, a Major League Club shall be permitted no more than six on-field uniformed coaches, instructors or bullpen coaches during an official Major League Baseball game. From September 1 through the conclusion of the championship season, a Major League Club shall be permitted one additional on-field uniformed coach, instructor or bullpen coach during an official Major League Baseball game, so long as such additional coach was, for the entire championship season, a uniformed manager, coach or instructor of a Minor League Club or Clubs affiliated with that Major League Club and so long as the Major League Club provides such coachs name to the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee before such coach appears in uniform during a Major League game. A Major League Club may designate a different additional coach from game to game, so long as the Major League Club complies with all other requirements of this Rule 2(m)(1)(D). There shall be no limit, however, on the number of coaches or instructors who may work with players during any pre-game or post-game practice.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(m) to 2(n) (2) Minor League. (A) A person employed as a manager or coach shall not count against the Reserve List or Active List limits unless and until the person signs a contract as a player. Upon signing as a player the person cannot be re-employed as a manager or coach during the same season, unless the person is unconditionally released as a player. During the same championship season, a manager or coach who has been signed and subsequently released as a player may not be re-signed as a player. (B) A person signed as a player, player-manager or player-coach cannot be re-employed as a manager or coach until the person is unconditionally released as a player. If the person is then employed under a coach's or manager's contract, a Major or Minor League Club cannot release the person as coach or manager of a Minor League Club and subsequently re-sign the person as a player during the same championship season. (C) No contract shall be approved unless a Major or Minor League Club indicates in the contract whether the person is to be employed as a player or as a manager or coach. (n) MAJOR LEAGUE BEREAVEMENT LIST. Upon written application to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, a Major League Club may request that a player be placed on the Major League Bereavement List. No player may be placed on the Major League Bereavement List unless such player is unable to render services because of the serious or severe illness or death of a member of such players immediate family (spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild) or a member of such player's spouse's immediate family (parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild). A player on the Major League Bereavement List shall be paid salary while on such List. For each day that the player receives salary while on the Major League Bereavement List, the player shall receive one day of Major League service. The minimum period of placement on the Major League Bereavement List shall be three consecutive days and the maximum period of placement shall be seven consecutive days, during which placement the player is not permitted to be with the players Club. No assignment of a Major League Bereavement List player shall be permitted until after reinstatement. However, a Major League Bereavement List player may be unconditionally released with the prior approval of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 2(n) to 3(a) If a player's absence from the players Major League Club continues past the maximum period of Major League Bereavement List placement, the players Club may submit written application to the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee to place the player on the Restricted List. See Rule 15(a) (Restricted, Disqualified and Ineligible Lists). Effect on Limits: A Major League Bereavement List player shall not be counted on a Major League Club's Active List, but the player shall be included in the Reserve List limit. Written notice of placement upon the Major League Bereavement List must be given to the player. A player may not be carried on the Major League Bereavement List after the conclusion of the championship season.
Rule 3 ELIGIBILITY TO SIGN CONTRACT, CONTRACT TERMS, AND CONTRACT TENDERS (a) ELIGIBILITY TO SIGN MAJOR LEAGUE OR MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS. (1) General Rules. Subject to the High School, College and Junior College Rules listed in this Rule 3(a), a Major or Minor League Club may contract with a player under the conditions and restrictions set forth in this Rule 3. A player may be subject to one or more of the following Rules and may contract with a Major or Minor League Club only if the conditions and restrictions of all Rules applicable to the player are satisfied. It is the responsibility of the contracting Club to determine that a player is eligible to sign in accordance with this Rule 3. For purposes of this Rule 3, the term "United States" shall mean the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any other Commonwealth, Territory or Possession of the United States of America. (A) A player who has not previously contracted with a Major or Minor League Club, and who is a resident of the United States or Canada, may be signed to a contract only after having been eligible for selection in the FirstYear Player draft. A player shall be considered a "resident of the United States" if the player enrolls in a United States high school or college or establishes a legal residence in the United States on the date of the player's contract or within one year prior to that date. A player who is selected in a First-Year Player Draft and who does not sign a Major or Minor League Contract with the selecting Club before being removed from the selecting Clubs Negotiation List pursuant to any of Rules 4(d)(2), 4(d)(3) and 4(d)(5)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(a) (Effect of Selection on Player) may not sign with any Major or Minor League Club until after the next First-Year Player Draft for which the player is eligible for selection. (B) A player who has not previously contracted with a Major or Minor League Club, who is not a resident of the United States or Canada, and who is not subject to the High School, College or Junior College Rules, may be signed to a contract if the player: (i) is at least 17 years old at the time of signing, or (ii) is 16 at the time of signing, but will attain age 17 prior to either the end of the effective season for which the player has signed or September 1 of such effective season, whichever is later. Proof of age in the form of a birth certificate or other appropriate documentation, issued by an appropriate government agency, shall accompany the filing of such player's first Major or Minor League contract. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Major League Rules (including, but not limited to, Rule 3(f)(1) (Contracts in Violation)), any Minor League Uniform Player Contract made in violation of this Rule 3(a)(1)(B) may be declared null and void only in the discretion of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, and the Major or Minor League Club and the official, scout or employee of the offending Major or Minor League Club who participated in the violation shall be subject to such penalties or such other action as the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may from time to time deem appropriate under the circumstances. A Major League or Minor League Club that recruits such a player may not sign or encourage such a player to sign a professional baseball contract other than with a Major or Minor League Club. (C) A player who has previously contracted with a Major or Minor League Club, and is currently reserved by such Club or by another assignee Club, may be signed to a contract only by the Club that currently holds reservation rights to the player's contract. (D) A player who has previously contracted with a Major or Minor League Club, but who is no longer subject to reservation by that Club, may contract with any Major or Minor League Club subject to the limitations on resigning with a prior Club in Rule 8(i) (Re-Signing of Released Players).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(a) (E) No player is permitted to, directly or indirectly, provide to a Major or Minor League Club, or to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, any false material information or documentation in regard to the player's age, identity, citizenship, residence or scholastic standing in connection with the player signing with a Major or Minor League Club. Any player found to have violated this Rule 3(a)(1)(E) shall be declared ineligible to sign with any Major or Minor League Club for a period of one year, if the player does not have an approved contract with a Major or Minor League Club, or shall be placed on the Disqualified List for a period of one year, if the player does have an approved Minor League Uniform Player Contract with a Major or Minor League Club. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall have the discretion to reduce the mandatory sanctions described in this Rule 3(a)(1)(E) only if the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee concludes that extraordinary circumstances exist that call for the exercise of such discretion. If a complaint is first made to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee more than one year following the player's first appearance in a game in a Major or Minor League in the United States or Canada and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee concludes that a player has violated this Rule 3(a)(1)(E), then the mandatory sanctions described in this Rule 3(a)(1)(E) shall not apply and, instead, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may impose such sanctions as may be deemed appropriate, in the discretion of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. If the false information or documentation is in regard to a Major League Uniform Player's Contract, or if the disclosure of evidence of false information or documentation in regard to a player is made to the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee while such player is on a Major League Reserve List, whether or not the false information or documentation is in regard to a Minor League Uniform Player Contract, then the mandatory sanctions described in this Rule 3(a)(1)(E) shall not apply and, instead, Rule 21(f) (Other Misconduct) shall apply. Any person employed by or affiliated with any Major or Minor League Club who participates in, aids or abets any violation of this Rule 3(a)(1)(E) shall be subject to such sanctions as may be deemed appropriate, in the discretion of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. (F) The mandatory sanctions described in Rule 3(a)(1)(E) shall neither abrogate nor supersede any rights or remedies a Club may have, whether under a Minor League Uniform Player Contract, under a Major League Uniform Player's Contract, at law, in equity or otherwise, against a player who has engaged in conduct prohibited by Rule 3(a)(1)(E). Rule 3(a)(1)(E) shall not be admissible in any arbitration or other litigation involving a Club
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(a) contention that a player induced the Club to execute a Major League Uniform Player's Contract by, among other things, providing false information or documentation in regard to the player's age, identity, citizenship, residence or scholastic standing. (G) The mandatory sanctions described in Rule 3(a)(1)(E) shall not apply to any player who reveals, to the player's Club or to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, on or before May 1, 2008, the falsification of information or documentation proscribed by Rule 3(a)(1)(E). (2) High School Rules. (A) United States and Canada. Except as noted in this Rule 3(a)(2), no high school student in the United States or Canada shall be signed to a contract by a Major or Minor League Club during any period the student is eligible for participation in high school athletics. Any student who drops out of high school prior to expiration of the player's athletic eligibility and continues to remain out for at least one year (365 days including the date of withdrawal) may thereafter be signed, subject to all provisions of this Rule 3(a). A player may be signed to a contract if the player's eligibility has expired prior to graduation: (i) because of the player's age; (ii) because the player has completed the maximum number of semesters of attendance; or (iii) because the maximum number of seasons in which the player was eligible to participate in any major sport has passed. Such contract may not obligate the player to report for service prior to the normal graduation of the class with which the player originally entered high school (i.e., the original graduation date based on the semester requirements of the local high school education system). (B) Proof of Completion. For all players subject to the High School Rule for Canada, Puerto Rico and any other Commonwealth, Territory or Possession of the United States, a certificate evidencing completion of a high school curriculum shall accompany the filing with the Commissioner and/or the Commissioner's designee of such player's first Major or Minor League contract.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(a)
(3)
College Players. (A) Definition of "College." For the purposes of this Rule 3, the word "college" shall mean any university or other institution of higher education located in the United States or Canada that confers degrees upon students following completion of sufficient credit hours to equal a four-year course. To fall within this definition, the institution must be represented by a baseball team which participates in inter-collegiate competition. This definition includes but is not limited to all members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association ("NCAA") and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics ("NAIA"). (B) Except as set forth in Rule 3(a)(3)(E) (Exceptions), a player who is a member (or, if a freshman, a prospective member) of a baseball team that represents a college in intercollegiate competition may not be signed by a Major or Minor League Club during the period beginning with the date the player attends the first class in the player's freshman year and ending with the graduation of the class with which the player originally entered college or with the graduation of the colleges undergraduate class in a later year, if the player retains eligibility to play baseball at the players college in such later year. (C) A college student shall be considered to be a member of the baseball team of the student's college if: (i) the student is a freshman in a college (regardless of whether or not the student's college has an intercollegiate freshman baseball program); or (ii) the student is a sophomore (second scholastic year), junior (third scholastic year), or senior (fourth or later scholastic year), and is a member (or prospective member) of the varsity baseball squad. (D) NCAA and NAIA Tournaments. A college player whose team is eligible for the national tournaments conducted by the NCAA and NAIA may not be signed until the day after the player's team has been eliminated from such tournament. (E) Exceptions. Rule 3(a)(3)(B) shall not apply to any player:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(a) to 3(b) (i) who is at least 21 years old and is currently between school years; (ii) who has completed junior year and is currently between school years; (iii) who has completed the full period of eligibility for intercollegiate baseball; (iv) whose association with the player's college has been terminated by reason of scholastic deficiency; or (v) who withdraws from college and remains out for at least 120 days (including the date of withdrawal). (F) Procedures. (i) A college player who desires to sign a contract because the player qualifies under Rule 3(a)(3)(E)(iv), or because the player is not a member of a team as set forth in this Rule 3, shall make written application to the Commissioner describing the details of the player's case and requesting that the college player be authorized to sign. If the Commissioner decides that an exception is warranted, the player and all Major and Minor League Clubs will be so notified. (ii) A college player who is qualified to sign a contract under Rules 3(a)(3)(E)(i), (ii), (iii) or (v) may do so without permission of any baseball or college official, following the Rule 4 draft. (4) Junior College Players. A student at a junior college in the United States or Canada may not be signed during the period commencing with the day the student attends the first class of the fall semester of the institution in which the student enrolls and ending after the conclusion of the next First-Year Player Draft. (b) UNIFORM CONTRACTS. (1) Uniform Contract for Major League Players. To preserve morale among Major League players and to produce the similarity of conditions necessary for keen competition, the contracts between all Major League Clubs and their players on the Major League Reserve List shall be in the form prescribed by any Basic Agreement in effect between the Major Leagues and the Major League Baseball Players Association.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(b)
(2) Uniform Contract for Minor League Players. To preserve morale among Minor League players and to produce the similarity of conditions necessary for keen competition, all contracts between either Major or Minor League Clubs and players on Minor League Reserve Lists shall be in the form of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract that is appended to these Rules as Attachment 3. All Minor League Uniform Player Contracts between either a Major or a Minor League Club and a player who has not previously signed a contract with a Major or Minor League Club shall be for a term of seven Minor League playing seasons. A Minor League Uniform Player Contract between either a Major or a Minor League Club and a player who has previously signed a contract with a Major or Minor League Club may be for any term not to exceed seven Minor League playing seasons that is mutually acceptable to the signing Club and the player. The minimum salary in each season covered by a Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be the minimum amount established from time to time by the Major League Clubs for each Minor League classification or League. (3) Except with the written approval of the Commissioner, no Major or Minor League Club shall enter into a contract with a player that differs from the Major League Uniform Player's Contracts or Minor League Uniform Player Contracts. All contracts shall be in duplicate and the player shall retain a counterpart original. All Major League Uniform Player's Contracts and all Minor League Uniform Player Contracts must be filed with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee for approval. (4) No player shall participate in any championship season game until the player has signed a contract in the form prescribed by this Rule 3(b) for services during the current season. Use of an ineligible player shall subject the offending Club to such penalties as the Commissioner may impose, including, without limitation, forfeiture of any game won by the Club that uses an ineligible player. (5) No Major League Uniform Player's Contract or Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be approved if it contains a bonus for playing, pitching or batting skill or if it provides for the payment of a bonus contingent on the standing of the signing Club at the end of the championship season. (6) The contract of a first-year player (i.e., a player who has not previously contracted with a Major or Minor League Club) selected in the Rule 4 draft may not be assigned to another non-affiliated Major or Minor League Club until a period of one year has passed from the date of the player's original contract.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(c) (c) CONTRACT TERMS FOR FIRST-YEAR PLAYER CONTRACTS. (1) First Contract Season. First-year players must contract for either the current or the following season. (2) Salary Rates. (A) Major League Uniform Player's Contracts. The minimum salary for Major League service in all Major League Uniform Player's Contracts with first-year players shall be the minimum salary for Major League service required by the Basic Agreement. (B) Minor League Uniform Player Contracts. The salary in each Minor League Uniform Player Contract between a Major League Club and a firstyear player shall be the amount established by the Major Leagues for each Minor League classification or League. The salary in each Minor League Uniform Player Contract between an independent Minor League Club and a first-year player shall be the amount established by the Minor League Association for each Minor League classification or League. On a pro rata basis, a first-year player must receive the minimum salary in a particular Minor League classification for each day that the player spends on the Active List or Disabled List in that classification. (3) Trial Period. Each player must receive a trial of 15 days during the championship season if the player signs for the current season or during the spring training period if the player signs for the succeeding season. Participation in any Instructional League shall not count against the 15-day trial period. (4) Permissible Special Covenants. A Minor League Uniform Player Contract with a first-year player may include no special covenants, except the following: (A) Bonus Payments for Signing Contract. All payments due the player or any other person in connection with the player's signing shall be set forth in the contract, must be stated in a fixed dollar amount at the time of the signing of the contract and must be paid before the conclusion of the calendar year following the date of the contract. Such signing payments, however, may be made in installments extending no more than five years following the date of the contract if (i) the player and Club agree that the player shall be permitted to participate in or shall refrain from participating in specified professional or amateur sports during the period of the installment payments; and
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(c)
(ii) the Commissioner determines, in the Commissioner's sole discretion, that the player has the legitimate potential to become a professional athlete in at least one of the sports specified by the player and Club in the Minor League Uniform Player Contract, pursuant to Rule 3(c)(4)(A)(i). (B) Contingent Payments. A first-year player may be offered a specified sum of no more than $2,500 contingent upon the player's being retained by the signing Major or Minor League Club for a period that may not exceed 90 days of the Club's playing season(s). If a player whose contract contains such a contingent bonus provision is selected under Rule 5 (Annual Selection of Players) before the date the bonus becomes payable, the bonus shall become due immediately and shall be paid by the Club from which the contract was selected. (C) Incentive Bonus Plan. A Major or Minor League Club may agree to make standard "incentive bonus payments" in a contract with a first-year player if such payments are conditioned on the player being on the Active List in a certain classification for 90 days of any one championship season, including any official play-off or other post-season series in which the player might be eligible to participate. The amount of such incentive bonus payments and the classification in which they are to be paid shall be as follows: (i) the sum of $1,000 for the Class AA classification; (ii) the sum of $1,500 for the Class AAA classification; and, (iii) the sum of $5,000 for the Major League level. Time spent on any Inactive List shall not count toward the 90 days to be served before an incentive bonus payment becomes payable. However, a player shall be credited with Disabled List time if the player is placed on the Disabled List after the player has accumulated 60 or more days of service in any particular season. A player who has received the incentive bonus payment applicable to a particular classification shall not be entitled to another such payment for service in the same classification, regardless of whether such service occurs in the same or a subsequent season. A player who qualifies for the Major League or Class AAA incentive bonus payment shall also receive the
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(c) incentive payment(s) for the lower classification(s) if the player has not previously received the incentive payment(s) for that classification(s). The Major or Minor League Club that holds a player's contract at the time an incentive bonus payment becomes due shall pay the bonus to the player. An unconditional release or free agency shall terminate the incentive bonus plan for the player. (D) College Scholarship Plan. A Major or Minor League Club may agree through the College Scholarship Plan to pay on behalf of a first-year player any dollar amount incident to the player's attendance in pursuit of an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university of the player's choice for tuition, room, board, books and fees. Such amount, however, may not exceed the actual cost of such attendance. The amount also shall be stated per semester or quarter, shall be allocated into two categories (one for the cost of tuition, fees and textbooks and the other for the cost of room and board) and shall state the number of semesters, not to exceed eight, or quarters, not to exceed 12. A Club shall reimburse a player after the end of any semester or quarter for room and board expenses that the player actually incurs during such semester or quarter (less withholding for applicable income and employment taxes), subject to such uniform requirements that the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may require to be set forth in the College Scholarship Plan special covenant of the players contract. If a payment is made for a semester or quarter (or portion of a semester or quarter, for part-time attendance), any amount remaining for such semester or quarter (or portion of a semester or quarter, for part-time attendance) shall be forfeited and may not be carried over to any future semester or quarter. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may establish procedures to convert semester allowances to quarter allowances and vice-versa, should the player attend a college or university with an academic calendar that differs from the type of calendar described in the players Minor League Uniform Player Contract, and the amount available to the player shall be pro-rated accordingly. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may unilaterally amend the College Scholarship Plan to the extent that the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee determines is necessary or appropriate to comply with any applicable law (including any tax law), so long as such amendment does not reduce the aggregate amount payable to a player under the College Scholarship Plan. (i) Players Eligible. Payments shall be made only for players who are:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(c) (aa) Enrolled in a full-time course (a minimum of 10 credit hours if on a quarter system or 12 credit hours if on a bi-semester system) in pursuit of an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university; or (bb) Enrolled in a part-time course (minimum of five credit hours if on a quarter system or six credit hours if on a bi-semester system) in pursuit of an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university. Based on a 12-credit-hour semester system or a 10-credit-hour quarter system, if the amount is expressed per quarter, the Club shall make a pro-rata reduction in the remaining semesters or quarters of eligibility and maximum bonus payments allowable for each credit hour in a part-time enrollment. (ii) Tuition Allowance. For a player under the College Scholarship Plan, a Club shall make (or cause to be made) payments or reimburse such player for the cost that such player actually incurs for tuition, fees and textbooks (less withholding for applicable income and employment taxes) for any covered semester, up to the tuition allowance for such covered semester, if the following requirements are satisfied for such covered semester: (aa) The first day of such covered semester must begin before the Club is relieved of its obligation to make payments pursuant to the College Scholarship Plan; (bb) For such covered semester, the player must be enrolled at an accredited college or university, either: (I) as a full-time student (minimum of 10 credit hours if on the quarter system; or 12 credit hours if on the bisemester system) in pursuit of an undergraduate degree; or (II) part-time in courses (minimum of five credit hours if on a quarter system; or six credit hours if on a bi-semester system) in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Based on a 12-credit-hour semester system (or 10-credit-hour quarter system), a Club shall make a pro-rata reduction in the remaining covered semesters and tuition allowance for each credit hour in a part-time enrollment; and
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(c) (cc) The courses for which the player seeks reimbursement must be required as part of an undergraduate degree program or satisfy an elective requirement for an undergraduate degree. A Club shall not be required to reimburse the player for any amount that is paid or reimbursed by an outside source, such as another scholarship. (iii) Living Allowance. For a player under the College Scholarship Plan, the player shall be reimbursed after the end of any semester for room and board expenses that the player actually incurs during such semester (less withholding for applicable income and employment taxes), up to the living allowance for such semester (and subject to the limits set forth below), if the following requirements are satisfied for such semester: (aa) The first day of such semester must occur before (I) the Club is relieved of its obligation to make payments pursuant to the College Scholarship Plan; and (II) the 10th anniversary of the date the player executes the Major League Uniform Player contract or Minor League Uniform Players Contract containing the College Scholarship Program special covenant; (bb) The expenses to be reimbursed must be for room and board to live away from the home (or homes) of the players parents (custodial and noncustodial) and/or guardian for the purpose of attending classes; (cc) For such semester, the player must complete a minimum of six credit hours (or five credit hours if on the quarter system) toward an undergraduate degree and not finish the semester on academic probation. If the player is enrolled less than full-time (based on a 12-credit-hour semester system or 10-credit-hour quarter system) for any semester, the Club shall make a pro-rata reduction in the living allowance for such semester; and (dd) the player must request reimbursement in writing, and provide a copy of the receipt for each reimbursable expense, within 90 days after the last day of such semester.
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If a player lives off campus for a semester, such players living allowance for such semester shall not exceed the cost of living on campus. If a player attends a college that does not have facilities for oncampus residence, such players living allowance shall not exceed the per diem amount established by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee from time to time. A Club shall not be required to reimburse a player for any amount that is paid or reimbursed by an outside source, such as another scholarship. A Club shall pay any reimbursement of room and board expenses for any semester within 90 days after the later of (ee) the last day of such semester; or (ff) the date the player submits the players written request for reimbursement (with all required documentation). (iv) Non-covered Expenses. In no case shall a player be reimbursed for, among other things, transportation, parking charges, medical insurance or infirmary charges, laundry or garment cleaning, clothing, umbrellas, furniture, lamps, calculators, book bags, computer hardware or software, typewriters, or any other tools or supplies (other than textbooks) that a player may keep after completing the applicable course. (v) When Club Is Relieved of the Obligation to Make Payments. An unconditional release of the player or the player's placement on the Military List shall not relieve the Club of the obligation to make such payments but the Club shall be relieved of such obligations under the following circumstances: (aa) if the player fails to commence studies within two years after the date the player ceases to be reserved by a Major League or Minor League Club, voluntarily retires or is reserved on an Inactive List, whichever comes first, unless the player again becomes reserved to a Major League or Minor League Club (not on an Inactive List) within such two-year period;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(c) (bb) if, after commencement of studies and after the player retires or is released by a Major League or Minor League Club and is not signed again as a player by a Major League or Minor League Club within the two years following the players release, the player fails to attend college within two consecutive years of the player's most recent college enrollment; (cc) if the player is placed on the Ineligible List; or (dd) a Major League player for whom there is in effect on or after January 1, 1989 a valid and unexpired scholarship under the College Scholarship Plan may commence or resume studies under the Plan at any time within two years after the player's last day of Major League service. If the player's college studies have not commenced under the Plan by that date, the player's scholarship shall terminate. If the player has commenced studies by that date, the player's scholarship shall continue unless the player shall fail to attend college for more than two consecutive years after that date, without proper reason. Participation in Winter League or Instructional League play shall constitute proper reason for tolling the time limitation in the preceding sentence. In addition, a Club shall not be obligated to make payments for room and board for any semester or quarter that starts after the 10th anniversary of the date the player executes the Minor League Uniform Player Contract. (vi) Liability for Payment. The original signatory Club shall continue to be liable to make College Scholarship Plan payments even if the players contract is selected by, or assigned to, another Club; provided, however, that, in case of assignment otherwise than by selection or on waiver claim, the assignee Club may agree, through a statement set forth in the assignment agreement, to undertake to make any payments that accrue subsequent to the date of such assignment. For purposes of the College Scholarship Plan, all rights and obligations of Club shall be held and borne by the Club liable for payments in accordance with this Rule 3(c)(4)(D)(vi). All payments made under the College Scholarship Plan shall be made by the Club liable for the payments in accordance with this Rule 3(c)(4)(D)(vi). To the extent possible, all payments under the College Scholarship Plan shall be made to the college attended by the player.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(c) to 3(d)
(vii) Procedure. A Club that agrees to the participation of a player in the College Scholarship Plan shall include as a special covenant such College Scholarship Plan provisions as may be prescribed by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee, consistent with this Rule 3(c)(4)(D). Upon receipt of notification that the contract has been approved, the Club shall notify the player of the procedures to be followed. (viii) Coordination of Benefits. In the event that a first-year player contract contains both an Incentive Bonus Plan and a College Scholarship Plan, the following coordination of benefits shall apply: (aa) If a player receives a payment under the Incentive Bonus Plan, the players aggregate remaining allowance for tuition, fees and textbooks shall be reduced by the amount of such Incentive Bonus payment. Such reduction shall be allocated on a pro rata basis to each of the players remaining covered semesters or quarters. (bb) If a player receives one or more payments under the College Scholarship Plan, any amount subsequently due under the Incentive Bonus Plan shall be reduced sequentially by the aggregate amount of payments that the player received under the College Scholarship Plan. Any remaining Incentive Bonus Plan balance earned by the player in excess of the payments received under the College Scholarship Plan shall be paid directly to the player. It is the intent of this coordination of benefits provision that, to the extent earned, the cumulative benefits received under either the College Scholarship Plan or the Incentive Bonus Plan (before withholding) will offset any cumulative amounts due under the other Plan. (d) ACCEPTANCE. Any agreement for service between a Major or Minor League Club and a player, evidenced by either written acceptance, whether by letter or telegram, or by the player's receipt of money advanced to the player to bind the player to such an agreement, shall be construed to be a contract and held to be binding if the player declines to enter into a formal contract. The player's refusal to sign a formal contract shall disqualify the player from playing with the contracting Club or entering
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(d) to 3(f) the service of any Major or Minor League Club unless the player is released or assigned. (e) REPORTING AND FILING OF CONTRACTS. (1) Reporting. The terms of any agreement between a Major or Minor League Club and a player must be reported to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee within 24 hours of the time the agreement is reached. In addition, the terms of any agreement between an independent Minor League Club and a player must be reported to the President of the Minor League Association. (2) Filing. The validity of any contract, arrangement or agreement for service between a Major or Minor League Club and a player not on its Reserve List(s) will not be recognized unless written proof thereof is submitted to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee within 20 days after such agreement is made, for promulgation in the next official bulletin, and unless the agreement is actually approved. A Minor League player who is not on a Major League Reserve List and whose contract, arrangement or agreement for service with a Major or Minor League Club is not received by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee within 20 days after such agreement is made may be declared a free agent, in the sole discretion of the Commissioner. Transmission of such contract, arrangement or agreement to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee by facsimile or other electronic means shall not be sufficient. In addition, written proof of any contract, arrangement or agreement for service between an independent Minor League Club and a player must be reported to the President of the Minor League Association. (f) CONTRACTS IN VIOLATION. (1) Any written or oral contract made in violation of these Rules (including any agreement between a Major or Minor League Club and a player that is not embodied in a Major League Uniform Player's Contract or Minor League Uniform Player Contract) shall be declared null and void, and the official, scout or employee of the offending Major or Minor League Club who participated in the violation shall be subject to such penalties as the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may impose. (2) In addition, if the violation is of the High School, College or Junior College Rule, the offending Club shall be prohibited from signing such player for a period of three years from the date that such contract is declared void, and shall be fined by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(g) (g) CONTACTS AND TRYOUTS. The following rules shall govern contacts with and tryouts of all amateur players: (1) Contacts. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting any Major or Minor League Club, or its officers, agents or employees, from talking to any player, who is not on another Club's Negotiation List, at any time concerning a career in professional baseball and discussing the merits of the player's contracting, when eligible, with any particular Club. However, no discussions shall be held with players during practice sessions or during the progress of games. Any Club or Club official, employee, agent or representative who suggests, procures or otherwise influences a student to withdraw from high school, college or junior college, or to refrain from playing high school, college or junior college baseball, other than in connection with negotiations to sign such student to a contract that are permitted under these Rules, or to transfer to another school, shall be held in violation of this Rule 3(g) and subject to penalties. (2) Tryouts. Tryouts may be held in accordance with the following: (A) High School Students. (i) During Summer Vacation and One Week Prior to First-Year Player Draft. "Tryouts" of high school students may be conducted during the summer vacation period and during the one-week period immediately preceding the first day of the First-Year Player Draft by any Major or Minor League Club without permission of any high school official or other restriction. (ii) During School Year. Except during the one-week period immediately preceding the first day of the First-Year Player Draft, for which Rule 3(g)(2)(A)(i) applies, a student may be invited to a tryout during the school year, provided that (aa) the principal of the player's high school, if not employed by the Major or Minor League Club conducting the tryout, shall have approved such participation in writing; and (bb) any such tryout is limited to not more than five high school students, unless the tryout occurs within 30 days prior to the first day of the First-Year Player Draft, in which case there shall be no restriction on the number of students at the tryout.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(g) (B) College and Junior College Players. (i) During Summer Vacation. Tryouts of college players by Major and Minor League Clubs may be conducted during the summer vacation periods falling between school years, without the permission of any college official or other restriction. (ii) During School Year. Major or Minor League Clubs may not try out college players during the school year but may observe players in intercollegiate competition as frequently as they desire. (iii) Participation in Summer Baseball. Consistent with the principle that this Rule 3 protects the eligibility of college players during the college year and at the same time affords such players every opportunity to develop for possible future professional play, a College Player Committee is hereby empowered to act on behalf of professional baseball to: (aa) survey and investigate the existence of and conditions in summer amateur baseball leagues available to college players; (bb) cooperate with the NCAA and NAIA or committees representing those bodies; and (cc) recommend action or legislation to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, all with the objective of extending, liberalizing, and improving the summer amateur baseball program for college age players in the United States and Canada. (C) Player on Negotiation List. If a Major League Club selects a player in the Rule 4 Draft who was eligible for selection pursuant to Rule 3(a)(2) (High School Rules), and if the player has not yet enrolled in a college, the Major League Club may pay for the expenses of the player in connection with a tryout with the Major League Club, provided that the tryout visit is no longer than 48 hours. (D) Prohibition of Expense Payments and Future Service Agreements. Unless Rule 3(g)(2)(C) (Player on Negotiation List) applies, no Major or Minor League Club shall
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(g) to 3(h) (i) reimburse, directly or indirectly, any amateur player for any travel expenditure in connection with a tryout unless the player is signed at the tryout; (ii) pay or give anything whatsoever to any high school, college or junior college student, directly or indirectly, in connection with any tryout; or (iii) enter into an agreement for the future services of any high school, college or junior college student unless such student is eligible to sign at the tryout. Notwithstanding the prohibition in Rule 3(g)(2)(D)(i), a Club may advance to, or reimburse, a player who is not a resident of the United States or Canada within the meaning of Rule 3(a) (Eligibility to Sign Major League or Minor League Contracts) or a high school, college or junior college student within the meaning of Rule 3(a) (Eligibility to Sign Major League or Minor League Contracts) for (iv) ground transportation in connection with a tryout at a Club facility outside the United States and Canada, in an amount not to exceed a maximum amount set forth from time to time by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee; and (v) air transportation in connection with a tryout at a Club facility in the Dominican Republic or Venezuela, so long as such Club has obtained the prior approval of the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee and so long as such player is not yet eligible to sign a player contract pursuant to Rule 3(a) (Eligibility to Sign Major League or Minor League Contracts) but is eligible to participate in a program at a Club facility pursuant to regulations set forth from time to time by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee. (h) TENDER OF CONTRACT RENEWALS OR SALARY ADDENDUMS. (1) Major League Tenders. On or before December 12 (or if a Sunday, then on the preceding business day), each Major League Club must tender a Major League Uniform Player's Contract to each player on its Major League Reserve List. A Major League Club must tender a contract to each player on its Major League Reserve List who is on the Restricted List as a result of either failing to report to the player's Club or failing to contract with it, or is on a Disqualified List for failure to render services to a Club. Should a Club fail to so tender or renew a
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(h) contract, the player shall become a free agent without any restrictions or qualifications, and the player automatically shall be removed from the Restricted or Disqualified List. With regard to any player who is on a Disqualified List for a reason other than that stated in the preceding paragraph or who is on a Suspended, Ineligible, Voluntarily Retired or Military List, a Club shall not be obligated to tender or renew a contract until the player is removed from such list and reinstated to active status. If a player is removed from such list during a period beginning on December 2 and extending through the next championship season, the Club shall tender a contract to the player within 10 days following such removal. Thereafter, should the Club and the player fail to agree upon the terms of a new contract within 10 days after the player's receipt of the tendered contract, the Club shall be obligated, within the next five days, to renew the player's prior Major League Contract, provided, however, that if the tender is made during the period beginning on December 2 and ending on the next March 1, the renewal period shall be as set forth in paragraph 10(a) of the Major League Uniform Player's Contract. Should a Club fail to tender or renew a contract as provided in this paragraph, the Player shall become a free agent without any restrictions or qualifications. (2) Minor League Tenders and Salary Addendums. (A) Between the conclusion of the Rule 5 Selection Meeting and January 15 (or if a Sunday, then on the preceding business day), each Major League Club must tender a Minor League Uniform Player Contract to each player who has been assigned outright to a Minor League Club and who has either not previously signed a Minor League Uniform Player Contract or has previously signed a Minor League Uniform Player Contract that has expired. Such tender may be made to the player in person or by mail addressed to the player's last address of record with the Major League Club. (B) Between the conclusion of the Rule 5 Selection Meeting and March 1 (or, if a Sunday, then on the preceding business day), each Major or Minor League Club must tender a Salary Addendum to each player on its Minor League Reserve Lists. A Club shall not tender an addendum to a player whose name appears on its Minor League Reserve Lists as a Voluntarily Retired, Ineligible, Disqualified or Restricted List Player, but a Club may, at its discretion, tender a contract to a player on the Military List.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(h) to 3(j) (C) No player shall participate in any championship season game until the player has signed an addendum in the form prescribed by this Rule 3(h) for services during the current season. (See Rule 3(b)(4) (Uniform Contracts)). (i) UNIFORM MANAGER'S AND EMPLOYEE'S CONTRACTS. Managers, coaches, trainers and salaried scouts must sign contracts on forms prescribed by the Commissioner before rendering services to a Major or Minor League Club. (So-called "Bird Dog" scouts and scouts whose compensation is conditional upon performance of players are not required to sign one of the uniform contracts. However, such "Bird Dog" and sub-scouts are required to be signed to a contract or agreement drafted by the Major or Minor League Club.) An executed copy of each uniform manager's or employee's contract shall be filed with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee for approval within 10 days after the execution of the contract. (j) CERTAIN PAYMENTS FORBIDDEN. (1) Gift to Employee for Securing Employment. No scout, player, employee or official of any Major or Minor League Club, or any umpire, employee or official of any Major or Minor League, or any other person with any relationship to any of the aforementioned persons, shall demand or receive any money or other valuable consideration, whether gratuitous or otherwise, for or because of services rendered, or to be rendered, or supposed to have been rendered, in securing the employment of any person with any Major or Minor League Club. Such money or other valuable consideration shall be returned immediately upon its receipt, and if not so returned, the Commissioner may impose such penalties, including ineligibility, as the Commissioner may deem proper. (2) Payment to Players Trainer. No Major or Minor League Club shall make any payment or convey anything of value to any firm or person for services provided to a player in connection with preparing such player for professional baseball. (3) Payment of Finders Fee. No Major or Minor League Club shall make any payment or convey anything of value to any firm or person not retained or employed by such Club for bringing such player to the attention of such Club as a prospective player. Any firm or person who is retained or employed by a Major or Minor League Club and who brings unsigned players to the attention of such Club as prospective players (for example, as a so-called Bird Dog scout) shall disclose to any player the relationship with the Club, shall not act as agent or representative for any player and shall not establish or maintain with
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 3(j) to 4(b) more than one Club at a time any relationship with respect to scouting or signing players. (4) Payment to Players Representative. No Major or Minor League Club shall make any payment or convey anything of value to any firm or person for legal, representational or other services provided by such firm or person to a player in connection with the negotiation of a contract between the signing Club and the player. (k) TAMPERING. To preserve discipline and competition, and to prevent the enticement of players, coaches, managers and umpires, there shall be no negotiations or dealings respecting employment, either present or prospective, between any player, coach or manager and any Major or Minor League Club other than the Club with which the player is under contract, or acceptance of terms, or by which the player is reserved or which has the player on its Negotiation List, or between any umpire and any baseball employer other than the baseball employer with which the umpire is under contract, or acceptance of terms, unless the Club or baseball employer with which the person is connected shall have, in writing, expressly authorized such negotiations or dealings prior to their commencement.
Rule 4 FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT (a) PLAYERS SUBJECT. A Major League or Minor League Club may contract with a player who is a resident of the United States or Canada and who has not previously contracted with a Major League or Minor League Club, only in accordance with this Rule 4 and the provisions of any applicable High School, College or Junior College Rules. For purposes of this Rule 4, the term "United States" shall mean the 50 states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any other Commonwealth, Territory or Possession of the United States of America. Players who are eligible to contract on the date of the First-Year Player Draft, or within 45 days thereafter, may be selected. (b) SELECTION MEETING. One selection meeting shall be conducted each year in June and shall be known as the First-Year Player Draft or the Rule 4 draft. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall, before August 31 each year, announce the date of the commencement of the next years First-Year Player Draft. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall choose the place where each First-Year Player Draft shall be conducted and may determine that such First-Year Player Draft be conducted by telephone conference or electronic means. Only Major
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 4(b) to 4(c) League Clubs may make selections at the First-Year Player Draft. The Commissioner shall preside over all selections at the First-Year Player Draft and shall resolve all procedural questions in connection with the First-Year Player Draft, including, but not limited to, all questions regarding eligibility. The First-Year Player Draft shall conclude after 50 selection rounds. Selections made pursuant to Rule 4(c)(2) (Supplemental Selections) shall not constitute a selection round. Selections made between rounds as compensation selections pursuant to any Basic Agreement in effect between the Major League Clubs and the Major League Baseball Players Association shall not constitute a selection round. Each Major League Club shall designate a representative to act on its behalf. As the Major League Club's turn is called in each selection round, such representative may select a player for the Major League Club's Negotiation List. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may impose time limits for the exercise of a selection. A Major League Club shall forfeit its right to make a particular selection in the event that it is the Club's turn to select and the Club fails to respond to a call within the time limit announced by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, after having received a warning from the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. If a Major League Club announces a "pass" when it is such Club's turn to select, such Club shall forfeit its right to make that selection as well as any subsequent selections in that First-Year Player Draft. The selecting Major League Club shall be responsible for determining the eligibility of selected players. No Major League Club may transfer to another Club its right to select. (c) ORDER OF SELECTION. The following order of priorities shall govern the Major League Clubs' selections at each First-Year Player Draft. (1) Standard Selection Order. The Major League Clubs shall be placed in the reverse order of their percentages of games won at the close of the preceding championship season. For purposes of this Rule 4(c)(1), each Club's winning percentage at the close of the preceding championship season shall be determined by the percentage of games won in the championship season, without regard to standings within any Division or League and without regard to post-season results. If two or more Clubs had an identical winning percentage at the close of the preceding championship season, the selection order of those Clubs shall be determined by the percentage of games won in the next prior championship season, with any remaining ties resolved by continuing to examine the tied Clubs' respective championship season winning percentages in each preceding prior year, until the tie is broken. The Commissioner or the
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 4(c) to 4(d) Commissioners designee shall announce to the Major League Clubs the standard selection order produced by operation of this Rule 4(c), and that order shall govern each round. (2) Supplemental Selections. If a Major League Club selects a player before the fourth round of a First-Year Player Draft (other than a player selected with a supplemental selection pursuant to this Rule 4(c)(2)) and such Club fails to sign such player before such player is removed from such Clubs Negotiation List pursuant to Rule 4(d)(3) or 4(d)(4) (Effect of Selection on Player), then such Club shall have the right to make an additional selection, called a supplemental selection, in the next First-Year Player Draft, as follows: (A) If the unsigned player had been selected before the third round of the First-Year Player Draft, the supplemental selection awarded shall be exercised immediately after the numbered position overall that corresponds with the numbered position overall at which the unsigned player had been selected in the previous First-Year Player Draft. For example, if the unsigned player had been the 30th selection in the First-Year Player Draft, the supplemental selection awarded shall be the 31st selection in the next First-Year Player Draft. (B) If the unsigned player had been selected in the third round of the FirstYear Player Draft, the supplemental selection awarded shall be exercised after the completion of the third round. If more than one Club is in this category, the supplemental selections shall be made in the same order as the selections giving rise to the supplemental selections had been made in the previous First-Year Player Draft. (d) EFFECT OF SELECTION ON PLAYER. A selected player shall be placed on the Major League Club's Negotiation List and shall remain on such Negotiation List until: (1) such player signs a Major or Minor League contract that is approved at any time by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee pursuant to Rule 3(e)(2); (2) such player is removed because of ineligibility for selection;
(3) August 16 at 12:01 a.m., Eastern Time, if such player has not utilized all of such players potential college eligibility to play baseball;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 4(d) to 4(e) (4) such player is removed because the Major League Club's Negotiation Right has been revoked under Rule 4(e) (Negotiation Rights); or (5) the start of the next years Closed Period, as defined in Rule 4(f), if such player has utilized all of such players potential college eligibility to play baseball. If the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee disapproves a Major or Minor League contract that a player on a Negotiation List and the Club that had selected such player each signed before August 16, the player and Club shall have the opportunity to cure any defect in the contract, resubmit such contract for approval and continue to have such contract deemed signed before August 16 for purposes of this Rule 4(d), so long as the contract originally submitted contained the material permissible special covenants, if any, of the agreement between the player and Club. It is the intent of this paragraph not to permit a player and Club to extend the August 15 deadline by submitting an incomplete contract in order to continue negotiations after August 15. Players who join the Armed Forces while on the Negotiation List shall continue to be subject to this Rule 4 in the same manner as all other selected players. A Major League Club shall have the exclusive right to contract with a player on its Negotiation List and negotiations must be conducted by the selecting Club in accordance with Rule 3 (Eligibility to Sign Contract, Contract Terms, and Contract Tenders). A Major League Club may not transfer its Negotiation Right to any other Club. Players on the Negotiation List shall not count against any player limits. (e) NEGOTIATION RIGHTS. (1) Tender of Contract. Not later than 15 days after the close of the First-Year Player Draft, the Major League Club that has selected the right to negotiate exclusively with a player must commence negotiations by providing the player, either in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested (or its equivalent, such as private overnight courier), to the player's last known address, with the following: (A) written notice that the player has been selected; (B) a copy of Major League Rules 3(c) (Contract Terms for First-Year Player Contracts), 4(d) (Effect of Selection on Player) and 4(e) (Negotiation Rights); and (C) three identical, executed Minor League Uniform Player Contracts, two of which are to be returned to the Major League Club for approval
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 4(e) processing after execution by the player. For each copy of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract, (i) Addendum A must be completed and signed by a Major League Club official; (ii) Addendum B must be completed, or the word "NONE" must be entered; and (iii) Addendum C must be completed and signed by a Major League Club official. A Major League Club may comply with this Rule 4(e)(1) by placing the required items in the mail, certified and return receipt requested (or its equivalent, such as private overnight courier), within the 15-day period. If a selecting Major League Club provides the Commissioner with a receipt from the postal service (or private courier) indicating delivery or attempted delivery, such receipt shall be conclusive evidence that the Club has satisfied the contract tender requirements to the selected player as set forth in this Rule 4(e)(1). If a selecting Major League Club provides the Commissioner with a Player's Acknowledgment of Receipt of Contract Tender signed by the selected player in the form prescribed in Attachment 4(a), or with a Declaration of Club Official in the form prescribed in Attachment 4(b), then such Acknowledgment or Declaration shall be conclusive evidence that the Club has satisfied the contract tender requirements to the selected player as set forth in this Rule 4(e)(1). (2) Notice of Defective Tender. If a selecting Major League Club sends a selected player a Minor League Uniform Player Contract that contains incorrect or incomplete information, or otherwise does not conform with the requirements set forth in Rule 4(e)(1)(C), the selected player may notify the Major League Club of the specific omission, defect or defects by certified mail within 15 days of the player's receipt of the contract or within 15 days of the player's receipt of a copy of the Rules described in Rule 4(e)(1)(B), whichever is later. Failure by the selected player to provide timely notice of the specific omission, defect or defects shall preclude the selected player from asserting that the Major League Club has failed to comply with the requirements of Rule 4(e)(1)(C). Any omission, defect or defects by a selecting Major League Club in tendering a contract pursuant to Rule 4(e)(1)(C) shall be deemed waived by the selected player unless described with specificity in a timely notice by the selected player to the Major League Club, as set forth in this Rule 4(e)(2).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 4(e) to 4(f) (3) Correction of Defective Tender. Within 15 days of receipt from a selected player of a notice of omission, defect or defects pursuant to Rule 4(e)(2), the Major League Club may correct such deficiency or deficiencies by providing the selected player, in person or by certified mail, with a contract, executed by a Major League Club official, that corrects the specific deficiency or deficiencies pointed out to the Major League Club in the selected player's timely notice pursuant to Rule 4(e)(2). A Major League Club may comply with this Rule 4(e)(3) by placing a corrected contract in the mail, certified and return receipt requested (or its equivalent, such as private overnight courier) within the 15-day period. (4) Penalty for Failure to Tender or for Defective Tender. If a Major League Club fails to (A) provide in a timely manner to a selected player the items described in Rules 4(e)(1)(A) or 4(e)(1)(B); (B) tender in a timely manner any Minor League contract to a selected player; or (C) provide a corrected contract, pursuant to Rule 4(e)(3), after a selected player has notified the Major League Club, pursuant to Rule 4(e)(2), of a defective contract tender, then the selected player may request that the Commissioner void the selecting Major League Club's Negotiation Right. If the Commissioner determines that the selecting Major League Club did not comply with this Rule 4(e), then the Commissioner shall void the Negotiation Right and the player shall be free to sign with any Major League Club 15 days after the Commissioner notifies all Major League Clubs that the Negotiation Right has been voided. Such player shall remain eligible for signing until the start of the next Closed Period, unless such player becomes ineligible to sign at an earlier date by operation of the applicable High School, College or Junior College Rule. (f) CLOSED PERIOD. The period of time beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time of the seventh day prior to the date of a First-Year Player Draft and concluding with the beginning of such First-Year Player Draft shall be called the Closed Period. The right to contract with a player selected at the preceding First-Year Player Draft, who is not subject to the signing deadline set forth in Rule 4(d)(3), or with a player eligible to sign who was not selected at the preceding First-Year Player Draft shall terminate at the beginning of the Closed Period.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 4(g) to 4(h) (g) EFFECT ON PLAYER LIMITS. (1) Major League. A player who signs a Major League contract with a Major League Club following the player's selection at the First-Year Player Draft shall count immediately against the Major League Club's Reserve List limit and shall count against the Active List limit of the Major League Club or Minor League Club for which the player is directed to play in accordance with Rule 2 (Player Limits and Reserve Lists). (2) Minor League. A player who signs a Minor League contract for the current season with a Major League Club following the player's selection at the First-Year Player Draft shall be excluded from the Minor League under control limits of the signing Major League Club until the date for filing of Reserve Lists. The signed player, however, shall count against the active player limit of the Minor League Club for which player is directed to play when 15 days have elapsed from date of the contract or when the player has appeared in a championship season game, whichever occurs first. A player who signs a Minor League contract for the succeeding season with a Major League Club following the player's selection at the First-Year Player Draft (see Rule 2(j)(1) (Players Signed for Future Services)) shall count against the Minor League under control limits of the signing Major League Club when 15 days have elapsed from the date of contract. However, if the signing Major League Club places the player on one of its under control lists in the Class A, Short-Season A or Rookie classifications, the player may be carried as one of the 12 "extra" players that a Major League Club may place on under control lists in those classifications under Rule 2(b) (Maximum Number of Reserved Players) and Rule 2(j)(1) (Players Signed for Future Services). (h) IF SELECTED PLAYER DOES NOT SIGN. A player who is selected at a First-Year Player Draft and who does not sign a Major or Minor League contract before being removed from the selecting Clubs Negotiation List, see Rule 4(d) (Effect of Selection on Player), shall be subject to selection at the next First-Year Player Draft at which the player is eligible for selection. The Commissioner shall send to all Major League Clubs at the earliest possible date a list of all such players who were selected at the First-Year Player Draft, who did not sign a Major or Minor League contract and who returned to school with potential eligibility to play college baseball. The list shall indicate which players will be subject to selection at the next First-Year Player Draft. A selected player who does not sign may not be selected by the same Major League Club at any subsequent First-Year Player Draft unless the player has notified the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee in writing that the player has no objection to such re-selection.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 4(i) to 5(b)
(i) IF PLAYER IS NOT SELECTED. A player who is eligible for selection and who is not selected may be signed by any Major League or Minor League Club after the conclusion of the First-Year Player Draft. Such player shall remain eligible for signing until the start of the next Closed Period, unless such player becomes ineligible to sign at an earlier date by operation of the applicable High School, College or Junior College Rule. (j) OTHER NEW PLAYERS. The provisions of Rule 3(c)(3) (Trial Period) and 3(c)(4) (Permissible Special Covenants) shall apply to the contracts of: (1) players who are not subject to selection under Rule 4(a); and
(2) players who were subject to selection under Rule 4(a) at the First-Year Player Draft preceding the date of signing but who were not selected; and, (3) players who were selected but for whom the selecting Major League Club's Negotiation Rights were voided pursuant to the first paragraph of Rule 4(e) (Negotiation Rights). (k) INTERPRETATION. Official interpretations of this Rule 4 may be made from time to time by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee.
Rule 5 ANNUAL SELECTION OF PLAYERS (a) MEETINGS. A selection meeting shall be held each year at such time and place as the Commissioner shall designate and shall be known as the Rule 5 Selection Meeting. At the Rule 5 Selection Meeting, Major League Clubs may claim the contracts of players who are on Minor League Reserve Lists (filed pursuant to Rule 2) and who are subject to selection as set forth in this Rule 5. If any Major League or Minor League Club shall fail to file Minor League Reserve Lists in accordance with Major League Rule 2, its players on Minor League Reserve Lists shall be subject to selection under this Rule 5 without any restrictions. The Commissioner shall decide all procedural questions that may arise during the Rule 5 Selection Meeting. (b) METHOD AND PRIORITY OF SELECTIONS. Selections under this Rule 5 shall be made in three separate phases: the Major League phase, the Class AAA phase and the Class AA phase. A player selected in one of the three phases must be placed on the Major League Club's Reserve List in the same classification of the phase in which
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 5(b) the player was selected. Within each phase, only players from a Reserve List of a lower classification Club are eligible for selection. Thus, a player selected from a Class AAA Reserve List must be placed on the Major League Reserve List of the selecting Major League Club. Similarly, a player selected from a Class AA Reserve List must be placed on either the Major League or Class AAA Reserve List of the selecting Major League Club, and a player selected from a Class A, Short-Season A or Rookie Reserve List must be placed on either the Major League, Class AAA, or Class AA Reserve List of the selecting Major League Club. Within each phase, selections shall be made according to the following order and conditions: (1) Major League Clubs shall select in reverse order of their winning percentages at the close of the preceding championship season, without regard to standings within any Division or League and without regard to post-season results. If two or more Clubs had an identical percentage of games won at the close of the preceding championship season, the selection order of those Clubs shall be determined by the percentage of games won in the next prior championship season, with any remaining ties resolved by continuing to examine the tied Clubs' respective championship season winning percentages in each preceding prior year, until the tie is broken. (2) As called in the above order of priority in a phase, each Major League Club shall have a right to select one player subject to selection under this Rule 5. If a Club does not exercise its right of selection when called, or if its right of selection in that phase has ceased because its Reserve List(s) for the classification covered by the phase has reached the allowable limit under Rule 2, the next Club in order shall be called. When a round has been completed, the process of selection shall be repeated until all Major League Clubs have no further right of selection in that phase. A Club having announced its selection in proper order cannot later cancel the selection. (3) In any year in which one or more new members have been admitted to a Major League for operations in the next championship season, each such new member may select player contracts under this Rule 5. The procedures and regulations governing such selections shall be as agreed upon by the Major League Clubs. (4) Any Major League Club may authorize (in writing or by telegram) any employee, the Commissioner, or an employee of the Commissioner's Office to announce its selection or selections at the meeting. Such authorized selections shall be as binding and effective as if announced by a Major League Club official.
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(c) PLAYERS SUBJECT TO SELECTION. All players on the Minor League Reserve Lists of Major League and Minor League Clubs, except players on the Voluntarily Retired, Disqualified or Ineligible Lists, shall be subject to selection by other Major League Clubs at the Rule 5 Selection Meeting in accordance with the following: (1) A player without previous Major or Minor League service who signs with a Major League or independent Minor League Club shall be subject to selection based on the following: (A) if 18 years of age or under on the June 5 immediately preceding the player's signing, the player shall be subject to selection at the fifth Rule 5 Selection Meeting that follows the signing date of the player's first Major or Minor League contract, unless Rule 5(c)(1)(C) applies; (B) if 19 years of age or over on the June 5 immediately preceding the player's signing, the player shall be subject to selection at the fourth Selection Meeting that follows the signing date of the player's first Major or Minor League contract, unless Rule 5(c)(1)(C) applies; (C) if the signing date of a players first Major or Minor League contract is between (i) the conclusion of the championship season for the Major or Minor League Club to which the player is assigned on such contract and (ii) the next Rule 5 Selection Meeting, then the player shall be deemed to have signed after the next Rule 5 Selection Meeting, for purposes of this Rule 5(c)(1). (2) A player who is re-signed by a Club within one year from the date the Club released the player or voided the player's contract pursuant to the terms of such contract shall be subject to draft at the Rule 5 Selection Meeting following the date of the latest contract with that Club. (3) A player who has been subject to draft at a Rule 5 Selection Meeting shall be subject to draft at any subsequent Rule 5 Selection Meeting if the player is on a Minor League Reserve List (filed pursuant to Rule 2 (Player Limits and Reserve Lists)) at the time of the Rule 5 Selection Meeting.
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(4)
A player (A) whose contract has been assigned outright by a Major League Club to a Minor League Club, (B) who has been signed as a free agent to a Minor League Uniform Player Contract for services in the following year and is otherwise subject to selection pursuant to Rule 5(c)(1) or Rule 5(c)(2), or (C) who has been released unconditionally from a Minor League roster and is otherwise subject to selection pursuant to Rule 5(c)(1) or Rule 5(c)(2),
shall be subject to selection at any subsequent Rule 5 Selection Meeting if the player is on a Minor League Reserve List (filed pursuant to Rule 2 (Player Limits and Reserve Lists)) at the time of the Rule 5 Selection Meeting. (5) A Major League or independent Minor League Club may designate any player on one of its Minor League Reserve Lists to be subject to selection who otherwise would not be selectable under this Rule 5. (d) CONSIDERATION, PAYMENT, AND RESPONSIBILITY. consideration for a selection under this Rule 5 shall be as follows: (1) (2) (3) $50,000, if the selected player is placed on a Major League Reserve List; $12,000, if the selected player is placed on a Class AAA Reserve List; $ 4,000, if the selected player is placed on a Class AA Reserve List. The
In addition to the compensation set forth in this paragraph, an independent Minor League Club shall be reimbursed by a selecting Major League Club for all compensation (including salary, bonuses and benefits) that it has paid to a selected player if the player is selected at the first selection meeting following the first year of the player's initial Minor League Uniform Player Contract. Payment of the consideration due the selectee Club shall be made in the same manner as provided in Rule 12 (Transfer Agreements) regarding other assignments of player contracts.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 5(d) to 6(b) The selector Major League Club must assume all responsibility for the player's physical condition and for the player's reporting. (e) PLAYER-MANAGERS. A Player-Manager shall be subject to selection if the player would otherwise be selectable under Rule 5(c) (Players Subject to Selection). However, a player-manager shall be subject to selection as a player only and the playermanager selected may reject such selection by giving written or telegraphic notification of such rejection to the Commissioner within 30 days from the date that the playermanager receives notification of such selection from the Commissioner. A playermanager contract that has been executed within 30 days before the close of the season shall not be changed to a player contract during the season following execution of such player-manager contract unless the Commissioner approves such a change in writing. (f) COVERING UP. No agreement shall be made for the purpose or with the effect of covering up a player from selection. If the Commissioner shall be of opinion that any such agreement has been made, the Commissioner may impose a fine upon each party to such an agreement.
Rule 6 SELECTED PLAYERS (a) RESTRICTIONS. From the date of selection to the close of the subsequent Major League championship season, no player selected in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Selection Meeting shall be released or directed to perform for or otherwise transferred to any Minor League Club until: (1) the player has received a 15-day trial period during spring training;
(2) Outright Assignment waivers have first been granted on the player's contract in accordance with Rule 10 (Major League Waivers) (see, e.g., Rule 10(e)(5) (Restrictions on Waiver Requests)); and (3) outright assignment of the player has then been offered to and rejected by the Major or Minor League Club from which the player's contract was selected. (b) OFFER OF OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENTPROCEDURES. An offer of outright assignment to the Major or Minor League Club from which a player's contract was selected shall be made through the Commissioner and the consideration shall be 50 percent of the price paid for the selection. Upon receiving notice of the selecting Major League Club's intention to make such an offer, the Commissioner or the
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 6(b) to 6(d) Commissioners designee shall communicate by telegraph or other electronic means to the Major or Minor League Club from which the player was selected that it has (1) 72 hours from the time of dispatch of the telegram or other electronic message to accept or reject assignment of the contract, unless Rule 6(b)(2) applies. Sundays and national holidays shall not be counted in computing said 72 hours; or (2) 24 hours after the Club from which the player was selected is notified by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee of the selected players decision whether to accept the proposed return assignment, if the player was selected to a Major League Reserve List and has the right to elect free agency after an outright assignment. Failure to accept the offer within such period shall constitute a rejection. Should such an offer be rejected, all obligations of the selecting Major League Club to the Major or Minor League Club from which the player was selected shall be fulfilled. If the player was selected to a Major League Reserve List and if such player has the right to elect free agency after an outright assignment, the selecting Club shall provide the player any written notice of the contemplated outright assignment to the players former Minor League Club that the collective bargaining agreement with the players union may require and shall provide a copy of such notice to the Club from which the players contract was selected. If the selecting Club fails to provide the selected player with such written notice, and the selected player elects free agency in lieu of the return outright assignment, then the selecting Club may be subject to a fine by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee, which the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may order to be paid, in whole or in part, to the Club from which the players contract was selected. The selecting Club shall communicate immediately to the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee the players decision whether to accept the return outright assignment, and the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall communicate such decision promptly to the Club from which the players contract was selected. (c) ACTIVE LIST RESTRICTIONS. If the selected player is not carried on the Active List of the selecting Major League Club for 90 days of the season following the selection, the restrictions in Rule 6(a) shall continue to apply until the player has been on the Active List for an aggregate of 90 days during a championship season or seasons. (d) SALARY ON RETURN. If a selected player was under a Minor League Uniform Player's Contract for the entire championship season before the player's selection, a Major League Club that returns such a player through tender of an
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 6(d) to 7 outright assignment to the Major or Minor League Club from which the player was selected shall be liable for any salary set forth in its Major League Uniform Player's Contract with the player in excess of the salary amount in the player's Minor League Uniform Player Contract for the season before selection. If a selected player was under a Major League Uniform Player's Contract for all or part of the season preceding the player's selection, a Major League Club that returns such a player to the Major or Minor League Club from which the player was selected shall be liable for any salary set forth in its Major League Uniform Player's Contract with the player in excess of the total salary the player received (under both a Major League Uniform Player's Contract and a Minor League Uniform Player Contract) for the previous championship season. (e) DRAFT-EXCLUDED PLAYERS. A player who is excluded from selection in a Rule 5 Selection Meeting because the player was promoted to a Major League Reserve List after August 15 of the championship season preceding the selection meeting and remains on a Major League Reserve List through the conclusion of such selection meeting shall be referred to as a "draft-excluded player." A draft-excluded player shall not be directed to perform for, assigned to, or otherwise transferred to a Minor League Club unless the player first receives a trial with the player's Major League Club lasting until 20 days before the opening day of the following Major League season. See Rule 10(e)(6) (Restrictions on Waiver Requests) for rules concerning when waivers may be requested on a player who would become a draft-excluded player and Rule 10(d)(5)(B) (Consideration for Assignment of Player; Selected or Draft-Excluded Player) for rules concerning the waiver claim price for a draft-excluded player.
Rule 7 TERMINATION OF PLAYER-CLUB RELATION The relation between a Club and a player created by contract may be terminated before the expiration of the specified term either by the Club (by release or assignment or, in the case of a Minor League Uniform Player Contract, by other termination) or by the player as provided in the contract.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 8(a) to 8(e) Rule 8 MAJOR LEAGUE UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE (a) WAIVER REQUIREMENTS. No Major League Club may unconditionally release a player unless it has tendered and received a waiver of the contract from all other Major League Clubs. (b) PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING WAIVERS. The procedures for obtaining unconditional release waivers are as follows: (1) A waiver request may be made at any time during the year, and must state that it is for the purpose of unconditional release. (2) Waiver requests will be processed in accordance with the procedures in Rule 10 (Major League Waivers) and may not be withdrawn after being registered with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. (3) Waiver claims must be entered in accordance with Rule 10(d) (Waiver Claims and Awarding of Contracts). (c) RESTRICTIONS ON UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE WAIVER REQUESTS. (1) No Major League Club may release a player on the Military or Ineligible Lists unless the player is first reinstated from such list to the Active List. (2) No Major League Club may release a player on the Voluntarily Retired List without first having obtained the approval of the Commissioner. (d) EFFECT ON PLAYER LIMITS. On the day of the waiver request, the player shall be advised in writing that the Major League Club has requested waivers for the purpose of unconditional release and the date on which the waiver request will expire. The player shall be removed from all player limits at the time that the waiver request is transmitted to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. (e) WAIVER CLAIMS AND CONSIDERATION. Any other Major League Club may claim the contract at a waiver price of $1 and the priority of claim shall be determined in accordance with Rule 10(d)(4) (Waiver Claims and Awarding of Contracts).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 8(f) to 8(h) (f) NOTICE TO PLAYER OF WAIVER CLAIMS, AND RIGHT OF PLAYER TO TERMINATE CONTRACT. At the expiration of the waiver period, the player may make a collect call to the Major League Club to determine whether the player's contract has been claimed. If the player's contract is claimed, the Major League Club shall promptly and before any assignment notify the player that the contract has been claimed. Within five days after receipt of notice from a Major League Club that a player's contract has been claimed, the player shall be entitled by written notice to the Major League Club to terminate the player's contract on the date of the player's notice of termination. If the player fails to notify the Major League Club, the player's contract shall be assigned to the claiming Major League Club entitled to the assignment under Rule 10(d)(4) (Waiver Claims and Awarding of Contracts). (g) NOTICE OF TERMINATION IF NO CLAIMS. If the player's contract is not claimed, the player is a free agent, and the Major League Club shall give the player notice of termination. (1) Telephone notice shall be effective immediately upon communication with the player. (2) Written notice, if handed to the player personally, shall be effective immediately upon delivery to the player. (3) Telegraphic notice shall be effective on the date it is filed with Western Union if filed by 6:00 p.m. local time, or the next day if filed after 6:00 p.m. (4) Written notice, if mailed to the player, shall be effective three days from the date of mailing to the last address that the player has supplied to the Major League Club. Other procedures for unconditional release may be agreed upon from time to time and set out in the current Basic Agreement between the Major League Clubs and the Players Association. (h) SALARY OBLIGATIONS. If a contract is terminated by the player, as provided in Rule 8(f) (Notice to Player of Waiver Claims, and Right of Player to Terminate Contract), the player shall be entitled to compensation through the date of the player's notice of termination and not thereafter.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 8(h) to 9(a) If the player's contract is not claimed, upon effective termination of the contract according to Rule 8(g) (Notice of Termination If No Claims), the player shall be entitled to termination pay in accordance with the terms of the contract. If the player's contract is claimed and not terminated by the player, the Major League Club shall give notice to the player of the assignment of the player's contract. The assignee Major League Club shall be liable to the player for payments accruing after the date of such notice of assignment. (i) RE-SIGNING OF RELEASED PLAYERS. A player may be re-signed by the releasing Major League Club, except that: (1) A player released during the playing season shall not again be placed on the active player limits of the Major League Club during the 30-day period that starts on the date of the waiver request, unless the Major League Club has had less than the full complement of active players at all times during those 30 days; and, (2) Any player who has been unconditionally released between midnight, August 31 of any championship season and the opening day of the following championship season, may not be re-signed to a Major League Uniform Player's Contract by the releasing Major League Club until May 15 of that following championship season.
Rule 9 ASSIGNMENT OF PLAYER CONTRACTS (a) NOTICE. A Club may assign to another Club an existing contract with a player. The player, upon receipt of written notice of such assignment, is by the player's contract bound to serve the assignee Club. The date of assignment shall be deemed to be the date upon which notice of assignment is delivered to the player. After the date of such assignment, all rights and obligations of the assignor Club thereunder shall become the rights and obligations of the assignee Club, except as otherwise provided in Rule 3 (Eligibility to Sign Contract, Contract Terms, and Contract Tenders), and the assignee Club shall be liable to the player for payments accruing from the date of assignment and shall not be liable (but the assignor Club shall remain liable) for payments accrued prior to and including that date.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 9(a) In the event that a player physically reports to the assignee Club on the same date as the player's assignment, the assignee Club shall be responsible for salary starting with that date and the assignor Club shall not be required to pay salary for that day. EXCEPTION: In the event the player plays or is available to play for the assignor Club on the day of assignment, the assignor shall pay the player's salary for that day. If at any time the assignee is a Major League Club, it shall be liable to pay the player at the full rate stipulated in the player's contract for the remainder of the term thereof and all prior assignors and assignees shall be relieved of liability for any payment during the remainder of the player's contract, except as otherwise provided in Rule 3 (Eligibility to Sign Contract, Contract Terms, and Contract Tenders). Unless the assignor and assignee Clubs agree otherwise, if the assignee Club is a Minor League Club, the assignee Club shall be liable only to pay the player at the rate usually paid by said assignee Club to its players of similar skill and ability in its classification and the assignor Club shall be liable to pay the player for the remainder of the player's contract the difference between the amount payable to the player under the player's contract and the amount paid to the player by the assignee Club. If a player's contract is assigned by a Major League Club to another Major League Club during the championship season, the assignee Club shall pay the player, for all moving and other expenses resulting from such assignment, the sum of $850 if the distance between the home ballparks of the assignor and assignee Clubs is 1,000 air miles or less; the sum of $1,150 if the distance between the home ballparks of the assignor and assignee Clubs is greater than 1,000 but less than 2,000 air miles; and the sum of $1,450 if the distance between the home ballparks of the assignor and assignee Clubs is equal to, or greater than 2,000 air miles. This allowance will be paid to the player automatically at the time of the assignment. This advance payment will be credited against the reimbursement for reasonable and actual moving expenses should the player elect to claim such expenses in accordance with the provisions of this Rule 9. If a player is assigned to another Major League Club located within 50 miles of the assignor Club's home city, the player shall not receive any moving allowance under this Rule 9, subject to the following exception. If a player is assigned to another Major League Club and moves from a residence located further than 25 miles from the assignee Club's home ballpark to a residence located closer to, and within 50 miles of, such ballpark, the player shall receive the moving allowance in accordance with this Rule 9.
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A player may elect, within two years after the date of the assignment of the player's contract, regardless of when the player's contract is assigned or whether the assignment is between Major League Clubs or a Major League Club and a Minor League Club, to be reimbursed for (1) the reasonable and actual moving expenses of the player and the player's immediate family resulting therefrom, including first-class jet air transportation for the player and the player's immediate family, provided that, if the player relocates more than one year from the date of the assignment, the player must relocate in the assignee Club's home city and the player must still be playing for the assignee Club at the time the player incurs such expenses, and (2) all rental payments for living quarters in the city from which the player is transferred (and/or spring training location, if applicable), for which the player is legally obligated after the date of assignment and for which the player is not otherwise reimbursed. Such rental payments shall not include any period beyond the end of a season or prior to the start of spring training. The Club paying reimbursement for rent shall have use of and/or the right to rent such living quarters for the period covered by the rental reimbursement. In the event a player is required to report to a Major League Club from a Minor League Club in any year on or after September 1, the foregoing subparagraph shall not apply. Reimbursement shall be made by the assignee Club, except, should a player's contract be assigned from a Major League Club to a Minor League Club, reimbursement shall be made by the assignor Major League Club. If a player's contract is assigned by a Major League Club to another Major League Club during the championship season or after the 16th day prior to the start of the championship season, the assignee Club shall pay to the player an in-season supplemental moving allowance for the player's first seven days in the assignee Club's home city, up to a maximum of $500. This in-season supplemental allowance will reimburse the player, based upon valid expense vouchers or receipts, for the following expenses: car rental and/or local transportation, motel/hotel lodging and meals. In the event such player is unconditionally released by the Minor League Club to which the player's contract has been assigned and the player would have been entitled to severance pay had the player been so released under the player's contract with the assignor (Major League Club), then the assignor is liable to pay the player an additional amount equal to the termination pay provided for in the player's Major League contract
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 9(a) to 9(d) and the reasonable travelling expenses of the player, including first-class jet air fare and meals en route, to the player's home city. Written notice of assignment of a player's contract shall be given to a player. Such notice shall not be given until the Club has been formally advised by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee that waivers have been granted by all Clubs entitled to claim the player as set forth in these Rules, and if notice is given prior to the granting of all waivers, the notice shall be void and the Commissioner shall collect a fine from the Club giving such void notice. (b) TIME LIMIT. No Minor League Club shall assign a player contract to any other professional baseball club during the period commencing at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, October 19 and ending at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time of the second day of the annual meeting of its Minor League Association. If October 19 or 20 falls on a Sunday, the restricted period shall commence at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, October 21. EXCEPTION: In any year where the World Series is scheduled to end on or after October 12, or where inclement weather delays the playing of the final game to or beyond October 12, the Commissioner may designate later final dates than those set forth in this Rule 9(b) for the filing of Reserve Lists. No contract of a Major League player shall be assigned to a Club of lower classification during the period from 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time of the third day prior to the start of the Rule 5 Selection Meeting until the Rule 5 Selection Meeting has been concluded. (c) ASSIGNEE CLUB'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR BONUS PROVISIONS IN PLAYER'S CONTRACT. If a Major League players contract is assigned to another Major League Club and there are unearned bonuses in the players Major League Uniform Players Contract at the time of the assignment, the standard-form Major League Uniform Players Contract sets forth the allocation of responsibility between the assignor and assignee Clubs for payment of such bonuses, when such bonuses are earned. The assignor and assignee Clubs may include cash consideration in a transfer agreement that is contingent upon whether such bonuses become earned. See MLR 12(e)(1)(B) (Consideration Must Be in Definite Terms). (d) VETERAN PLAYERS. The contract of a player with five or more years of Major League service, not including service while on the Military List (or seven or more years of Major League service, including service while on the Military List) shall not, without the player's written consent, be assigned other than to another Major League Club. In ascertaining such service, part-season shall be computed at the rate of 172 days to a full season. Service preceding or succeeding a championship season shall not be included.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 9(e) to 9A(a)
(e) CONSENT TO ASSIGNMENT. The contract of a player with 10 or more years of Major League service, the last five of which have been with one Club, shall not be assignable to another Major League Club without the player's written consent. (f) INJURY REHABILITATION. (1) Major League. With the written consent of the player and the prior approval of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, the contract of a Major League player on a Disabled List may be assigned to a Minor League Club for the purpose of injury rehabilitation for a maximum period of 20 days in the case of non-pitchers and 30 days in the case of pitchers. A player so assigned shall continue to receive the player's Major League salary. The rights and benefits of such player that do and do not follow the player to the Minor League Club shall be in accordance with past practices. Any such service with a Minor League Club shall be deemed to be Major League service. An assignment made under the provisions of this Rule 9(f) shall not be counted as an optional assignment under Rule 11 (Optional Agreements). Waivers, pursuant to Rule 10, shall not be required for assignments made under this Rule 9(f). (2) Minor League. The contract of a Minor League player on a Disabled List in a higher classification may be assigned to a Club in the Short-Season A, Rookie or Rookie-Advanced classification, for the purpose of rehabilitation of an injury; provided, however, there shall not be more than three such players on a ShortSeason A, Rookie or Rookie-Advanced Club at any one time and a player on a Disabled List of a Rookie-Advanced Club may not be assigned for the purpose of injury rehabilitation. Rehabilitation assignments, per disability, shall not exceed 20 days in the case of non-pitchers or 30 days in the case of pitchers. Effect on Limits: The player shall continue to be counted towards the Reserve List limit of the assignor Club and will continue to receive salary and benefits as such. The player shall not count against the player limits of the assignee Club.
Rule 9A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENTS (a) PURPOSE: TERMINATION. To enable Active List players who are in reserve units of branches of the Armed Forces to meet their drill requirements with such units without undue hardship to the Clubs on whose rosters the players appear, the Temporary Assignments created under this Rule 9A shall be permissible until the end
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 9A(a) to 9A(e) of the current emergency, as determined by the Commissioner, or until repeal of this Rule 9A. (b) DEFINITION. A "Temporary Assignment" shall be the assignment of the contract of an Active List player by a Minor League Club to a Club of higher classification, including a Major League Club, for the number of days specified in an agreement, following which the contract shall automatically revert to the assignor Club, the player to assume, upon such return, the same status as applied to the player prior to the Temporary Assignment. (c) FILING: NOTICE TO PLAYER. Agreements covering each Temporary Assignment shall be processed in the usual manner, each agreement to include the name of the player whose contract is the subject of the Temporary Assignment, the name of the player that the player is replacing due to reserve drill requirements and the date upon which the contract of the assigned player is to be returned to the original assignor, such date to correspond with the date the drill requirement has been fulfilled plus necessary travel time. Agreements need not be filed to cover return of the contract, but the returning Club shall give the appropriate executive office and the Commissioner of the Commissioner's designee written or telegraphic notification of the return. The assignor Club shall give the player written or telegraphic notification of the assignment, such notification to state, "Your contract has this date been assigned to the (assignee) Club on a temporary basis, and will revert to this Club on (date) or on such other date as you may be notified." (d) WHEN PERMISSIBLE. Temporary Assignments may be in effect during the following period: To Major League Clubsfrom the opening day of the championship season until August 31, both inclusive. (e) LIMITATIONS. (1) On Major League Clubs. There shall be no limit upon the number of players who may be on Temporary Assignment to any one Major League Club but such assignments may be in effect only on such days as more than one Active List players are unavailable to the particular Club due to temporary service with a reserve unit. One such Temporary Assignment shall be allowed for each player in excess of one who is unavailable to a Club due to temporary service with a reserve unit.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 9A(e) to 10(a) (2) On Minor League Clubs. between Minor League Clubs. No Temporary Assignments may be made
(f) PROHIBITIONS DISREGARDED. Any and all provisions of the Major League Rules, the Minor League Association governing document or the rules of any League that would prohibit or qualify assignment of the particular player's contract on an outright or optional basis, such as the active player limit rule, the reacquisition rule, the waiver rule, the rule requiring retention of a recalled optional player for 10 days, shall be disregarded in connection with Temporary Assignments. (g) GENERAL PROVISIONS. (1) Notice of Departure. Each Club shall report to the appropriate executive office and to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee the name of each player who, during the period described in Rule 9A(d), must be absent in order to perform temporary training services with a reserve unit, such notice to include the date the player is to depart, the days the player is scheduled to be with the reserve unit, the name and address of the unit and the date the player is scheduled to return to the Club. (2) Consideration. The consideration to be paid for a Temporary Assignment shall be $100 if the assignment is made by a Club that is not affiliated with the assignee. (3) Player Limits. A player who is absent from a Club due to drill requirements with a reserve unit shall continue to count against the player limit of the player's Club, but any player obtained to replace the player through a Temporary Assignment shall count only against the Active List of the assignor Club.
Rule 10 MAJOR LEAGUE WAIVERS (a) DEFINITIONS. (1) Generally. A waiver is a permission granted for certain assignments of player contracts or for the unconditional release of a Major League player (see Rule 8). There are four types of waivers: Trade assignment waivers, Outright assignment waivers, Optional assignment waivers and Unconditional Release waivers.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(a) (2) Trade Assignment Waivers. Trade assignment waivers must be sought and obtained in order for a Major League Club to assign a Major League player to another Major League Club, during the period set forth in Rule 10(b)(1). A Trade assignment waiver request may be revocable or irrevocable, as set forth in Rule 10(e)(4) (Restrictions on Waiver Requests). Once obtained during a waiver period set forth in Rule 10(c)(4) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods), Trade assignment waivers are effective for that entire waiver period, unless the player is on an optional assignment. See Rule 10(c)(4)(d) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods). (3) Outright Assignment Waivers. Outright assignment waivers must be sought and obtained in order for a Major League Club to assign a Major League player outright (i.e., without right of recall) to a Minor League Club during the period set forth in Rule 10(b)(2). An Outright assignment waiver request is always irrevocable. See Rule 10(e)(4)(B) (Restrictions on Waiver Requests). Once obtained during a waiver period set forth in Rule 10(c)(4) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods), outright assignment waivers are effective either for that entire waiver period or for seven days (depending upon the time the waivers are obtained), unless the player is on an optional assignment. See Rule 10(c)(4)(d) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods). (4) Optional Assignment Waivers. Optional assignment waivers must be sought and obtained in order for a Major League Club to assign a Major League player optionally (i.e., with right of recall) to a Minor League Club, if required by Rule 10(b)(3). An Optional assignment waiver request may be revocable or irrevocable, as set forth in Rule 10(e)(4) (Restrictions on Waiver Requests). Once obtained during a waiver period set forth in Rule 10(c)(4) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods), Optional assignment waivers are effective for that entire waiver period. (5) Unconditional Release Waivers. Unconditional Release waivers must be sought and obtained in order for a Major League Club to unconditionally release a Major League player at any time. See Rule 8 (Major League Unconditional Release). Unconditional Release waivers are always irrevocable. Once Unconditional Release waivers are obtained, the player is released in accordance with Rule 8(g) (Notice of Termination If No Claims). (6) Assignment Waivers. Trade assignment waivers, Outright assignment waivers and Optional assignment waivers may be referred to, collectively, as Assignment waivers.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(a) to 10(b) With regard to Assignment waivers, such permission is granted for a specific period, noted in Rule 10(c)(4) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods), and only after each Major League Club has been given the opportunity to accept the assignment of that player contract, and none has filed a claim requesting assignment of that contract. Waivers may be requested and obtained in regard to a player who is on an optional assignment, without the requesting Club having to recall such player. Any waiver request in regard to a player on an optional assignment shall include a notation that the player is on an optional assignment. (b) WHEN WAIVERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ASSIGNMENT. (1) Trade assignment waivers. Trade assignment waivers are required for any assignment of a player from a Major League Club to another Major League Club during the period commencing 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 31 and ending at the close of the championship season. Trade assignment waivers may not be obtained between the close of a championship season and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the following July 31. (2) Outright assignment waivers. Outright assignment waivers are required for any outright assignment of a player from a Major League Club to a Minor League Reserve List. (3) Optional assignment waivers. Optional assignment waivers are required for an optional assignment from a Major League Club to a Minor League Club only if the date of assignment is three or more years after the date the player first reported to a Major League Club during a championship season. One year shall be deducted from the above three-year period for each season in which the player may have been charged with an option prior to the championship season in which the player first reports to a Major League Club. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule 10(b)(3), Optional assignment waivers shall not be required in the following circumstances: (A) The Major League Club is seeking to assign the player to a Minor League Club on a fourth optional assignment. See Rule 11(c) (Limitations on Optional Assignments) for players subject to a fourth option. (B) The assignor Club is making an assignment with the right of recall, the assignment is being made within 24 hours of having acquired the player in a trade from another Major League Club, the player had been on an optional assignment at the time the player was recalled by the other Major League Club for the purpose of such acquisition and the acquiring Club does not
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(b) to 10(c) place the acquired player on its Major League Active List during such 24hour period. (c) THE PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING WAIVERS. The procedures for obtaining waivers are as follows: (1) Request. A Club desiring a waiver notifies the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, in writing or by approved electronic means, by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time during any permissible day, as set forth in Rules 10(c)(1)(A) and 10(c)(1)(B), designating in its notice which of the four types of waivers (Trade, Outright, Optional or Unconditional Release) it is requesting. No Club may give notice of its request by telephone. Once registered with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, no waiver request may be canceled except in accordance with Rule 10(d)(3) (Withdrawal of Request). See Rule 10(e) for certain restrictions on waiver requests. (A) All Times Other Than a Certain Period in Spring Training. Except as provided for in Rule 10(c)(1)(B), a permissible day, within the meaning of Rule 10(c)(1), shall be any Monday to Friday. Notices received after 2:00 p.m. on Friday shall be considered as received on Monday morning. Waiver requests shall not be accepted on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays as published by notice from the Commissioner's Office. Such requests shall be deemed received the morning of the following business day. (B) During a Certain Period in Spring Training. During the period beginning with the earliest date that a Major League Club is permitted to invite a Major League player to spring training pursuant to the Basic Agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association and ending with the fourth day prior to the first day of the championship season for any Major League Club, inclusive, any day, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, shall be a permissible day, within the meaning of Rule 10(c)(1). (2) Notification to Clubs. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall notify all other Major League Clubs of the request for waivers, noting which of the four types of waivers (Trade, Outright, Optional or Unconditional Release) are being requested. (3) Claiming Period. The period in which a Club may claim a player on whom waivers have been sought is as follows:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(c) (A) All Times Other Than a Certain Period in Spring Training. Except as provided for in Rule 10(c)(3)(B), the period in which a Club may claim a player on whom waivers have been sought is as follows: Waivers Requested by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Waiver Claim Must Be Entered by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on: Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday
(B) During a Certain Period in Spring Training. When waivers are requested during the period set forth in Rule 10(c)(1)(B) (The Procedures for Obtaining Waivers; Request; During a Certain Period in Spring Training), the period in which a Club may claim a player on whom waivers have been sought is as follows: Waivers Requested by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Waiver Claim Must Be Entered by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on: Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday
The Commissioner's Office may publish a notice of holidays for which the waiver claiming period may be extended, if the last date on which a waiver claim may be entered would otherwise fall on such a holiday. (4) Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods. In the event no claims are made before the deadline, waivers of the type requested are obtained, and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall so notify the requesting Club. Such waivers shall be in effect as follows: (A) Trade waivers obtained on and after August 1 shall be in effect until the conclusion of the championship season.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(c) (B) Optional waivers obtained on and after (i) February 16 shall be in effect until the 30th day (as determined by the first scheduled championship season game) of the following championship season. Such waivers shall expire at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on such 30th day; (ii) the 31st day of the championship season shall be in effect until July 31, inclusive. Such waivers shall expire at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 31; and (iii) August 1 shall be in effect until October 1. Such waivers shall expire at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 1. No player may be assigned on an optional assignment during the closed period set forth in Rule 11(e) (Closed Period). (C) Outright assignment waivers obtained on and after (i) November 11 shall be in effect until 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the seventh day after the date they were obtained, or until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 15, whichever comes first; (ii) February 16 shall be in effect until 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the seventh day after the date they were obtained, or until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the 30th day (as determined by the first scheduled championship season game) of the following championship season, whichever comes first; (iii) the 31st day of the championship season shall be in effect until July 31, inclusive. Such waivers shall expire at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 31; (iv) August 1 shall be in effect until midnight, Eastern Time on August 31, inclusive. Such waivers shall expire at midnight Eastern Time on August 31; and (v) September 1 shall be in effect until 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the seventh day after the date they were obtained, or until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 10, whichever comes first.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(c) (D) Notwithstanding the provisions of Rules 10(c)(4)(A) through 10(c)(4)(C), waivers obtained while a player is on an optional assignment shall be in effect only until 72 hours after the expiration of the waiver claiming period. The expiration date of Assignment waivers shall be stated in the waiver notice. The following table summarizes the expiration of different types of assignment waivers that are obtained, organized by the time period in which they were obtained (all times are Eastern Time): Duration of Assignment Waivers Obtained Time period: 11/11 through 2/15 Trade Not applicable Optional Not applicable* Outright 1 p.m. on 7th day, or 5 p.m. on 2/15** 1 p.m. on 7th day, or 5 p.m. on 30th day of season** 5 p.m., 7/31
2/16 through 30th day of season
Not applicable
5 p.m., 30th day of season
31st day of season through July 31 8/1 through 8/31 9/1 through end of season
Not applicable
5 p.m., 7/31
End of season End of season
5 p.m., 10/1*** 5 p.m., 10/1***
Midnight, 8/31 1 p.m. on 7th day, or 5 p.m. on 11/10** 1 p.m. on 7th day, or 5 p.m. on 11/10**
Day following end of season through 11/10
Not applicable
Not applicable*
*See Rule 11(e) (Closed Period), which provides that no player may be transferred on an optional assignment during the off-season. **Whichever comes first. *** See Rule 11(a) (Definition), which provides that the recall of a player on an Optional assignment must occur on or before October 1.
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Notwithstanding the table above, waivers obtained while a player is on an optional assignment shall be in effect only until 72 hours after the expiration of the waiver claiming period. See Rule 10(c)(4)(D) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods). (d) WAIVER CLAIMS AND AWARDING OF CONTRACTS. (1) Notice of Claim by Club. A Club desiring assignment of a player contract on which waivers have been requested shall notify the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, in writing or by approved electronic means, of its claim before the claiming deadline published in the waiver bulletin in which the player's name appeared. No Club may give notice of its claim by telephone. Once a claim is registered with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, it may not be canceled. (2) Notice to Requesting Club. At the conclusion of the claiming period, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall notify the requesting Club of any claims. (3) Withdrawal of Request. In the event of one or more claims, unless otherwise prohibited by these Rules, the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall enter a withdrawal automatically, on behalf of the requesting Club, at the conclusion of the withdrawal period, unless the requesting Club has notified the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee, in writing or by approved electronic means, before the expiration of the withdrawal period that the requesting Club does not wish the request to be withdrawn. (See schedule below.) In the case of a withdrawal, the claim is null and void. If a Club has notified the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee pursuant to this Rule 10(d)(3) that it does not wish the request to be withdrawn, the Club may not rescind such notice and the contract shall be assigned pursuant to Rule 10(d)(4) for the consideration described in Rule 10(d)(5) (Consideration). No Club may give notice by telephone that it does not wish the request to be withdrawn. Requests for waivers on a player may not be withdrawn more than once on behalf of the same Club during any one waiver period (see Rule 10(c)(4) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods)). The period after which the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall, on behalf of the requesting Club (unless notified to the contrary pursuant to the requirements of this Rule 10(d)(3)), withdraw a waiver request is as follows: (A) All Times Other Than a Certain Period in Spring Training. Except as provided for in Rule 10(d)(3)(B), the period after the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall, on behalf of the requesting Club (unless
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(d) notified to the contrary pursuant to the requirements of this Rule 10(d)(3)), withdraw a waiver request is as follows:
If Claim Notice Is Given by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on:
Withdrawal (If Any) Shall Be Entered by the Commissioners Designee at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on: Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
(B) During a Certain Period in Spring Training. When waivers are requested during the period set forth in Rule 10(c)(1)(B) (The Procedures for Obtaining Waivers; Request; During a Certain Period in Spring Training), the period after the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall, on behalf of the requesting Club (unless notified to the contrary pursuant to the requirements of this Rule 10(d)(3)), withdraw a waiver request is as follows: If Claim Notice Is Given by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on: Withdrawal (If Any) Shall Be Entered by the Commissioners Designee at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on: Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
The Commissioner's Office may publish a notice of holidays for which the waiver withdrawal period may be extended, if the withdrawal entry date would otherwise fall on such a holiday. (4) Assignment of Player If No Withdrawal. If a waiver claim is made, and the request is not withdrawn, the contract shall be assigned in the following manner:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(d) (A) If only one claim is entered, assignment shall be made to that claiming Club. (B) If the waiver request is for Trade assignment waivers and more than one Club makes a claim, assignment shall be to the claiming Club in the League of the requesting Club with the lowest percentage of games won, or, if all claims are from Clubs in the other League, assignment shall be to the claiming Club in such other League with the lowest percentage of games won. Percentages of games won shall be based on the result of play through the date prior to the expiration of the claiming period. If two or more claiming Clubs within a League are tied with the lowest percentage of games won, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall make the award to the tied Club with the lower percentage of games won in the prior championship season, without regard to post-season results. If the tied Clubs had an identical percentage of games won at the close of the preceding championship season, the award shall be made to the tied Club with the lower percentage of games won in the next prior championship season, without regard to post-season results, with any remaining ties resolved by continuing to examine the tied Clubs' respective championship season winning percentages in each preceding prior year, until the tie is broken. (C) If the waiver request is for Outright assignment waivers, Optional assignment waivers or Unconditional Release waivers, and more than one Club makes a claim, assignment shall be to the Club with the lowest winning percentage among the claiming Clubs, without regard to the League of the claiming Clubs. During the first 30 days of a championship season (as determined by the date of the first game scheduled for either Major League in that season), percentages of games won at the close of the preceding championship season, without regard to post-season results, shall be used instead of the current championship season percentages of games won. At all other times during the championship season, percentages of games won shall be based on the result of play through the date prior to the expiration of the claiming period. During the off-season, the final percentages of games won at the close of the last preceding championship season shall control, without regard to post-season results.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(d) If two or more claiming Clubs are tied with the lowest percentage of games won, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall make the award (i) to the tied Club that is in the same League as the Club making the waiver request; or, (ii) if the tied Clubs are in the same League, then to the tied Club with the lower percentage of games won at the close of the prior championship season, without regard to post-season results. If the tied Clubs had an identical percentage of games won at the close of the preceding championship season, the award shall be made to the tied Club with the lower percentage of games won in the next prior championship season, without regard to post-season results, with any remaining ties resolved by continuing to examine the tied Clubs' respective championship season winning percentages in each preceding prior year, until the tie is broken. (5) Consideration for Assignment of Player. (A) When Unconditional Release Waivers Are Requested. The consideration for a player claimed after Unconditional Release waivers are requested shall be the consideration set forth in Rule 8(e) (Waiver Claims and Consideration). (B) Selected or Draft-Excluded Player. The consideration to be paid for an award on waiver claim, when such claim is not an Unconditional Release waiver claim, of the contract of a player selected at the preceding Rule 5 Selection Meeting or excluded from draft at such meeting in accordance with Rule 6(e) shall be 50 percent of the price paid for selection under Rule 5. (C) Other Player. The consideration for the assignment on waiver claim of any player contract other than ones described in Rules 10(d)(5)(A) (When Unconditional Release Waivers Are Requested) and 10(d)(5)(B) (Selected or Draft-Excluded Player) shall be $20,000, if the waiver request was irrevocable, and shall be set by agreement between the assignor and assignee Clubs if the waiver request was revocable, provided, however, that the consideration (if no player contracts are assigned from the claiming Club as all or part of the consideration in the waiver claim transaction) shall be at least $20,000 and, in the absence of any agreement, the waiver price shall be $20,000.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(e)
(e) RESTRICTIONS ON WAIVER REQUESTS. The following restrictions on waiver requests shall apply: (1) A Club shall not request any type of waivers on more than seven players on any one day. (2) No optional assignment waivers may be requested during the period starting on October 1 and ending on February 15. See Rule 11(e) (Closed Period). (3) When a request for Trade assignment or Optional assignment waivers is withdrawn on any player under the provisions of Rule 10(d) (Waiver Claims and Awarding of Contracts), no Assignment waivers on that player may again be requested by the same Club until 30 days after the withdrawal date of such waiver request. (4) A waiver request shall state that it is irrevocable and that it may not be withdrawn in response to a claim by another Club if (A) the request follows a request on the same player that had been previously withdrawn by the same Club in the same waiver period (see Rule 10(c)(4) (Grant of Waivers and Effective Periods)); or (B) the request is for Outright assignment waivers. Any request for Unconditional Release waivers is irrevocable. (5) Assignment waivers may not be requested on the contract of a player selected pursuant to Rule 5 during the period beginning with the players selection and ending 25 days prior to the opening of the championship season of the year following the players selection. If waivers are obtained, no assignment may be made pursuant to such waivers until 20 days prior to the opening of the championship season of said year. (6) Assignment waivers may not be requested on the contract of a player who stands to become a draft-excluded player, as described in Rule 6(e), during the period beginning five days following the last day of the World Series and ending 25 days prior to the opening of the championship season of the year following the year the player became a draft-excluded player. If waivers are obtained, no assignment may be made pursuant to such waivers until 20 days prior to the opening of the championship season of said year.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(e) to 10(h)
(7) Assignment waivers may not be requested on a player who appears on the Military, Voluntarily Retired, Bereavement, Restricted, Suspended, Disqualified or Ineligible List until the player has been reinstated to the Active List of the player's Club. See Rule 8(c) for restrictions on Unconditional Release waiver requests. (8) Assignment waivers may not be requested on a Major League Disabled List player unless the minimum period of inactivity as prescribed in Rule 2 (Player Limits and Reserve Lists) has expired and the requesting Club guarantees that the player has recovered from the player's ailment and is capable of performing at the player's accustomed level. If waivers are obtained on such a player, the requesting Club shall, within 72 hours, assign the player either outright or with right of recall (assuming such assignment is otherwise permissible with respect to such player), or restore the player to its Active List. If a claim is entered and a request is withdrawn, the player shall immediately be placed on the Club's Active List. (9) Assignment waivers of the same type, as defined in Rule 10(a) (Definitions), shall not be requested on a player during any period in which waivers are already in effect, with the exception that waivers may be requested two business days prior to the date on which such existing waivers expire, so that waivers, if secured, will be in effect as early as possible in the subsequent waiver period. A waiver claim made on any waiver request permitted by this Rule 10(e)(9) shall immediately cancel the waivers existing when the subsequent waiver request was made. (f) EFFECT ON WAIVERS OF TRANSFER OF OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT. No waivers are required when a Major League Club assigns a player who is on an optional assignment from one Minor League Club to another Minor League Club. (g) PENALTIES. The waiver rules are for the benefit of the players as well as the Clubs. No Club, therefore, shall solicit another Club, directly or indirectly, to claim or not to claim a player on whom waivers have been requested or to withdraw a request for waivers that has been made, nor shall a Club otherwise act in concert with any Club or Clubs in the operation of the waiver system. In addition to any remedy that players injured by a violation of this Rule 10(g) may be awarded pursuant to remedies afforded by a collective bargaining agreement between players and Major League Clubs, the Commissioner shall have authority to impose penalties for such conduct. (h) PLAYER LIMIT. (1) In the case of award of a player on waiver claim to another Club already having the limit of players prescribed by Rule 2(b) (Maximum Number of
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 10(h) to 11(b) Reserved Players), such Club must immediately upon notice of award give notice of its intention to release or assign the contract of a designated player or players in accordance with Rule 2(k) (Designated Players) or transfer to or place on the 60day Disabled List, in accordance with Rule 2(g), a disabled player, or a combination thereof. Such designated player or players may not be the same player obtained from the waiver claim award. (2) In the case of award of a player on waiver claim to another Club already having the limit of players prescribed by Rule 2(c) (Active Lists), such Club must, upon the reporting of the player claimed, give notice of its intention to release or assign the contract of a designated player(s) in accordance with Rule 2(k) (Designated Players). Such designated player may not be the same player obtained from the waiver claim award.
Rule 11 OPTIONAL AGREEMENTS (a) DEFINITION. An assignment of a player contract must in general be an absolute assignment, but in a limited number of cases, as specified in Rule 11(c), the assignor Club may reserve the right to recall, which must be exercised on or before October 1 next ensuing. Such an assignment shall be designated as an optional assignment and is permitted between a Major League Club and a Minor League Club. An optional assignment must be filed with and approved by the Commissioner. (b) LIMITATIONS ON RECALL. (1) Ten-Day Rule. A Major League Club may not recall a player who is on optional assignment until 10 days of the championship season have elapsed from the date the player had physically reported to the optionee Club after the optional assignment, unless the Club obtains prior approval from the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and one of the following conditions applies: (A) the optional player's contract is being recalled for the purpose of replacing on a Club's Active List a player placed on a Major League Disabled List, the Major League Bereavement List or the Restricted List pursuant to the Major or Minor League Drug Treatment and Prevention Programs subsequent to the date the optional player's contract had been assigned to the optionee Club;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 11(b) to 11(c) (B) the optionee Club's season, including any playoffs, has concluded prior to the expiration of the 10-day period; (C) the optional player is being assigned to the Active List of another Major League Club; or (D) the Major League Club had assigned the player on the optional assignment within 24 hours after having acquired the player in a trade from another Major League Club, the player had been on optional assignment with the other Major League Club at the time of the trade and the Major League Club had not placed the player on its Major League Active List during the 24-hour period following the trade. See MLR 10(b)(3)(B) (When Waivers Are Required for Assignment). (2) Certain Optionee Clubs. The recall of an optional player for immediate service during the optionee's championship season shall be prohibited in any case in which the recalling Club owns or is otherwise affiliated with any other Club in the League of which the optionee Club is a member, unless the Commissioner approves the recall. (3) Waivers. The recall of an optional player's contract for purposes of requesting waivers under Rule 10 is not required. Waivers may be requested in regard to a player on an optional assignment, see Rule 10(a) (Definitions), without requiring recall of the player and without making the player ineligible to participate in games for the Minor League Club to which such player is assigned. (4) Recall Not to Report. A Major League Club may recall a player not to report for the purpose of assigning such player to another Major League Club. A Major League Club may recall a player not to report after the conclusion of the championship season of the Minor League Club to which the player is on optional assignment but no later than October 1. See Rule 11(a) (Definition). (5) Notice to Player. A Major League Club recalling an optioned player shall give the player, in person or by registered mail, written notice of such recall. The notice shall be on a form approved by the Major League Executive Council. A copy of such notices shall be given to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. (c) LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS. An optional assignment of a player contract shall be permitted for not more than three seasons between Major League Clubs and Minor League Clubs; provided that if the player is optioned for less than a total of 20 days in one season, as determined by the date(s) of the optional
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 11(c) to 11(f) assignment(s) and recall(s), respectively, the player shall not be charged with an optional transfer in connection with the foregoing limitation. EXCEPTION: Contracts of Major League players who, prior to commencement of the current season, have been credited with less than five seasons in the Major and Minor Leagues (excluding service on the Military, Disqualified, Restricted, Voluntarily Retired and Ineligible Lists) shall be eligible for a fourth optional assignment, without waivers, during that season. For purposes of this Rule 11(c), 90 days or more on the Active List during a championship season shall constitute a "season of service." While time spent on any Inactive List shall not be counted toward the 90 days required before a season's service is credited, if a player is placed on the Disabled List after the player has been credited with 60 or more days of service in any particular season, the Disabled List time shall be counted to the player's credit. No optional agreement shall be permitted between Major League Clubs. No optional assignment shall be permitted for a player unless the player is under contract for service in the season for which the optional agreement is effective. If, prior to an optional assignment, a player had at least three months active service in a Minor League classification, the player may not be optionally assigned to a lower classification unless the player is paid at the salary rate for the higher classification from which the player entered the Major Leagues. (d) NUMBER. The maximum number of optional agreements that any Major League Club may have in effect at any one time shall be 16. In addition, players who sign following selection under Rule 4 may be assigned optionally by the signing Club during the player's first season without counting against the Club's limit of optional players, but players so assigned shall count immediately against the Active List of the optionee Club. (e) CLOSED PERIOD. No player shall be transferred to a Minor League Club on an optional assignment during the period from the close of the regularly scheduled season of the optionee Club, including playoffs, and the first permissible date in Spring training for the next season as determined under the terms of the basic agreement. Nothing herein nor in the rules of any Minor League shall be construed as prohibiting a Major League Club from assigning a player's contract to a Minor League Club at any time for the purpose of injury rehabilitation as provided in Rule 9(f). (f) SALARY ARREARS. A Club assigning the contract of a player optionally shall be responsible to such player for salary due to the player.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 11(g) to 11(j) (g) SALARY ON OPTION OR RECALL. Upon optional assignment, a player shall be paid at the rate stated in the player's Major League contract for Minor League service, or at the minimum Minor League service rate set forth in the Basic Agreement, whichever is applicable. Upon the recall of an optional player, the player's contract with the recalling Club, which was the subject of the optional assignment, shall be in full force and effect as to all of its terms and conditions. (h) SALARY BETWEEN SEASON OPENINGS. A Club that, after contracting with a player for a season, makes an optional assignment of such contract to a Minor League Club whose championship season commences after that of the assigning Club must pay the player at the rate of the player's assigned contract from the time it would have become effective (but for the assignment) up to the day the player's salary starts with the player's new Club, provided the player promptly reports and gives service to the Club to which the player's contract is assigned. A Club that assigns a player's contract optionally to a Minor League Club whose championship season commences prior to start of the assignor Club's season must pay the player at the rate of salary for service with the assignee from the date the player reports to the assignee Club. (i) PLAYER LOANS. (1) Prohibited at Major League Level. All right or claim of a Major League Club to a player, unless it is under an optional agreement approved by the Commissioner, shall cease upon outright assignment to another organization. No arrangement between Clubs for the loan or return of a player shall be binding between the parties to it or recognized by other Clubs. This Rule 11(i) does not authorize the selection of such players, or other players, from an owned or affiliated Club under Rule 5. (2) Permitted at Minor League Level. With the prior approval of the Commissioner, Clubs may arrange for the loan and return, prior to September 30 of the same year, for players under Minor League contracts during the championship season. (j) REACQUIRING PLAYER. (1) If the player's contract has been assigned outright by a Major League Club to a Minor League Club, the player's contract may be reacquired at any time during the year by the assignor Major League Club without restrictions, except: (A) during the closed period set forth in Rule 9(b) (Time Limit); or
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 11(j) (B) within 10 days from the date of the outright assignment to the Minor League Club, if the assignment was made during the championship season. (2) The restriction in Rule 11(j)(1)(B) shall not apply, and a Major League Club may reacquire for immediate service the contract of an outrighted player prior to the expiration of the 10-day period from the date the player had physically reported to the assignee Club, if the Major League Club obtains prior approval from the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and one of the following conditions applies: (A) the outrighted player's contract is being reacquired for the purpose of replacing on a Club's Active List a player placed on a Major League Disabled List or the Major League Bereavement List subsequent to the date the outrighted player's contract had been assigned to the assignee Club; (B) the assignee Club's season, including any playoffs, has concluded prior to the expiration of the 10-day period; or (C) the outrighted player is being assigned to the Active List of another Major League Club. (3) In the event that a player has Major League options remaining at the time of the player's assignment to a Minor League Club and the contract is reacquired by the assignor Club after 20 or more days of the Major League championship season have elapsed from the date of the assignment, such player shall be credited with a Major League option. (4) A player will not be credited with a year's optional service until commencement of that year's closed period prohibiting optional assignment of player contracts, regardless of the number of times the player's contract may be optioned during that year. (5) No player shall be credited with more than one season of optional service in a single season regardless of the number of times the player's contract may be assigned optionally for service in a single season. (6) No Club shall be charged with more than one optional assignment of a player's contract regardless of the number of times the contract is optionally assigned for service in a single season.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 12(a) to 12(d) Rule 12 TRANSFER AGREEMENTS (a) REQUIREMENTS. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall prescribe the form of assignments and of the optional agreements between Major League Clubs and Minor League Clubs and no such transaction shall be recognized as valid unless within 15 days after execution a counterpart original of the document is filed with and approved by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. (b) PENALTIES. Penalties may be imposed in case anything except the actual consideration, terms and conditions are stipulated or in case agreements are made that are not embodied in the document as filed. Penalties shall also be imposed in the event a player plays in a game for the assignor Club after notice of the player's assignment or pending assignment on any basis has been given to the press for announcement. Such penalties shall be imposed by the Commissioner and the amount shall be subject to the Commissioner's judgment. (c) PROMULGATION. Assignments and optional agreements shall be promulgated by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. Assignment agreements shall be executed whenever title to a player's services is transferred from one Club to another under any conditionoutright, optionally, by waiver claim, by selection, by recall of an optional player, or by injury rehabilitation assignment. Official notice of such transfer, and in the case of unconditional release, shall in each instance promptly be given by the Club to the player, the President of the Minor League Association in the case of a Minor League player and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee in case of a Major League player. (d) FILINGPAYMENT. There shall be five counterpart originals of all assignments and optional agreements, of which one is to be retained by each of the parties and the others mailed to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, who will mail one copy each to the President of the Minor League Association and the President of the Minor League to which the player's contract is assigned, if the player is being assigned to a Minor League Club. The counterpart originals sent to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall be accompanied by a check for the consideration, which check, in the case of a payment due a Minor League Club, shall be payable to the order of the Minor League Association. If said agreements are not filed with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee within 15 days after the transfer is effected, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall collect a penalty from the Club responsible, or from each of the parties if both Clubs are responsible for such failure to file.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 12(d) to 12(e)
Payment by the claiming Club must accompany agreement papers on all transactions in which a player's contract has been assigned on waiver claim. Failure to include this payment shall result in a fine of not less than $50. In all other transactions, payment must also be made by the Club at the time the agreement papers are filed with the Commissioner's Office unless it is stipulated in the papers that the payment will be deferred. Payment may not be deferred for more than one year from the date of assignment. Failure to make payments as due shall result in a fine of not less than $50. Any agreement providing for the deferral of payment beyond one year shall subject the offending parties to such penalties as the Commissioner in the Commissioner's judgment shall deem proper. (e) CONSIDERATION MUST BE IN DEFINITE TERMS. (1) (A) Every transfer agreement shall express the consideration for the transfer in definite terms, unless Rule 12(e)(1)(B) applies. (B) If a transfer agreement includes the assignment of a Major League Uniform Players Contract that includes unearned performance bonuses, then the assignor and assignee Club may include in such transfer agreement cash consideration that is contingent upon the player earning all or a portion of such performance bonuses. The transfer agreement must state with specificity all performance-bonus contingencies. The assignor and assignee Club are not permitted to alter their respective responsibilities to the player to pay performance bonuses. Such responsibilities to the player are covered by the standard-form Major League Uniform Players Contract. See MLR 9(c) (Assignee Clubs Responsibility for Bonus Provisions in Players Contract). (2) A transfer agreement may provide for the assignment of the contract of an unnamed player, provided: (A) the assignment must be made on or before a specified date, which shall be within six months from the date of the agreement; (B) the agreement permits a stated cash consideration in lieu of the assignment; and (C) the player has not been on the Active List of any Major League Club during any part of a championship season between the date of the agreement and the date of the assignment.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 12(f) to 13(a)
(f) TRANSFERSWHEN VOID. The death or permanent incapacitation of a player following assignment of the player's contract, or the player's failure to report to the assignee Club, shall not void the assignment, unless the agreement provides otherwise. In the event of the bona fide retirement of a player following assignment of the player's contract, the player shall be placed on the Voluntarily Retired List of the assignee Club, unless the agreement provides otherwise. A player who enters the Armed Forces after assignment of the player's contract and before the date the player normally would report to the assignee Club shall be placed on the Military List of the Assignee Club, unless the agreement provides otherwise. (g) SALARY BETWEEN SEASON OPENINGS. A Club that, after commencement of its championship season, assigns a player's contract to a Club whose season commences after that of the assigning Club, must pay the player at the rate of the player's assigned contract up to the day the player's salary with the player's new Club begins, provided the player promptly reports to the latter. (h) TRANSPORTATION. A Club assigning the contract of a player in its active service to another Major League Club or to a Minor League Club shall, at the time of notifying the player of the assignment, deliver to the player transportation to the city designated by the assignee Club and the assignee Club shall reimburse the assignor within 10 days for the cost of such transportation.
Rule 13 SUSPENDED PLAYERS (a) MISCONDUCT OR INSUBORDINATION. (1) Suspension by Club. A Major or Minor League Club may suspend a player that it has under a Major League Uniform Player's Contract or Minor League Uniform Player Contract for insubordination or other misconduct or for violation by the player of any regulation or other provision of the player's contract. At its discretion, the Major or Minor League Club with which the player is under contract may impose a reasonable fine and deduct the amount of the fine from the player's salary or may suspend the player without salary for a period not exceeding 30 days, or both. Written notice of the fine, or suspension,
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 13(a) to 14(a) or both, and of the reason for the fine and/or suspension shall in every case be given to the player. During the period of suspension the player shall be ineligible to play with any other Major or Minor League Club. (2) Suspension by Minor League or Minor League Association. A Minor League or Minor League Association may discipline a player assigned to such Minor League if authorized by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee to consider discipline as a general matter in such circumstances, including, without limitation, pursuant to any on-field behavior policy promulgated by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. Such discipline may include a fine and/or suspension. Written notice of the fine, or suspension, or both, and of the reason for the fine and/or suspension shall in every case be given to the player. During the period of suspension the player shall be ineligible to play with any other Minor League Club. (b) PLAYER NOT IN CONDITION. A player under a Major League Uniform Player's Contract or Minor League Uniform Player Contract who fails to get into playing condition within 60 days after the commencement of the training season of the player's Club may be suspended without pay until the player is in condition to play. (c) APPEAL. A player suspended by a Major or Minor League Club or a Major or Minor League for a term longer than 10 days shall have the right to appeal to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may order the player's reinstatement and afford the player adequate redress if the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee holds that the punishment is excessive or not merited.
Rule 14 RETIRED PLAYERS (a) APPLICATION. A player under a Major League Uniform Player's Contract or a Minor League Uniform Player Contract who desires to retire from the profession shall make written application to the player's Major or Minor League Club, stating fully the player's reasons for retiring. The Major League Club shall forward the application and the Club's recommendation to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. If the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee deems it proper to do so, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may grant an application for voluntary retirement upon the conditions set forth in this Rule 14 and upon such other terms and conditions as the facts and circumstances may warrant, in the judgment of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. However, no player shall be reinstated
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 14(a) to 15(b) within 60 calendar days of the championship season or seasons from the date that the player filed the application for voluntary retirement with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. (b) PLAYING WHILE RETIRED. If a voluntarily retired player, during the player's retirement, shall desire to play baseball for hire, otherwise than for the Major or Minor League Club entitled to the player's services, the player shall first obtain written consent of the player's Club. The player then must file an application with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee requesting permission to play otherwise than for the Major or Minor League Club to which the player is under contract. The player's application shall specify the teams with and against which the player desires to play, and their locations, and shall be transmitted with the player's Club's consent to the Commissioner for approval or denial.
Rule 15 RESTRICTED, DISQUALIFIED AND INELIGIBLE LISTS (a) RESTRICTED LIST. If, without permission from a player's Major or Minor League Club, a player fails, within 10 days of the opening of the player's Club's championship season, to report to, or contract with, the player's Club, the player may be reported by the Club to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee for placement on the "Restricted List." A player on the Restricted List shall not be eligible to play for any Major or Minor League Club. Before the start of the championship season but not before January 1, a Major or Minor League Club also may report for placement on the Restricted List any player, whether or not under contract for the current season, who has given the Club written or telegraphic notification that the player will not report until 30 days or more after the opening of the championship season. Requests to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall be accompanied by the notification which the Club received from the player. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may place a Major or Minor League Reserve List player on the Restricted List if the player's Club certifies that unusual circumstances exist. (b) DISQUALIFIED LIST. A player who violates a player contract or reservation may be reported to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee for placement on the "Disqualified List." A player on the Disqualified List shall not be eligible to play
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 15(b) to 15(e) with any Major or Minor League Club. In addition, a player shall be placed on the Disqualified List pursuant to Rule 15(c)(2) (Ineligible List). (c) INELIGIBLE LIST. (1) A player or other person found guilty of misconduct or other acts mentioned in Rule 21, or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, may be placed on the "Ineligible List" by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. A player or other person on the Ineligible List shall not be eligible to play or associate with any Major or Minor League Club. (2) No Major or Minor League player shall knowingly play with or against a team with which, during the current season, any ineligible player or person has had any connection. Should a player knowingly play with or against any such team, the player shall be placed on the Disqualified List. (d) ACTION BY COMMISSIONER OR THE COMMISSIONER'S DESIGNEE. In all cases the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may determine, at any time, either on his or her own motion or at the request of a Major or Minor League, Major or Minor League Club or player, that the best interests of Baseball require that a player, Club or League official or employee, or other person, be placed on the Ineligible List and may also, in his or her sole discretion and upon such terms and conditions as he or she may deem proper, reinstate any such person from the Ineligible List or transfer the person from the Ineligible List to the Disqualified List. (e) PLAYER STATUS. With respect to a player under a Major League Uniform Player's Contract: (1) A Club's obligations to tender and renew a contract, as set forth in paragraph 10(a) of the Major League Uniform Player's Contract, shall apply with regard to any player who, at the applicable time, is on the Restricted List for either failing to report to the player's Club or failing to contract with it, or is on the Disqualified List for failure to render the player's services to the Club. Should a Club fail to so tender or renew a contract, the player shall become a free agent without any restrictions or qualifications, and the player shall be removed from the Restricted or Disqualified List. (2) With regard to any player who is on the Disqualified List for a reason other than stated in Rule 15(e)(1), or is on a Suspended, Ineligible, Voluntarily Retired or Military List, a Club shall not be obligated to tender or renew a contract until the player is removed from such list and reinstated to active status. If a player is removed from such list during a period beginning on December 10 and extending
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 15(e) to 15(i) through the next championship season, the Club shall tender a contract to the player within 10 days following such removal. Thereafter, should the Club and the player agree upon the terms of a new contract within 10 days after the player's receipt of the tendered contract, the Club shall be obligated, within the next five days, to renew the player's prior Major League contract, provided, however, that is the tender is made during the period beginning on December 10 and ending on the next March 1, the renewal period shall be as set forth in paragraph 10(a) of the Major League Uniform Player's Contract. Should a Club fail to tender or renew a contract as provided in this paragraph, the player shall become a free agent without any restrictions or qualifications. (3) A player on the Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible List (A) shall not be unconditionally released, and (B) shall not be entitled to salary while on any such list, nor after reinstatement from any such list, until such date (not exceeding 30 days after reinstatement) as the player is in condition to participate in championship games to the satisfaction of the player's Club. (f) EFFECT ON PLAYER LIMITS. A player on the Voluntarily Retired, Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible List shall be excluded from all player limits until the player is reinstated. (g) RESERVATIONS. A player on the Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible List may be reserved as such for two consecutive years. At the expiration of that two-year period, the player need not be reported on the player's Major or Minor League Club's annual Reserve List and will automatically be transferred to a General Restricted List, General Disqualified List or General Ineligible List. (h) PROMULGATION. Whenever a player is placed on the Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible List, such fact shall be promulgated by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee to all Major League Clubs in the form of a transaction bulletin. (i) ASSIGNMENT. The contract of a player on the Restricted or Disqualified List may be assigned, but the assignee Club shall assume all responsibility for the player's reporting. The contract of a player on the Ineligible List may not be assigned except with the permission of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 16(a) to 16(d) Rule 16 REINSTATEMENT OF PLAYERS (a) APPLICATION. Any player on the Voluntarily Retired, Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible List may apply for reinstatement, or to have the player's status changed, upon the conditions stated in this Rule 16. Any Major or Minor League Club having a player on the Restricted List may apply for the player's reinstatement. Such application shall be filed with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. An application for reinstatement may be granted upon such terms and conditions as the facts may warrant in the judgment of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. If a player files an application for reinstatement from the Voluntarily Retired, Disqualified or Ineligible Lists after February 1 of any year, the player's Major or Minor League Club shall be entitled to 30 days' written notice prior to the player's reinstatement. No application for reinstatement shall be received from a Voluntarily Retired player within 60 playing days of the player's retirement. No Major League player on the Voluntarily Retired, Disqualified or Ineligible Lists shall be reinstated during the period from August 1 to and including October 31. No Major League player on the Restricted List shall be reinstated during the period from August 1 to and including October 31, unless the Restricted List, placement had followed a Bereavement List placement pursuant to Rule 2(n) (Major League Bereavement List) or had been made pursuant to the Major or Minor League Drug Treatment and Prevention Programs. No Minor League player on the Voluntarily Retired, Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible Lists shall be reinstated during the period from August 1 until the conclusion of the Minor League championship season and playoffs, unless the Restricted List placement had been made pursuant to the Major or Minor League Drug Treatment and Prevention Programs. (b) PLAYER ON RESTRICTED LIST. A Restricted List player shall be reinstated immediately upon receipt of written or telegraphic application for reinstatement from the player's Major or Minor League Club. (c) PLAYER ON VOLUNTARILY RETIRED, DISQUALIFIED OR INELIGIBLE LIST. Upon proper application, a player on the Voluntarily Retired, Disqualified or Ineligible List may be reinstated by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. However, in the case of an Ineligible List player, no such application may be made until after the lapse of one year from date of placement on the Ineligible List. (d) PLAYER LIMITS. A player reinstated from the Voluntarily Retired, Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible List during the championship season shall not count against
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 16(d) to 17(d) the player limits of the Major or Minor League Club to which the player is reinstated until such date (not exceeding 30 days after reinstatement) as the player is in condition to participate in championship games to the satisfaction of the player's Club. A player reinstated from such a List between championship seasons shall not count against the player limits of the Major or Minor League Club to which the player is reinstated until the opening date of the next season after the date of reinstatement. However, should the contract of a player so reinstated be assigned to another Major or Minor League Club, the player shall immediately count against the player limits of the assignee Club. (e) REINSTATEMENT BEFORE RELEASE. A Player on the Military, Restricted, Disqualified or Ineligible Lists must be reinstated before the player can be released unconditionally. A player on the Voluntarily Retired List may be unconditionally released if both approval of the Commissioner and any applicable waivers are first obtained.
Rule 17 PLAYER SALARIES (a) FIRST-YEAR PLAYER. If a Club is assigned a non-drafted player without previous Major or Minor League experience within the first season of the player's service and the Club does not assume the salary stipulated in the player's original contract to the close of the contract's term, the player shall be declared a free agent. (b) PART-SEASON SALARY. A player who is in the service of a Club for part of a season only, under a contract fixing a salary at a stipulated rate for the season, shall receive such proportion of the stipulated season's salary as the number of days of the player's actual employment bears to the number of days in the Club's championship season. (c) DELAY IN REPORTING. A player who fails to report for spring training as directed by the player's Club in accordance with the player's contract shall be required to get in playing condition to the satisfaction of the team manager, and at his own expense, before the player's salary shall commence. (d) MINIMUM SALARY. The minimum rate of payment to each player for each day of service during the Major League season shall be as agreed in the current Basic Agreement between the Major League Clubs and the Players Association.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 17(d) to 18(b) Minimum rates of payment for a player under a Major League Uniform Player's Contract assigned to a Minor League Club for service shall be as set forth in the current Basic Agreement. (e) RENEWAL OF CONTRACT. Upon request by a Major League player to the Commissioner, the Commissioner may, on such conditions as he stipulates, consent to such player accepting a renewal of his contract at a salary rate less than eighty (80) percent of the rate stipulated for the preceding year, providing the salary rate is mutually agreed upon between the club and the player prior to January 10 and providing the request for consent to accept such salary is made by the player and received by the Commissioner prior to January 10.
Rule 18 PLAYING OTHERWISE THAN FOR CLUB (a) WINTER LEAGUES. The Major League Clubs may establish one or more Winter Leagues. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may, on behalf of the Major League Clubs, enter into an agreement or agreements with one or more Winter Leagues or associations of Winter Leagues. Such agreements shall set forth the relationship between the Major League Clubs and such Winter Leagues and Winter League clubs and shall set forth the terms and conditions under which Major League players and Minor League players under contract to Major League Clubs may participate in Winter League play. (b) EXHIBITION GAMES. No player shall participate in any exhibition game during the period between the close of the Major League championship season and the following training season, except that, with the consent of the player's Club and permission of the Commissioner, a player may participate in exhibition games for a period of not less than 30 days, such period to be designated annually by the Commissioner. Players who participate in barnstorming during this period cannot engage in any Winter League activities. Player conduct, on and off the field, in connection with such post-season exhibition games shall be subject to the discipline of the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall not approve of more than three players of any one Club on the same team. The Commissioner shall not approve of more than three players from the joint membership of the World Series participants playing in the same game. No player shall participate in any exhibition game with or against any team which, during the current season or within one year, has had any ineligible player or which is
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 18(b) to 18(g) or has been during the current season or within one year, managed and controlled by an ineligible player or by any person who has listed an ineligible player under an assumed name or who otherwise has violated, or attempted to violate, any exhibition game contract; or with or against any team which, during said season or within one year, has played against teams containing such ineligible players, or so managed or controlled. Any player who participates in such a game in violation of this Rule 18 shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500, except that in no event shall such fine be less than the consideration received by such player for participating in such game. No Club shall participate in any exhibition game with any club that has been expelled or terminated from membership in a Major or Minor League. (c) PENALTY. A player who, during the championship season, participates in a game of Baseball with a Club other than the one with which the player has contracted, shall be fined such amount as may be determined by the Commissioner. (d) ALL-STAR GAME. No Major League player shall participate in any all-star game, except the official Major League All-Star Game, in the period from the beginning of the training period to the end of the regular season. No exhibition games shall be played by any Club following the Sunday immediately preceding the All-Star Game until the day following the completion of the All-Star Game. (e) HALL OF FAME GAME. Each year on a date designated by the Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum, Inc., and approved by the Commissioner, two Major League Clubs shall play in an exhibition game at Cooperstown, New York, under the auspices of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. The participating Clubs shall be selected by the Commissioner. Each participating Club's reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the Club's having played the Hall of Fame game shall be reimbursed by the Office of the Commissioner. (f) IN JAPAN. Provisions covering a player's participation in Japan (or a Japanese player's participation in the Major or Minor Leagues) are embodied in an agreement available in Clubs' offices. Details may also be obtained from the Commissioner's Office. (g) IN KOREA. Provisions covering a player's participation in Korea (or a Korean player's participation in the Major or Minor Leagues) are embodied in an agreement available in Clubs' offices. Details may also be obtained from the Commissioner's Office.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 18(h) to 19(d) (h) IN TAIWAN. Provisions covering a player's participation in Taiwan (or a Taiwanese player's participation in the Major or Minor Leagues) are embodied in an agreement available in Clubs' offices. Details may also be obtained from the Commissioner's Office.
Rule 19 UMPIRES AND OFFICIAL SCORERS (a) STAFFING. The Commissioner shall employ a staff of umpires to officiate Major League games. Each Major League Club shall accept the umpire or umpires assigned by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee for any game. (b) DUTIES. The umpires assigned by the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall be responsible for the conduct of all championship season, Division Series, League Championship Series and World Series games, as well as the All-Star Game, according to the Official Baseball Rules, as described in Rule 25. The umpires shall know thoroughly and obey meticulously the instructions of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee as to the mechanics and manner of performing their duties. The umpires shall be thoroughly familiar with and alert to the duties and responsibilities placed on the umpires by the Major League Rules and shall know and follow the interpretations of the Official Baseball Rules of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. (c) CONTROL OF EMPLOYMENT. All Major League umpires shall be under the sole control and direction of the Commissioner. They shall receive from the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee all assignments to duty and all instructions regarding the interpretation of the Official Baseball Rules and performance of their duties. If an umpire does not perform an assignment, the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may impose such penalty as the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may deem adequate. (d) OFFICIAL SCORERS. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall appoint official scorers for each Major League Club. The official scorer for each Major League game shall observe the game from a position in the press box. Subject to the Official Baseball Rules, the official scorer shall have sole authority to make all decisions involving judgment, such as whether a batter's advance to first base is the result of a hit or an error. The official scorer shall communicate such decisions to the press box and broadcasting booths and shall advise the ballpark public address announcer of such decisions, if requested.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 19(d) to 20(a) After each Major League game, including drawn and forfeited games, the official scorer shall prepare a report listing the date of the game, where it was played, the names of the competing Clubs and the umpires, the full score of the games, and all records of individual players compiled according to the system specified in the Official Baseball Rules. The official scorer shall forward this report to the Commissioner's Office statistician within 36 hours after the game ends. The official scorer shall forward the report of any suspended game within 36 hours after the game has been completed, or after it becomes an official game because it cannot be completed. Official scorers shall be paid such fees as the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may determine. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall have authority to discipline or remove any official scorer. (e) UMPIRE CLAIMS. The Commissioner shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine finally any claim affecting a Major League umpire's contract or salary upon appeal by the umpire. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall also have jurisdiction to hear and determine finally any controversy respecting title to an umpire's services. (f) UMPIRES ACTING AS SCOUTS. No Major or Minor League umpire shall receive or be offered money or other valuable consideration for services rendered or to be rendered, or supposed to be or to have been rendered, in connection with the acquisition of players by any Club. An umpire or Club violating this Rule 19 shall be fined double the amount received or offered, but in no event shall such fine be less than $500.
Rule 20 CONFLICTING INTERESTS (a) OWNERSHIP AND FINANCIAL INTERESTS. No Club, or owner, stockholder, officer, director or employee (including manager or player) of a Club, shall, directly or indirectly, own stock or any other proprietary interest or have any financial interest in any other Club in its League, provided, however, that any owner or stockholder of a Major League Club (who is not also an officer, director or employee of a Club) whose interest does not exceed 5% of such Club and whose interest does not constitute a control interest (as defined in Article V, Section 2(b)(2) of the Major League Constitution) may own a non-control interest not exceeding 5% of any other Club or Clubs in its League, unless the Commissioner determines that such ownership would not be in the best interests of Baseball.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 20(b) to 20(h) (b) LOANS TO AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH PLAYERS. No Club, or owner, stockholder, officer, director or employee (including manager or player) of a Club, shall, directly or indirectly, loan money to or become surety or guarantor for a player of any other Club in any League, nor be an agent or representative of any player in any League. (c) LOANS TO CLUBS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS. No Club, or owner, stockholder, officer, director or employee (including manager or player) of a Club shall, directly or indirectly, loan money to or become surety or guarantor for any Club, officer, employee or umpire of its, his or her League, unless all facts of the transaction shall first have been fully disclosed to all other Clubs in that League, and also to the Commissioner, and the transaction has been approved by them. (d) LEAGUE OFFICIALS. No officer, employee or umpire of a League shall, directly or indirectly, own stock or any other proprietary interest or have any financial interest in any Club of his or her League, or loan money to or become surety or guarantor for any such Club. (e) WITHIN CLUB. No manager or player on a Club shall, directly or indirectly, own stock or any other proprietary interest or have any financial interest in the Club by which the manager or player is employed except under an agreement approved by the Commissioner, which agreement shall provide for the immediate sale (and the terms thereof) of such stock or other proprietary interest or financial interest in the event of the manager or player's transfer (if a player or playing manager) to or joining another Club. A manager or player having any such interest in the Club by which the manager or player is employed shall be ineligible to play for or manage any other Club in that League while, in the opinion of the Commissioner, such interest is retained by or for the manager or player, directly or indirectly. (f) WINTER LEAGUES. No Major League Club or Minor League Club shall, directly or indirectly, own stock or have any other proprietary or financial interest in a Winter League or Winter League Club, nor may any Major League or Minor League Club loan money to or become a surety or guarantor for any Club, officer, employee or umpire of a Winter League Club or of a Winter League itself. (g) APPLICATION TO MAJOR LEAGUE CLUBS. As used in this Rule 20, with respect to a Major League or Major League Club, "League" shall mean both the American League and the National League. (h) INFORMATION TO COMMISSIONER. On or before the first day of the playing season and on such subsequent dates as the information may be requested, each Club shall certify in writing the following information, to the Commissioner:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 20(h)
(1) A list of the name, address and amount of ownership interest of each owner of stock or other proprietary interest in the filing Club. If the filing Club is a corporation, the list shall state the number of shares of stock held by each stockholder. (2) A list of the names and addresses of the officers and directors of the filing Club. (3) A list (or an indication on the list of stockholders or owners of the filing Club) stating the kind and amount of each ownership of stock or other proprietary or financial interest in the filing Club by any other Club or by any stockholder, owner, officer, director or employee (including manager or player) of any other Club, to the best knowledge and belief of the filing Club. (4) A list stating the kind and amount of each ownership of stock or other proprietary or financial interest in any other Club by the filing Club or by any stockholder, owner, officer, director or employee (including manager or player) of the filing Club, to the best knowledge and belief of the filing Club. (5) Each and every agreement and understanding covering the operation of any other Club either in whole or in part by the filing Club, with a certified copy of such agreement. (6) Each and every agreement and understanding covering the operation of the filing Club in whole or to any extent by any other Club. (7) Each and every agreement and understanding covering payment by the filing Club to any other Club, of any loss or deficits or share of the profits of any Club. (8) Each and every agreement and understanding giving any other Club the right to acquire the contract of any player on the filing Club or to be consulted respecting the player's transfer or release, unless such right be covered by a regulation form optional agreement duly filed.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 21(a) to 21(c) Rule 21 MISCONDUCT (a) MISCONDUCT IN PLAYING BASEBALL. Any player or person connected with a Club who shall promise or agree to lose, or to attempt to lose, or to fail to give his best efforts towards the winning of any baseball game with which he is or may be in any way concerned, or who shall intentionally lose or attempt to lose, or intentionally fail to give his best efforts towards the winning of any such baseball game, or who shall solicit or attempt to induce any player or person connected with a Club to lose or attempt to lose, or to fail to give his best efforts towards the winning of any baseball game with which such other player or person is or may be in any way concerned, or who, being solicited by any person, shall fail to inform the Commissioner (in the case of a player or person associated with a Major League Club) or the President of the Minor League Association (in the case of a player or person associated with an independent Minor League Club) immediately of such solicitation, and of all facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall be declared permanently ineligible. (b) GIFT FOR DEFEATING COMPETING CLUB. Any player or person connected with a Club who shall offer or give any gift or reward to a player or person connected with another Club for services rendered or supposed to be or to have been rendered in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing Club, and any player or person connected with a Club who shall solicit or accept from a player connected with another Club any gift or reward for any such services rendered, or supposed to have been rendered, or who, having been offered any such gift or reward, shall fail to inform the Commissioner or the President of the Minor League Association, as the case may be, immediately of such offer, and of all facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall be declared ineligible for not less than three years. (c) GIFTS TO UMPIRES. Any player or person connected with a Club who shall give, or offer to give, any gift or reward to an umpire for services rendered, or supposed to be or to have been rendered, in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing Club, or for the umpire's decision on anything connected with the playing of a baseball game, and any umpire who shall render, or promise or agree to render, any such decision otherwise than on its merits, or who shall solicit or accept such gift or reward for any such service or decision, or who, having been offered any such gift or reward, or, having been solicited to render any such decision otherwise than on its merits, shall fail to inform the Commissioner or the President of the Minor League Association, as the case may be, immediately of such offer or solicitation, and all facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall be declared permanently ineligible.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 21(d) to 22(b) (d) BETTING ON BALL GAMES. (1) Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year. (2) Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible. (e) VIOLENCE OR MISCONDUCT. In case of any physical attack or other violence upon an umpire by a player, or by an umpire upon a player, or of other misconduct by an umpire or a player, during or in connection with any Major or Minor League game or any exhibition game of a Major or Minor League Club, the Commissioner shall impose upon the offender or offenders such fine, suspension, ineligibility or other penalty, as the facts may warrant in the judgment of the Commissioner. (f) OTHER MISCONDUCT. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as exclusively defining or otherwise limiting acts, transactions, practices or conduct not to be in the best interests of Baseball; and any and all other acts, transactions, practices or conduct not to be in the best interests of Baseball are prohibited and shall be subject to such penalties, including permanent ineligibility, as the facts in the particular case may warrant. (g) RULE TO BE KEPT POSTED. A printed copy in English and Spanish of this Rule 21 shall be kept posted in each clubhouse.
Rule 22 CLAIM PRESENTATION (a) DISCIPLINE. All Clubs and players shall submit themselves to the discipline of the Commissioner as provided in the Major League Constitution and accept the Commissioner's decisions rendered in accordance with the Major League Constitution and these Rules. (b) DISPUTES. All disputes between players and Clubs shall be referred to the Commissioner and the Commissioner's decisions shall be accepted by all parties as final. Negotiations between player and Club regarding the player's compensation under the player's contract shall not be referable to the Commissioner.
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(c) TIME FOR PRESENTATION. Any disputed monetary claim, claim for free agency or complaint which any party may desire to submit for consideration, action or decision by the Commissioner must be presented within one year from the date the claim arose.
Rule 23 HOLIDAYS Whenever, by the terms of a player's contract, or of the Major League Constitution or Rules, a particular act or thing is required to be done on or before a designated date, and said date falls on a Sunday, or on a January 1, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas or any legal holiday, the following business day shall be substituted.
Rule 24 SUSPENDED PERSONNEL (a) DISCIPLINE. (1) By the Commissioner or a Club. Both the Commissioner and a Club are entitled to discipline any manager, trainer, coach, scout, or other personnel who is not a player, in case of a violation of contract, the Major League Constitution, the Major League Rules, the Commissioner's regulations, or other rules, policies and guidelines. Such discipline may include fining, dismissing, releasing, suspending or expelling the offender. Any Club dismissing, releasing, suspending or expelling any such person shall at once notify the Commissioner's Office in writing stating the cause of such action. (2) By a Minor League or Minor League Association. A Minor League or Minor League Association may discipline any manager, trainer, coach or other personnel who is not a player and who is assigned to such Minor League if so authorized by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee to consider discipline as a general matter in such circumstances, including, without limitation, pursuant to any on-field behavior policy promulgated by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. Such discipline may include a fine and/or suspension. Written notice of the fine, or suspension, or both, and
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 24(a) to 25(b) of the reason for the fine and/or suspension shall in every case be given to the person disciplined. (b) APPEALS. In the event a Club, Minor League or Minor League Association suspends a person who is not a player for a period in excess of 10 days, or fines such a person in excess of $10,000, such person shall have the right to appeal to the Commissioner. The appealing person must exercise this right to appeal, if at all, within 30 days of the Club action, by filing a written statement with the Commissioner stating that an appeal is being taken and describing the reasons in support of the appeal. The decision of the Commissioner on the appeal shall be final and unappealable. (c) EFFECT. Unless prior approval of the Commissioner is granted, no person who has been suspended or otherwise declared ineligible shall perform any function for any Club or any other entity related to the Clubs during the duration of the suspension or period of ineligibility.
Rule 25 UNIFORM PLAYING RULES (a) OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES. Major League and Minor League Clubs shall play all games according to the provisions of the Official Baseball Rules as Recodified, Amended and Adopted at New York City, December 21, 1949, and thereafter amended by the Playing Rules Committee. (b) PLAYING RULES COMMITTEE. The Playing Rules Committee shall consist of nine members, with three members representing the American League, three members representing the National League, two at-large members and one member representing the Minor League Association. The Commissioner shall appoint the six Major League and the two at-large representatives and the President of the Minor League Association shall appoint the Minor League representative on the Playing Rules Committee. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and the President of the Minor League Association shall certify the names to the committee members to each other on or before December 15 of each year. Should any Committee member be unable to attend a Committee meeting, or vote upon a mail or telegraphic proposal, the Commissioner or the President of the Minor League Association, as the case may be, shall appoint a substitute to act in the member's stead.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 25(c) (c) DUTIES OF PLAYING RULES COMMITTEE. (1) Meetings. The Playing Rules Committee shall meet, upon call by the Commissioner, the Commissioners designee or the President of a Minor League Association. Any Official Baseball Rule may be revised, repealed, or adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Playing Rules Committee. The Chairman of the Committee shall certify to the Commissioner any action taken at any meeting, stipulating the date on which such revision, adoption or repeal shall become effective. (2) Mail or Telegraphic Vote. If, in the judgment of the Commissioner, a situation arises between meetings of the Playing Rules Committee under which it appears desirable to consider an amendment to an Official Playing Rule, the Commissioner shall direct the Chairman to conduct a mail or telegraphic vote. Upon receipt of such direction, the Chairman shall contact each Committee member (by mail or by telegram, as directed by the Commissioner), with a request that the member vote within a specified number of days (not to exceed 14) on adoption of the proposed amendment. The affirmative vote of seven members of the Playing Rules Committee shall be required to adopt an amendment by mail or telegraphic vote. (3) Experimental Rulings. The Playing Rules Committee, by affirmative vote of not less than seven of its members, may authorize a League or Leagues to adopt a rule that does not conform to the Official Playing Rules. Such authorizations shall be known as "experimental rulings" and shall be subject to the following: (A) An application for an experimental ruling must be certified by (1) the Commissioner, in the case of a Major League, as reflecting the desire of not less than three-fourths of the Clubs making up the League; or (2) the President of the League concerned, in the case of a Minor League, as reflecting the desire of not less than three-fourths of the Club Members of the League; (B) Such an application must be received by the Playing Rules Committee before January 1 of the year such experimental ruling is to be effective; (C) Not more than one experimental ruling shall be in effect in any one League at any one time; and
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 25(c) to 26(b) (D) The Playing Rules Committee shall fix or extend the period of time during which the experimental ruling is to be effective; however, an experimental ruling that is not adopted as a permanent rule after the expiration of such period must be re-submitted to the Playing Rules Committee by any League or Leagues wishing its continuance. (d) OFFICIAL SCORING RULES COMMITTEE. The Official Scoring Rules Committee shall be a subcommittee of the Playing Rules Committee. It shall consist of seven members: the Chairman of the Playing Rules Committee, five members to be appointed by the Commissioner, and one member to be appointed by the President of the Minor League Association. (e) DUTIES OF OFFICIAL SCORING RULES COMMITTEE. The Official Scoring Rules Committee shall determine which batting, fielding and pitching records of players, teams and Leagues shall be included in the official statistical records of the Major Leagues and the Minor Leagues, and prescribe minimum standards of performance for individual batting, fielding and pitching champions of the Major Leagues and the Minor Leagues. (f) COPYRIGHT AND PUBLICATION. The Official Baseball Rules and all amendments thereto shall be copyrighted by the Commissioner who, each year, shall publish or authorize the publication of an official edition of the Official Baseball Rules.
Rule 26 GATE RECEIPTS (a) PAID ATTENDANCE. "Paid attendance receipts" shall be defined as the total sum of gross receipts from tickets sold to each championship season or post-season game, less any admission tax, sales tax or use tax levied on such game tickets. Only taxes that are directly assessed on individual admissions or gate receipts, and paid by the customer as part of that ticket price, are deductible. Taxes on general sources of Club income are not deductible. (b) ASSESSMENT OF PAID ATTENDANCE RECEIPTS. Each Club shall pay to the Commissioner's Office a percentage of paid attendance receipts for each of its home games in both the championship season and the post-season. Subject to the approval of the Major League Executive Council, the Commissioner shall annually set the percentage to be assessed and establish a reporting and payment process that provides sufficient cash flow to support all umpire-related obligations of the Commissioner's Office.
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(c) ESTABLISHING ADMISSIONS TOTAL. Self-registering turnstiles, of a style approved by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, shall be installed at every entrance to a Major League ballpark on the day a championship game or post-season game is scheduled. Each entrance and its turnstiles shall be numbered for identification. At each turnstile shall be a ticket box or appropriate electronic device. Police personnel assigned to duty in the ballpark; employees (including managers and players) of the two contesting Major League Clubs; umpires and persons having business with either Club may enter the ballpark on the day of a game through an office entrance, but all other persons, including those entitled to free admission, shall pass in through a turnstile gate. At each paid admission gate, a portion of each patrons ticket shall be deposited in the ticket box or registered with an appropriate electronic device. Before the gates are opened, the home Club shall make a record of the number registered on each turnstile. When the home Club stops selling tickets for the current days game, all gates shall be closed, and the home Club shall make a record of the number then registered on each turnstile. The home Club shall prepare a statement listing each gate opened for the days game; the opening number and closing number on each turnstile; the number of admissions thus indicated at each gate, and the total number of paid admissions and free admissions. Copies of this statement shall be furnished to the visiting Club and to the Commissioners Office. The visiting Club shall have the right to inspect all turnstiles before the gates are opened and to record the opening number on each turnstile register. The visiting Club shall have access to all entrances at all times to verify which gates are open. The visiting Club shall have the right to record the closing number on each turnstile register. The visiting Club shall have the right to open the ticket boxes and count the retained portions of admission tickets as a check against the turnstile count or for any other reason. (d) FREE ADMISSIONS. The home Club may offer free admission to any championship game to such individuals or groups as it may choose. Any person presenting a pass shall be admitted free. The home Club may admit such persons absolutely free or may impose a service charge. Neither the visiting Club nor the Commissioner's Office shall be paid for such free admissions. Should the visiting Club believe that the number of free admissions is excessive, it may ask the Commissioner to investigate the circumstances, and the Commissioner shall take such action as the Commissioner deems advisable.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 26(d) to 29(a) A special entrance gate or gates shall be provided for all persons admitted free. Should any such person admitted free enter through a paid admission gate, inadvertently or otherwise, the visiting Club and the Commissioner shall be paid their shares on such admission. Under no circumstances shall a paid ticket holder be admitted through a free turnstile.
Rule 27 [Reserved]
Rule 28 VOTING Notwithstanding the provisions of the Major League Constitution, an amendment to any agreement between the Major League Clubs and a Minor League(s) and/or a Minor League Association(s) that has been adopted by the Minor League(s) and/or Minor League Association(s) need not be approved by the Major League Executive Council before submission to the Major League Clubs and shall be submitted to the Major League Clubs immediately upon such adoption for a vote in accordance with Article V, Section 2 of the Major League Constitution.
Rule 29 MAJOR LEAGUE DISASTER PLAN (a) EVENT QUALIFYING AS A DISASTER. If a common accident, epidemic illness or other common event (referred to in this Rule 29 as an "occurrence") causes the death, dismemberment or permanent disability from playing professional baseball of (1) at least five players on a Major League Club's Active, Disabled or Suspended Lists during the period beginning with the opening date of such Club's championship season through the conclusion of such Club's playing season (including any post-season series); or (2) at least six players on a Major League Club's Major League Reserve List during the period beginning with the conclusion of such Club's playing season
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 29(a) to 29(b) (including any post-season series) up to the opening date of such Club's next championship season then this Rule 29 shall apply and the affected Major League Club shall be a Disabled Club. (b) PROCEDURES. The following policies and procedures shall govern in the event that there is a Disabled Club or Clubs: (1) Mourning Period. The Commissioner may, after consultation with the Major League Baseball Players Association (Players Association), establish a mourning period following the occurrence that leads to a Club becoming a Disabled Club, during which Major League games may be postponed or cancelled. (2) Continuation of Disabled Club's Season. The Commissioner shall, after consultation with the Players Association, determine whether the Disabled Club is able to continue play until the conclusion of the championship season and post-season, taking into account the date of the occurrence, the standing of the Disabled Club at the time of the occurrence, the Disabled Clubs wishes and the integrity of the game of Baseball. The Commissioner and the Players Association shall jointly resolve all scheduling issues that may arise from prolonged interruption or cancellation of the Disabled Clubs season. (3) Restocking Draft. The Commissioner may, after consultation with the Players Association, conduct a selection meeting, at which a Disabled Club may claim the contracts of players from other Major League Clubs. Such selection meeting shall be known as a Restocking Draft or Rule 29 draft. In the event the Commissioner decides to conduct a Restocking Draft, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall fix the time of such Restocking Draft and the procedures described in Rules 29(b)(3)(A) through 29(b)(3)(C) shall apply. (A) Players Available. (i) Number. Each Major League Club that is not a Disabled Club shall, on a date determined by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, submit a list of five players who shall be made available for selection by the Disabled Club at a Restocking Draft. Such lists shall be submitted by each non-Disabled Club to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, who promptly shall make such lists available to the Disabled Club. If the Restocking Draft is in response to an in-season occurrence, as described in Rule
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 29(b) 29(a)(1), then each non-Disabled Club shall choose the five players to make available from among such Club's Major League Active List as of the date of the Disabled Club's accident, or as of a date determined by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee in the event of an occurrence that is not a common accident. If the Restocking Draft is in response to an off-season occurrence, as described in Rule 29(a)(2), then each non-Disabled Club shall choose the five players to make available from among such Club's Major League Reserve List as of the date of the Disabled Club's accident, or as of a date determined by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee in the event of an occurrence that is not a common accident. (ii) Positions. Unless otherwise ordered by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, after consultation with the Players Association, each Club's list of available players for a Restocking Draft shall include one pitcher, one catcher, one outfielder, one infielder and a fifth player of any position. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may, after consultation with the Players Association, modify the playing positions at which the Clubs must make players available for a Restocking Draft, depending upon the playing positions of the players lost by the Disabled Club. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Rule 29(b)(3)(A)(ii), no Club shall be required to make available in a Restocking Draft any player who is primarily a catcher if such Club had, as of the date of the Disabled Club's accident (or as of the date determined by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee in the event of an occurrence that is not a common accident), fewer than three catchers who are otherwise eligible to be made available for selection. (iii) Service. Subject to paragraph (b)(3)(A)(i) above, each Club that is not a Disabled Club shall include in its list of available players for a Restocking Draft at least as many players who have accrued no less than 60 days of Major League service time as of August 31 of the season preceding such Restocking Draft as the Disabled Club lost. (iv) No-Trade Rights. Any player with a right to consent to an assignment to another Major League Club, including a player (aa) with a contractual provision that prohibits an assignment to the Club that has become a Disabled Club;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 29(b) (bb) with a contractual provision that lists Clubs to which the player may be assigned and the Club that has become a Disabled Club is not on such list; or (cc) who has a right to consent to an assignment pursuant to Article XIX(A)(1) of the Basic Agreement (Consent to Assignment), may not be made available for selection at a Restocking Draft, unless such player has waived such rights in writing and in accordance with the provisions of Article XIX(A)(1) of the Basic Agreement, prior to the time the lists described in Rule 29(b)(3)(A) are required to be submitted. The Club shall provide a copy of the Players consent to the Players Association contemporaneously upon the Clubs receipt of such consent. (v) Availability. Each Club warrants that each player it makes available for selection at a Restocking Draft is physically fit, not on a Suspended, Restricted, Disqualified, or Ineligible List and capable of playing immediately upon selection by a Disabled Club. (B) Conduct of Restocking Draft. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall fix the time and place of each Restocking Draft. A Restocking Draft may be conducted by telephone conference or other electronic means, as the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may announce in advance of such Restocking Draft. The Players Association shall have an opportunity to have a representative at any Restocking Draft. A Disabled Club shall be entitled to select as many players as it lost in the occurrence, provided that the Disabled Club may select no more than one player from each of the other Major League Clubs. (C) Effect of Selection. Each player selected in response to an in-season occurrence, as described in Rule 29(a)(1), shall be assigned to the Major League Active List of the selecting Disabled Club. Each player selected in response to an off-season occurrence, as described in Rule 29(a)(2), shall be assigned to the Major League Reserve List of the selecting Disabled Club. Within 48 hours of selection of a player in a Restocking Draft, the Disabled Club may, in its discretion, conduct a physical examination of such player. If the player is deemed by the Disabled Clubs physician not fit to play, the Disabled Club may return the player to the Club from which the player was selected and select, from among
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 29(b) to 30(a) the lists submitted pursuant to Rule 29(b)(3)(A), a different player from that Club or from any other Major League Club from which the Disabled Club has yet to make a selection. If a player is returned pursuant to this Rule 29(b)(3)(C), the Club from which the player had been selected may be fined and otherwise sanctioned by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee for having made available for selection a physically unfit player. (D) Confidentiality. The Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall make available only to the Disabled Club and the Players Association the names of the players whose contracts are available for selection in the Restocking Draft. The names of the players whose contracts are not thereafter selected shall be considered privileged material, and shall not be divulged by the Commissioner (or his designee), the Disabled Club or the Players Association at any time whatsoever. (4) The Commissioner and the Players Association may agree that it is appropriate to provide other relief to a Disabled Club, including, for example, the awarding of additional selections in subsequent Rule 4 or Rule 5 drafts, priority on waiver claims for a set period of time and the modification of the deadline for naming a post-season roster. (c) INSURANCE. The Office of the Commissioner shall exercise best efforts to maintain appropriate insurance to assist in the financial rehabilitation of a Disabled Club and other Major League Clubs affected by the occurrence giving rise to the Disabled Club. The Commissioner shall have sole discretion over the allocation of any resulting insurance proceeds and may elect to distribute such proceeds, in whole or in part, to a Disabled Club, to Clubs that lose a player in a Restocking Draft and to other Clubs whose operations may be affected by an interruption in a Disabled Clubs season.
Rule 30 FINANCES (a) CHECKS. All money received by the Commissioner in the Commissioner's official capacity shall be deposited in such accounts as the Major League Executive Council may direct and the terms of every such deposit shall be such that no check can be honored unless it shall bear the signatures of two persons from a list of employees of the Commissioner's Office approved by the Major League Executive Council, which list shall include the Commissioner; provided, however, that the Major League
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 30(a) to 31 Executive Council may authorize a deposit account for petty disbursements subject to the check of one person from such list. (b) AUDIT. The audited financial statements of the Office of the Commissioner required by Article II, Section 7 of the Major League Constitution shall be prepared by a certified public accountant to be designated by the Commissioner, and a copy of such statements shall be sent by the Commissioner to each Club president. (c) BUDGET. The proposed budget for the Office of the Commissioner required by Article II, Section 7 of the Major League Constitution shall include all items of administrative expense for the ensuing year, the salaries of the Commissioner and all general and special employees, office rent, equipment, accessories and supplies, traveling expenses, printing, postage, telegrams and World Series expenses, and reasonable contingencies. Checks duly countersigned may be drawn for such of these purposes and for additional amounts as shall be approved by the Major League Executive Council or as the Commissioner shall be required, by law or pre-existing contract, to pay. (d) FUNDS. All funds in the hands of the Commissioner in the Commissioner's official capacity shall be deemed the joint funds of the Major League Clubs, and the Major League Clubs shall, by such means as they shall from time to time decide upon, supply the Commissioner with money needed to meet authorized expenditures to the extent that the funds otherwise available may at any time prove inadequate.
Rule 31 BULLETINS The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall transmit bulletins of information covering all releases of players, assignment of players' contracts and all other matters of Major League interest or concern. These bulletins shall be transmitted periodically to all Major League Clubs.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 32(a) to 32(b) Rule 32 SCHEDULES (a) MAJOR LEAGUES. (1) Preparation of Schedules. In each year the Commissioner shall prepare or cause to be prepared a draft schedule of championship season games showing proposed game start times. The draft schedule for the next championship season of both Leagues shall be prepared by no later than June 30 of each year so that copies can be provided to the Major League Baseball Players Association by no later than July 1. The Commissioner shall then issue the official schedule for the following season by no later than November 15 and no change shall thereafter be made in the official schedule without the consent of the Commissioner. (2) All-Star Break. No Major League games shall be scheduled on the day immediately preceding and the day immediately following the All-Star Game. (b) MINOR LEAGUES. According to its classification, the schedule of each Minor League and Minor League Club shall comply with the standards set forth in this Rule 32(b), unless exceptions are granted to a League by majority vote of the Farm Directors of Major League Clubs with PDCs in the League or that own a Club in the Minor League. Each Minor League shall, for the purpose of soliciting Farm Director input, submit a final draft of its schedule to the Farm Directors of Major League Clubs with PDCs in the Minor League, or that own a Club in the Minor League, a minimum of 10 business days prior to the adoption of the schedule for such Minor League. Such draft schedule shall indicate, for each game, whether such game is to be a day game (with a start time earlier than 4 p.m.) or a night game. After a schedule is adopted, a day game may be changed to a night game, or a night game may be changed to a day game, so long as the Farm Directors of the Major League Clubs with PDCs with the Minor League Clubs scheduled to play in the changed game or that own a Minor League Club scheduled to play in the changed game are given notice at least three days in advance of the change and so long as the changed schedule complies with the requirements of this Rule 32(b) and Rule 57 (Travel Standards for Minor League Clubs). In the event that the proposed schedule change would cause the schedule to not comply with either this Rule 32(b) or with Rule 57 (Travel Standards for Minor League Clubs), then the schedule change may not be made without the consent of both Farm Directors of the two Major League Clubs involved in the game whose time is proposed to be changed. A Minor League adopting a schedule in violation of this Rule 32(b) shall be subject to a fine imposed at the discretion of the President of the League's Minor League Association and shall revise such schedule as soon as practicable to comply with the requirements of this Rule 32(b).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 32(b)
(1) Number of Games. The maximum number of scheduled games per Club during the championship season shall be 140 in Class AAA, AA and A Leagues, 76 in Short-Season A Leagues, 68 in Rookie-Advanced Leagues and 60 in Rookie Leagues. (2) Doubleheaders. No Minor League Club's schedule may contain more than three doubleheaders on its final schedule if playing a "straight-through" season, or two per half if playing a split season, and no such doubleheaders may be scheduled during the final 20 days of a season or half. Additional doubleheaders may be scheduled only with the prior permission of all Farm Directors of Major League Clubs whose players will be affected. No split doubleheader may be scheduled in a Minor League. Minor League Clubs shall not play more than two consecutive doubleheaders or three doubleheaders in a seven-day period. One split doubleheader may be scheduled as a result of a postponement without Farm Director approval, but no Minor League Club may play a second split doubleheader in a season without the approval of the Farm Director of the Major League Club that has a PDC with the Minor League Club, or that owns the Minor League Club. (3) Day Games After Travel. No Minor League Club's schedule may contain a day game (with a start time earlier than 4 p.m. local time) following a night game after which the Minor League Club has had to travel by bus more than 150 road miles. (4) Opening and Closing Dates. The opening and closing dates for each Minor League's season shall comply with the following standards: (A) Class AAA, Class AA, Class A-Advanced, and Full-Season Class A: The opening date for all such Clubs shall be no earlier than the first Thursday after a Major League Club is scheduled to play its first championship season game in its regular home ballpark. The closing date for all such Clubs shall be on or before Labor Day. (B) Short-Season A, Rookie-Advanced, and Rookie: The opening date for all such Clubs shall be no earlier than 14 days after the first day of the Rule 4 draft. (5) Playoff Games. Playoffs in each Minor League shall be conducted as follows:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 32(b) to 33(a) (A) Class AAA, Class AA, and Class A-Advanced: Each League may choose its own format. All playoff series must be completed within 12 days after the end of the season. (B) Full-Season A: Each League may choose its own format. If the playoffs are to consist of one tier or series only, it shall be a best-of-five game series to be completed within seven days after the end of the season. If the playoffs are to consist of two tiers, the first round shall consist of bestof-three game series, and the latter round shall be a best-of-five game series, all of which must be completed within 12 days after the end of the season. (C) Short-Season A: The playoff series, if any, shall be a best-of-five game series, to be completed within seven days after the end of the season. (D) Rookie-Advanced: The playoff series, if any, shall be a best-of-three game series, to be completed no later than five days after the end of the season. (E) Rookie: No playoffs shall be conducted. (6) All-Star Games. Each Minor League shall be permitted to schedule and play no more than one All-Star Game per season, whether interleague or intraleague. (7) Consecutive Games. No Minor League Club shall be scheduled, or rescheduled if practicable, to play more than 30 consecutive dates without an open day.
Rule 33 QUALIFICATION FOR POST-SEASON SERIES (a) DIVISION CHAMPIONS. The Commissioner's Office shall maintain a tabulated record of championship season games won and lost by each Major League Club as reported by the official scorers. The Commissioner shall award the championship of each Division to the Club in that Division that won the highest percentage of its games during the championship season. If two or more Clubs in a Division are tied in winning percentage at the close of the championship season as scheduled, the championship season may be extended by the playing of a tie-breaking game or games, as provided in Rule 33(c). Tie games shall not count as games played, won or lost for purposes of calculating the percentage of games won and lost during the championship season.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 33(b) to 33(c)
(b) WILD CARD. The Commissioner shall award a position in one Division Series in each Major League to the Club that won the highest percentage of its games during the championship season among the Clubs that were not Division champions. Such Club shall be referred to as the Wild Card Club in its League. (c) TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES. Any additional game played to break a tie pursuant to this Rule 33(c) shall be a championship season game. Statistics from any such game shall count in the official League championship season statistics. Paid attendance for any such game shall be included in the official paid attendance records for the championship season. The Commissioner may determine the procedures to break any ties that are not otherwise provided for in this Rule 33(c). (1) Division Championship. (A) Two-Club Tie. If two Clubs are tied for first place in a Division with an identical winning percentage at the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled, including all rescheduled games, the Commissioner shall award the Division championship as follows: (i) If the winning percentage of the two Clubs tied for first-place is higher than the winning percentage of each of the second-place Clubs in the same League, then the Commissioner shall award the Division championship (aa) to the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in headto-head competition between the two tied Clubs during the championship season; or (bb) if the Clubs remain tied, then to the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in intradivision games during the championship season; or (cc) if the Clubs remain tied, then to the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in the last half of intraleague games during the championship season; or (dd) if the Clubs remain tied, then to the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in the last half plus one of intraleague games during the championship season, provided that such additional game was not a game between the tied Clubs.
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If the Clubs remain tied, then the procedure described in Rule 33(c)(1)(A)(i)(dd) of adding the immediately preceding game played by each Club, provided that such added game was not between the tied Clubs, and then considering the winning percentages of the tied Clubs over the period from that game through the end of the championship season, shall be continued until one Club emerges with a better winning percentage in that span of games, and the Club with such better winning percentage shall be awarded the Division championship. In any event, if a tie is broken pursuant to this Rule 33(c)(1)(A)(i), the tied Club that is not awarded the Division championship shall qualify for a Division Series as the Wild Card Club. (ii) If the winning percentage of the two tied Clubs is equal to or lower than the winning percentage of at least one of the second-place Clubs in the same League, then the championship season shall be extended to include one additional game between the two Clubs tied for first-place in their Division. Such game shall be played the day after the championship season as originally scheduled. The site of the game may be determined by mutual agreement among the Clubs and the Commissioner to keep travel at a minimum. In the absence of such an agreement, the Commissioner shall determine the site of the additional game between the tied Clubs by one toss of a coin. The Commissioner shall award the Division championship to the winner of the additional game. (B) Three-Club Tie. If three Clubs are tied for first place in a Division with an identical winning percentage at the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled, including all rescheduled games, the Commissioner shall schedule additional championship season games in order to determine the Division championship, as follows: (i) If the three tied Clubs have identical records against one another in the championship season, the Commissioner shall supervise a draw that results in the Clubs' being designated Club "A," "B," or "C," for purposes of Rule 33(c)(1)(B)(ii). If the tied Clubs do not have identical records against one another in the championship season, their designations as Club "A," "B," or "C" shall be determined as follows: (aa) If Club 1 has a better record against each of Clubs 2 and 3, and Club 2 has a better record against Club 3, then Club 1 shall
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 33(c) choose a designation as Club "A," "B," or "C," and Club 2 shall choose a designation from the remaining two designations. Club 3 shall be assigned the remaining designation. (bb) If Club 1 has a better record against each of Clubs 2 and 3, and Club 2 and Club 3 have the same record against each other, then Club 1 shall choose a designation as Club "A," "B," or "C," and the Commissioner shall supervise a draw between teams 2 and 3, the winner of which shall choose one of the remaining two designations. The remaining Club shall be assigned the remaining designation. (cc) If Club 1 and Club 2 have the same record against each other but each has a better record against Club 3, then the Commissioner shall supervise a draw between Clubs 1 and 2, the winner of which shall chose a designation as Club "A," "B," or "C." The Club losing the draw shall choose a designation from the remaining two designations. Club 3 shall be assigned the remaining designation. (dd) If Club 1 has a better record against Club 2, Club 2 has a better record against Club 3, and Club 3 has a better record against Club 1, then the three Clubs shall be ranked on the basis of overall winning percentage within that three-Club group, and the Club with the highest winning percentage from among that three-Club group shall have first choice among designations as Club "A," "B," or "C," the Club with the next highest winning percentage from among that three-Club group shall have the next choice between the two remaining designations, and the Club with the lowest winning percentage from among that three-Club group shall be assigned the remaining designation. If two or more of the Clubs within such three-Club group have the same winning percentage among the group, the Commissioner shall supervise a draw between the Clubs so tied to determine priority of selection among the designations. (ii) Club "A" shall play Club "B" at the ballpark of Club "A" the day after the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled. The following day, the winner of that first game shall be the home Club in a second game, against Club "C." The site of each game instead may be determined by mutual agreement among the Clubs involved and the Commissioner to keep travel at a minimum. The Commissioner shall award the Division championship to the winner of
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 33(c) the game between Club "C" and the Club that won the game between Club "A" and Club "B." (C) Four-Club Tie. If four Clubs are tied for first place in a Division with an identical winning percentage at the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled, including all rescheduled games, the Commissioner shall schedule additional championship season games in order to determine the Division championship, as follows: (i) The Commissioner shall supervise a draw that results in the Clubs' being designated Club "A," "B," "C," and "D" for purposes of Rule 33(c)(1)(C)(ii). (ii) Club "B" shall play one game at the ballpark of Club "A." Club "D" shall play one game at the ballpark of Club "C." Each of these two games shall be played on the day after the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled. The following day, the winning Clubs of each of those two games shall play one game, at the ballpark of Club "A" or Club "B," whichever has won the game between the two. The site of each game instead may be determined by mutual agreement among the Clubs involved and the Commissioner to keep travel at a minimum. The Commissioner shall award the Division championship to the winner of the third game, which is contested between the winners of the respective first two games. (2) Division and Wild Card Ties. If three or more Clubs in a League are tied with identical winning percentages at the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled and two or more of those tied Clubs are from the same Division and are also tied for first place in that Division, the Division champion shall first be determined pursuant to Rule 33(c)(1). For purposes of Rules 33(c)(3)(A), 33(c)(3)(B), and 33(c)(3)(C), any games played pursuant to Rule 33(c)(1) to determine a Division champion shall not count in determining which Clubs are deemed tied for a Wild Card designation. Clubs that were originally tied with a Club or Clubs for a Wild Card designation shall still be considered tied, notwithstanding any wins or losses occurring in games played under Rule 33(c)(1). Games played for the Division championship pursuant to Rule 33(c)(1) shall nevertheless be included in the final Club standings and in all statistics, as provided for in the first paragraph of this Rule 33(c). (3) Wild Card. If two or more Clubs in a League are tied in determining the Wild Card Club with identical winning percentages at the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled, including all rescheduled games and
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 33(c) discounting additional games to determine the Division champion, as set forth in Rule 33(c)(2), the Commissioner shall determine the Wild Card Club as follows: (A) Two-Club Tie. If two Clubs are tied for the Wild Card designation then the championship season shall be extended to include one additional game between such Clubs. Such game shall be played the day after the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled. The site of the game may be determined by mutual agreement among the Clubs and the Commissioner to keep travel at a minimum. In the absence of such an agreement, the Commissioner shall determine the site of the additional game between the tied Clubs by one toss of a coin. The Commissioner shall declare the winner of the additional game to be the Wild Card Club. (B) Three-Club Tie. If three Clubs are tied for the Wild Card designation the Commissioner shall schedule additional championship season games in order to determine the Wild Card Club, as follows: (i) If the three tied Clubs have identical records against one another in the championship season, the Commissioner shall supervise a draw that results in the Clubs being designated Club "A," "B," and "C," for purposes of Rule 33(c)(3)(B)(ii). If the tied Clubs do not have identical records against one another in the championship season, their designations as Club "A," "B," and "C" shall be determined according to the procedures described in Rules 33(c)(1)(B)(i)(aa) through (dd). (ii) Club "A" shall play Club "B" at the ballpark of Club "A" the day after the conclusion of the championship season, as originally scheduled. The following day, the winner of that first game shall be the home Club in a second game against Club "C." The site of each game instead may be determined by mutual agreement among the Clubs involved and the Commissioner to keep travel at a minimum. The Commissioner shall declare the winner of the game between Club "C" and the Club that won the game between Club "A" and Club "B" to be the Wild Card Club. (C) Four-Club Tie. If four Clubs are tied for the Wild Card designation, the Commissioner shall schedule additional championship season games in order to determine the Wild Card Club, as follows: (i) The Commissioner shall supervise a draw that results in the Clubs being designated Club "A," "B," "C," and "D" for purposes of Rule 33(c)(3)(C)(ii).
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(ii) Club "B" shall play one game at the ballpark of Club "A." Club "D" shall play one game at the ballpark of Club "C." Each of these two games shall be played on the day after the conclusion of the championship season as originally scheduled. The following day, the winning Clubs of each of those two games shall play one game, at the ballpark of Club "A" or Club "B," whichever has won the game between the two. The site of each game instead may be determined by mutual agreement among the Clubs involved and the Commissioner to keep travel at a minimum. The Commissioner shall declare the winner of the third game, which is contested between the winners of the respective first two games, to be the Wild Card Club.
Rule 34 POST-SEASON SERIES (a) DIVISION SERIES. Two Division Series in each Major League shall take place after the conclusion of the championship season of each year. Each Division Series shall be a best-of-five-games format. In each Major League, the three Division Champions and the Wild Card Club shall qualify for a Division Series. The Division Series matchups within each Major League shall be: (1) The Club with the best percentage of games won and lost in the championship season versus (A) the Wild Card Club, so long as those two Clubs are not members of the same Division; or (B) if the Wild Card Club is from the same Division as the Club with the best winning percentage in the League, then the one of the two other Division champions that has the lower winning percentage of games won and lost in the championship season. (2) The two remaining Clubs that have qualified for a Division Series.
(3) For purposes of determining Division Series matchups pursuant to this Rule 34(a) and scheduling pursuant to Rules 37(a)(1) (Division Series) and 37(a)(2) (League Championship Series), if two or more Clubs are tied with identical percentages of games won and lost during the championship season, then the tie shall be broken as follows:
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(A) Two-Club Tie. percentage shall be
The Club deemed to have the higher winning
(i) the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in head-to-head competition between the two tied Clubs during the championship season; or (ii) if the Clubs remain tied, then the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in intradivision games during the championship season; or (iii) if the Clubs remain tied, then the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in intraleague games during the championship season; or (iv) if the Clubs remain tied, then the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in the last half of intraleague games during the championship season; or (v) if the Clubs remain tied, then the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in the last half plus one of intraleague games during the championship season. If the Clubs remain tied, then the procedure described in Rule 34(a)(3)(A)(v) of adding the immediately preceding intraleague game played by each Club and then considering the intraleague winning percentages of the tied Clubs over the period from that game through the end of the championship season, shall be continued until one Club emerges with a better winning percentage in that span of games, and that Club shall be deemed to have the higher winning percentage for purposes of determining Division Series matchups pursuant to this Rule 34(a) and scheduling pursuant to Rules 37(a)(1) (Division Series) and 37(a)(2) (League Championship Series). (B) Three-Club Ties. The Club deemed to have the higher winning percentage shall be the tied Club that has a better record against both of the other Division champions during the championship season, in which case the tie between the two remaining Clubs shall be broken by the procedures set forth in Rule 34(a)(3)(A). If none of the three tied Clubs has a better record against both of the other Division champions during the championship season, then the Club deemed to have the higher winning percentage shall be
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 34(a) to 34(c) (i) the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in head-to-head competition among the tied Clubs during the championship season; or (ii) if the Clubs remain tied, then the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in intradivision games during the championship season; or (iii) if the Clubs remain tied, then the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in intraleague games during the championship season; or (iv) if the Clubs remain tied, then the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in the last half of intraleague games during the championship season; or (v) if the Clubs remain tied, then the tied Club with the higher winning percentage in the last half plus one of intraleague games during the championship season. If the Clubs remain tied, then the procedure described in Rule 34(a)(3)(B)(v) of adding the immediately preceding intraleague game played by each Club and then considering the intraleague winning percentages of the tied Clubs over the period from that game through the end of the championship season, shall be continued until one Club emerges with a better winning percentage in that span of games, and that Club shall be deemed to have the higher winning percentage for purposes of determining Division Series matchups pursuant to this Rule 34(a) and scheduling pursuant to Rules 37(a)(1) (Division Series) and 37(a)(2) (League Championship Series). Upon determination of the Club deemed to have the higher winning percentage, the sequence of procedures set forth in Rule 33(a)(3)(A) shall be applied to the two remaining tied Clubs in order to determine which of them shall be deemed to have the better winning percentage for purposes of determining Division Series matchups pursuant to this Rule 34(a) and scheduling pursuant to Rules 37(a)(1) (Division Series) and 37(a)(2) (League Championship Series). (b) LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. One League Championship Series shall be contested in each League between the winners of the two Division Series in that League. Each League Championship Series shall be a best-of-seven-games format. (c) WORLD SERIES. The World Series shall take place at the end of the League Championship Series each year. The World Series shall be a best-of-seven-games format.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 35(a) to 37(a)
Rule 35 POST-SEASON SUPERVISION BY THE COMMISSIONER (a) The games in each post-season series shall be played under the supervision, control and direction of the Commissioner. (b) All questions arising out of the playing of the World Championship not provided for herein, nor covered by the Official Baseball Rules, shall be dealt with and decided by the Commissioner.
Rule 36 PENNANT AND MEMENTO (a) WORLD SERIES. The emblem of the World Series championship shall be a pennant, to be presented to the victorious World Series Club each year, and an appropriate memento shall be awarded to each player, the manager, each coach and the general manager of the victorious Club. Both the pennant and the memento shall be selected by the Commissioner. The cost of the mementos for the World Series winner shall not exceed $1,500 each, including tax. (b) PRESENTATION. The World Series pennant and mementos shall be presented to the victorious Club and its players, each year, by the Commissioner, who is authorized to arrange for all of the details of such presentation. (c) LEAGUE CHAMPIONS. The victorious Club in each season's League Championship Series shall be entitled to display a pennant symbolizing the Club's League championship.
Rule 37 POST-SEASON SCHEDULE (a) ORDER OF GAMES. The Commissioner shall promulgate a schedule for the Division Series, the League Championship Series and the World Series.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 37(a) to 37(b) (1) Division Series. Games 1, 2 and 5 of each Division Series shall be scheduled to be played in the ballpark of the Club with the higher percentage than its Division Series opponent of games won and lost in the championship season; provided, however, that Games 1, 2 and 5 shall be scheduled in the ballpark of the opponent of the Wild Card Club, notwithstanding the percentage of games won and lost by such Wild Card Club. Games 3 and 4 shall be scheduled to be played in the ballpark of the Club that is the visiting Club in Games 1, 2 and 5. (2) League Championship Series. Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 of each League Championship Series shall be scheduled to be played in the ballpark of the Club with the higher percentage than its League Championship Series opponent of games won and lost in the championship season; provided, however, that Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 shall be scheduled in the ballpark of the opponent of a Wild Card Club in the League Championship Series, notwithstanding the percentage of games won and lost by such Wild Card Club. Games 3, 4 and 5 shall be scheduled to be played in the ballpark of the Club that is the visiting Club in Games 1, 2, 6 and 7. (3) World Series. Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 shall be scheduled in the city of the Club whose League was the winner of that season's All-Star Game, and games 3, 4 and 5 shall be scheduled in the city of the other Club. (4) Home-field Advantage for Tied Clubs. In the event two Clubs have identical winning percentages in the championship season, then for purposes of Rules 37(a)(1) (Division Series) and 37(a)(2) (League Championship Series), the Club that shall be scheduled to host the majority of games in the applicable series shall be the Club deemed to have the higher winning percentage pursuant to the procedures set forth Rule 34(a)(3). (b) POSTPONED GAMES. A scheduled Division Series, League Championship Series or World Series game that is a tie game, is postponed for legal cause or is called before it becomes a regulation game shall, unless the schedule explicitly provides to the contrary, be played off on the grounds for which it was scheduled before the succeeding scheduled game for the other city shall be contested, and the date assigned for subsequent games shall thereupon be moved forward. The schedule shall also provide for the time and place of playing off, if necessary, any game or games terminating with the score tied. Official Baseball Rule 4.12 on Suspended Games shall not be in effect during the Division Series, League Championship Series, or World Series. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, after consultation with officials of the home Club, shall determine whether, on account of wet grounds, darkness, rain, snow, inclement weather, or other conditions, a Division Series, League Championship Series, or World Series game shall not be played.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 38(a) to 40(a)
Rule 38 POST-SEASON SERIES TERMINATION (a) BY VICTORY. The Clubs participating in the Division Series, League Championship Series, or World Series shall play each day according to the authorized schedule until one of them has won the required number of victories at which time the series shall end. The required number of victories shall be three in the case of each Division Series and four in the case of each League Championship Series or the World Series. (b) BY COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner shall have the right to terminate a post-season series at any time that the Commissioner deems the interest of Baseball demands it, and to declare one of the contesting Clubs the winner of that series regardless of previous performances.
Rule 39 POST-SEASON PLAYING RULES The games shall be conducted according to the playing rules governing competition for the League pennants. If the playing rules of the two Major Leagues differ, then the playing rules used for each game of the World Series shall be the playing rules of the League of the Club in whose ballpark such World Series game is scheduled to be played.
Rule 40 PLAYERS ELIGIBLE FOR POST-SEASON (a) PLAYERS ELIGIBLE. (1) Major League Roster Players. To be eligible to play for a Major League Club in a Division Series, League Championship Series, or the World Series, a player must (A) have been on a Major League Active, Disabled (subject to the exception in Rule 2(g)(2) (Major League Disabled List; Transfers)), Bereavement, Suspended or Military List of such Major League Club as
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 40(a) of Midnight Eastern Time on August 31, or on such date be under control, but not yet reported, on assignment from another Major League organization; and (B) have remained reserved to such Major League Club (at the Major or Minor League levels) through the beginning of the applicable post-season series, unless the player is replacing an injured player pursuant to Rule 40(a)(3). (2) Submission of Rosters. Each Major League Club that participates in a post-season series must establish for each such series, from its complement of eligible players, an active roster of no more than 25 (and no less than 24) players and transmit such active roster to the Office of the Commissioner at such time before the scheduled start of each post-season series as the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee may set. Each player named to the roster for a series must be expected to be physically able to perform at some point in such series. No player on the Disabled List whose minimum period of inactivity has not yet expired before the scheduled start of the post-season series may be named to the roster for such series. Except as permitted in Rule 40(a)(4), there shall be no substitutions made during a post-season series following a Major League Clubs submission of its active roster for that series. (3) Replacements for Injured Players Before a Series. With the express consent of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee prior to the start of a post-season series, a Club may name a player in its organization to a roster for such series in order to replace an injured Major League player. A Club will not be permitted to name such a replacement unless (A) the injured Major League player is eligible under Rule 40(a)(1); (B) the injured Major League player is unable to render service in such series because of a specific injury or ailment; (C) the injured Major League player's Club has submitted written proof of the player's disability; and (D) the injured Major League player's Club has requested permission from the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee to name such a replacement.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 40(a) If the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee grants permission to the injured Major League player's Club to make such a replacement, the player named to the roster for the series as a replacement must also be an eligible player pursuant to Rule 40(a)(1) or must (E) have been on a Minor League Active, Disabled, Temporarily Inactive, Suspended or Military List of such Major League Club as of Midnight Eastern Time on August 31, or on such date be designated for assignment or under control, but not yet reported, on assignment from another Major League organization; (F) have remained reserved to such Major League Club (at the Major or Minor League levels) through the time of replacement; and (G) be placed on the Club's Major League Reserve List. (4) Replacements for Injured Players During a Series. A Club may request permission from the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee to replace on the Clubs active roster for the remainder of a post-season series a player who is unable to render service in such post-season series because of a specific injury or ailment that occurred after the Club's roster for such series had been submitted, provided that the Club submits written proof of the disability to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may approve or disapprove a request for a roster substitution and may make whatever investigation the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee deems appropriate in exercising such discretion. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee's exercise of discretion may include disapproval of the request for a roster substitution if the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee determines that the request was not made in a reasonable amount of time in advance of a game to allow for investigation of the facts and circumstances. If the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee gives express approval for the substitution, (A) the player added to the roster must also be an eligible player pursuant to Rule 40(a)(1) or Rules 40(a)(3)(E) through (G); (B) a pitcher may be replaced only by a pitcher and a player other than a pitcher may be replaced only by a player other than a pitcher; and (C) the injured player being replaced shall be ineligible to play for the remainder of such series, as well as the next subsequent post-season series that year.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 40(b) to 42(b)
(b) COACHES ELIGIBLE. To be eligible for a Division Series or a League Championship Series or the World Series, a coach must be a bona fide member of a qualifying team on and after August 31 to the end of the season of the year in which the series is played, under contract or terms of acceptance approved and promulgated by the Commissioner. No additional coaches will be permitted, but coaches may be substituted for, subject to the approval of the Commissioner. (c) PLAYERS ELIGIBLEMINOR LEAGUE POST-SEASON. Each Minor League Club that participates in post-season playoffs must establish for such playoffs, from its complement of eligible players, an active roster of no more than the maximum number of Active List players set forth in Rule 2(c)(2) as of the end of the championship season for such Minor League Club's classification. Each Minor League Club that participates in post-season playoffs shall transmit such active roster to the Office of the Commissioner and the president of such Club's Minor League no later than noon local time of the first scheduled date of such playoffs for such Club.
Rule 41 [Reserved]
Rule 42 POST-SEASON EXPENSES (a) PAID BY COMMISSIONER. The expenses of the Commissioner pertaining to these games, the compensation of the umpires, scorers, business representatives, and other miscellaneous and contingent expenses in connection with these games shall be met by the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall also pay expenses incurred by a Club not participating in the Series in the printing of tickets for such a Series, when such printing has been authorized previously by the Commissioner. (b) CLUBS' EXPENSES. The expenses of both Clubs, such as hotel bills and traveling expenses, baseballs, advertising, printing of all tickets, policing of grounds, ticket sellers and takers, incidentals, etc., shall be paid by the Club incurring the same. Should any difference arise at any time as to the latter expense, the same shall be submitted to the Commissioner for adjudication, and the Commissioner's findings shall be conclusive.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 43 to 44(c) Rule 43 POST-SEASON PLAYING GROUNDS Spectators will not be permitted to encroach or stand on the playing field at any time during a Division Series, League Championship Series, or World Series game, unless the Commissioner grants special authority to do so. A Club that plans to accommodate patrons in excess of the regular seating capacity of its plant is required to erect, with the approval of the municipal authorities and permission of the Commissioner, safe temporary stands or seats with a strong railing in front thereof, extending from the grandstand or skirting the outfield.
Rule 44 POST-SEASON ADMISSIONS (a) RATES. The rates of admission and the conditions governing the same for Division Series, League Championship Series and World Series games shall be fixed by and under the control of the Major League Executive Council. (b) FREE LIST SUSPENDED. The free list shall be suspended during Division Series, League Championship Series and World Series games, except to representatives of the press and official guests of the Commissioner. (c) TICKETS. The sale, distribution of and settlement for tickets for Division Series, League Championship Series and World Series games will be conducted as follows: (1) Each Club shall provide its reserved seat and general admission tickets with rain checks attached. (2) Reserved seat coupon tickets for home games of the selling Club shall be sold and distributed prior to the opening of the series at a time and in a manner annually approved by the Commissioner, to meet local conditions. (3) Clubs shall print post-season tickets if and when the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee so directs, in a form and manner the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may determine. A Club printing post-season tickets shall pay for them in such manner as the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may direct.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 44(d) to 44(f) (d) SEAT DIAGRAM. Prior to the day of the first scheduled game of each Division Series, League Championship Series or World Series in its city, each contesting Club shall furnish the representatives of the Commissioner with a numbered diagram of all its reserved seats, whether in permanent or temporary stands, and the settlement therefor by the Club with the representatives of the Commissioner shall be on the basis of the difference between the number of unsold tickets and the number listed on such diagram. The count of all tickets sold for each such game shall be compared by the Commissioner's representatives with the turnstile registers, and the home Club shall settle for the larger number. (e) TICKET PRIORITIES. The order in which requests for reserved seat tickets for the World Series shall be filed is as follows: (1) Visiting Club. Five hundred reserved seat tickets for each game to the visiting club, for accommodations of its officials and guests, the same to be paid for by the visiting Club. (2) Players. Five tickets for each eligible player of the visiting team, which shall be delivered to and paid for by each player through the business manager of the player's Club. (3) Commissioner's Office and Club Officials. Requests filed by the Commissioner's Office and Major League Club officials or parties of prominence with the Commissioner. (4) Major League Clubs. Major League Clubs (other than the visiting Club), 100 reserved seat tickets, 16 of which shall be box seats. Eight of the 16 box seats shall be grouped together in the lower deck between first and third base, and 20 of the remaining 84 reserved seats shall be so situated. (f) DAILY SETTLEMENT. A settlement shall be made by the home Club with the representatives of the Commissioner after the close of each Division Series, League Championship Series or World Series game, by turning over to them within 24 hours one check for the gross paid attendance receipts, as defined in Rule 26(a) (Paid Attendance), the same being made payable to the Commissioner's Office.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 45(a) to 45(b) Rule 45 DIVISION OF POST-SEASON RECEIPTS The gate receipts from the World Series, from the first four games of each League Championship Series, and from the first three games of each Division Series (which shall be remitted by the participating Clubs to the Office of the Commissioner within 24 hours after the completion of each game) shall be divided as follows: (a) COMMISSIONER. Fifteen percent from all World Series games shall be paid to the Office of the Commissioner. A percentage set annually by the Commissioner, and approved by the Major League Executive Council, in accordance with Rule 26(b) (Assessment of Paid Attendance Receipts), from all League Championship Series games shall be paid to the Office of the Commissioner. (b) PLAYERS. (1) Creation of Pool. One players' pool shall be created from the World Series, the two League Championship Series and the four Division Series. Contributions shall be made into the pool as follows: (A) Sixty percent of the total gate receipts from the first four World Series games; (B) Sixty percent of the total gate receipts from the first four games of each League Championship Series; and (C) Sixty percent of the total gate receipts from the first three games of each Division Series. (2) Distribution of Pool. The players' pool shall be apportioned and distributed to the players, by Club, by the Secretary-Treasurer as follows: (A) Thirty-six percent to the team winning the World Series. (B) Twenty-four percent to the team losing the World Series. (C) Twenty-four percent to be divided equally between the losing teams in each of the two League Championship Series.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 45(b) (D) Twelve percent to be divided equally among the losing teams in each of the four Division Series. (E) Four percent to be divided equally among the four second-place teams that did not qualify for a Division Series from among the six divisions. (3) How Apportioned. At meetings presided over by the player representatives, the players' pool shall be apportioned according to the vote of all players of each team referred to in Rule 45(b)(2) who (A) are eligible to participate in the World Series for that year under Rule 40 if their team wins its League Championship; and (B) have been with their respective teams on and subsequent to June 1 of the current year. Attendance at each such meeting shall be limited to players, except that the field manager, prior to being excused from such meeting, shall be given first the opportunity to express the manager's views as to the division of the pool. At the invitation of the player representative, the field manager may be present during the remainder of the meeting, or any part thereof. The vote of the players shall not be subject to alteration, except as may be required to conform to the Major League Rules. Non-uniformed personnel of a Club shall not be eligible to receive a percentage share of the players' pool, but shall be eligible to receive cash awards of defined dollar value, provided that no cash award may exceed the value of a full share. All players and managers with their respective teams on and subsequent to June 1 of the current year and eligible to participate in the World Series for the current year under Rule 40 shall receive a full share. Players and managers not with their respective teams on and subsequent to June 1 of the current year, and coaches and all other persons, shall be entitled only to such shares as are voted by the players entitled to receive a full share. In no event shall any person on the Ineligible List at the time the distribution is made or any Club traveling secretary be entitled to receive, or be paid, any money out of the players' pool. The term "a full share" shall be construed to mean one equal part (disregarding fractional differences) of the funds payable to the team, according to the total number of shares, after deducting or allowing for the special allotments as voted by the players.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 45(b) to 45(c) A player who, during the year, has been a member of more than one Club shall be entitled to receive such shares as may be voted to the player by the players of any participating Clubs of which the player was a member, provided that the total amount voted to a player shall not exceed the larger of the amounts receivable by a player voted a full share by any such Club. (4) Pooling Shares Penalized. Any player or person who shall promise or agree to pool his or her interest, apportionment or share in any of said receipts or funds with any other person or persons entitled to participate in the apportionment of such receipts or funds; or who shall give, or promise to give, any part thereof to a player, coach, official or employee of any other Major League Club, or to a Major League umpire; or who shall solicit or attempt to induce a player or other person to make any such promise, agreement or gift; or who, being solicited to make any such promise, agreement, or gift, shall fail to inform the Commissioner immediately of such solicitation, and of all facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall be subject to such penalties (including forfeiture of his or her apportionment or share, fine, suspension, and/or temporary or permanent ineligibility) as, in the judgment of the Commissioner, the facts and circumstances in the particular case may warrant. (c) CLUBSCOMMISSIONER'S OFFICE. (1) World Series. After the fifteen percent payable to the Office of the Commissioner and the sixty percent which forms the players' pool in the first four games of the World Series, as required by Rule 45(b)(1)(A), the balance of the gate receipts shall be equally divided between the two participating Major League Clubs. (2) League Championship Series. (A) After the percentage payable to the Commissioner's Office pursuant to Rule 45(a) and the sixty percent which forms the players' pool in the first four League Championship Series games in each League, as required by Rule 45(b)(1)(B), the balance of the gate receipts from said four League Championship Series games of a League shall be equally divided between the two Clubs participating in the League Championship Series of that League. (B) If the League Championship Series games in a League shall exceed four, the gate receipts of such playoff games in excess of four shall be divided as follows: first, the Commissioner's Office shall be paid the percentage described in Rule 45(a), and then the remaining receipts shall be
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 45(c) to 45(d) equally divided between the two Clubs participating in the League Championship Series of that League. (3) Division Series. (A) After the percentage payable to the Commissioner's Office pursuant to Rule 45(a) and the sixty percent which forms the players' pool in the first three Division Series games in each Division Series, as required by Rule 45(b)(1)(B), the balance of the gate receipts from said three Division Series games in each Division Series shall be equally divided between the two Clubs participating in such Division Series. (B) If the games in a Division Series shall exceed three, the gate receipts of such playoff games in excess of three shall be divided as follows: first, the Commissioner's Office shall be paid the percentage described in Rule 45(a), and then the remaining receipts shall be equally divided between the two Clubs participating in such Division Series. (d) GUARANTEE OF PLAYERS' POOL. (1) To the extent, if any, that the players' pool provides a total of less than $2,416,450 for the World Series winner, the amount to be distributed to such winner shall be increased to $2,416,450. To the extent, if any, that the players' pool provides a total of less than $1,611,000 for the World Series loser, the amount to be distributed to such loser shall be increased to $1,611,000. (2) To the extent, if any, that the players' pool provides a total of less than $1,611,000 for both League Championship Series losers ($805,500 each), the amount to be distributed to such losers shall be increased to $1,611,000 ($805,500 each). (3) To the extent, if any, that the players' pool provides a total of less than $644,400 for the Division Series losers, the total amount to be distributed to such Division Series losers shall be increased to $644,400. (4) To the extent, if any, that the players' pool provides a total of less than $161,100 for the second-place teams that did not qualify for a Division Series from among the six divisions, the total amount to be distributed to such second-place teams shall be increased to $161,100.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 45(d) to 47 (5) If, during the term of any Basic Agreement in effect between the Major Leagues and the Major League Baseball Players Association, the Clubs raise World Series ticket prices, the guarantees set forth subparagraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) of this Rule 45(d) shall be increased a pro rata amount, such amount established by averaging the percentage increase of a box seat ticket and the percentage increase of a reserved seat ticket and increasing each guarantee by such percentage.
Rule 46 BONUS FORBIDDEN (a) PROHIBITION. Neither of the contesting Clubs shall give or pay a bonus or prize to any or all of its players before or after the completion of the series, and a player released or transferred by a Club and thereafter signed by another Club in the same League shall not participate in the proceeds of such series as a present or reward from the player's former teammates, the releasing Club or any of its officials. (b) PENALTIES. Violations of this Rule 46 are punishable by a fine to be imposed by the Commissioner. The amount of the fine may equal but shall not exceed the aggregate amount paid to any and all players in violation of this Rule 46, notwithstanding the limitations of penalties set forth in Rule 50.
Rule 47 EXHIBITION GAMES Both teams that contest in the World Series are required to disband immediately after its close and the members thereof are forbidden to participate as individuals or as a team in exhibition games during the year in which that World Championship was decided; provided, however, that the Commissioner may grant permission to individual members of the two teams on their application to participate in such exhibition games, on conditions to be prescribed by the Commissioner, but in no event shall such permission authorize the appearance in any one exhibition game of more than three players out of the joint membership of the two World Series teams, nor shall such permission authorize the playing of any such exhibition games after 30 days following the close of the Major League championship season.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 48 to 50(c) Rule 48 OBLIGATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS Each of the Clubs, players, and umpires, participating or eligible to participate in a World Series, or in any series played or to be played under these Rules and under the Commissioner's auspices, shall faithfully carry out all the provisions of these Rules and regulations, and such others as may hereafter be made to govern such games, and shall not abandon such series, or any game thereof, until it shall have been legally terminated. Any such participant who in connection with any such series or game shall violate any of the Major League or World Series Rules (including particularly but not exclusively Rule 21 (Misconduct)) shall be subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, of the share of the receipts or other compensation which otherwise would accrue to such participant, and/or to such other penalties, including ineligibility, as the Commissioner, upon consideration of the facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall determine.
Rule 49 [Reserved]
Rule 50 ENFORCEMENT OF MAJOR LEAGUE RULES (a) PENALTIES. In case the Commissioner shall determine that a League or a Club has violated any of the foregoing Rules, as to which penalty provisions are not otherwise set forth in the Major League Constitution or Major League Rules, the Commissioner may take action consistent with the Commissioner's powers under the Major League Constitution. (b) PAYMENT OF FINES. Upon notification of fine, it shall become the duty of the League or Club to make prompt payment thereof to the Commissioner. In case of non-payment, the Commissioner may suspend the benefit of any or all of these Rules as respects the League or Club in default until such time as payment is made. (c) CONTINUITY OF ASSIGNMENTS, AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS. All assignments whether optional or otherwise of players' contracts and all agreements and/or other transactions involving players' contracts mentioned in or provided for by the Major League Constitution and the Major League Rules shall be given, and shall have the same force and effect for all and every purpose,
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 50(c) to 51(b) notwithstanding the stock ownership or control either directly or indirectly by any one Club or by a stockholder or stockholders of any one Club in/or of one or more other Clubs. Provided further that in no event shall ownership and/or control directly or indirectly be permitted by one Club or by a stockholder or the stockholders of one Club in another Club of the same League.
Rule 51 CLASSIFICATION OF MINOR LEAGUES (a) LEAGUE CLASSIFICATIONS. Each Minor League shall be classified as a Class AAA, Class AA, Class A, Short-Season A or Rookie League. Leagues in the Class A classification shall be given the further subclassification of Full-Season A or Class A-Advanced. Leagues in the Rookie classification also shall be given the further subclassification of Rookie or Rookie-Advanced. The subclassification in which a Class A or Rookie League is placed shall be determined each year by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, after consultation with the Minor League Association and the President of the affected Minor League. (b) COMPOSITION. The composition of player rosters for Minor League Clubs at the Class AAA and AA levels shall not be limited based on length of prior Minor League service. For Minor League Clubs at the Class A, Short-Season A and Rookie League levels, however, the composition of player rosters shall be based on length of prior Minor League service as described in this Rule 51(b). (1) Length of Service. The following limitations shall apply to the length of prior Major or Minor League service that a player on the Active List of a Minor League Club may have. For purposes of this Rule 51, a player shall be credited with a year of "Minor League Service" for each championship season in which the player was on the Active or Disabled List of a Major League or Minor League Club for at least 30 days, provided, however, that a player who has spent one or more championship seasons on a Disabled List shall have one year of Minor League Service subtracted from the players total. A player's time on the Active or Disabled List of a Minor League Club in a Rookie classification Minor League entirely outside the United States and Canada shall not count toward "Minor League Service" for purposes of Rules 51(b)(1)(A) through (D).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 51(b) to 52(a) (A) Class A-Advanced: No more than two players and one player-coach on the Active List may have six or more years of prior Minor League Service. (B) Full-Season A: No more than two players on the Active List may have five or more years of prior Minor League Service. (C) Short-Season A: No more than three players on the Active List may have four or more years of prior Minor League Service. (D) Rookie (in the United States or Canada): No player on the Active List may have three or more years of prior Minor League Service. (E) Rookie (entirely outside the United States and Canada): No player on the Active List may have four or more years of prior Minor League Service. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Rule 51(b)(1), a player may play during one season in a Short-Season A or Rookie Classification without regard to prior length of service if the player is a pitcher who is changing positions to become a non-pitcher or is a non-pitcher changing positions to become a pitcher. Any player playing at such a classification pursuant to this exception may not pitch if the player was formerly a pitcher and may not play at a position other than pitcher if the player was formerly a non-pitcher. (2) Roster RequirementsPitchers. In addition to the Active List limits set forth in Rule 2 (Player Limits and Reserve Lists), the Active Rosters of all Minor League Clubs at the Short-Season A and Rookie (both Rookie-Advanced and Rookie) levels shall include at least 10 pitchers as of July 1 of the championship season.
Rule 52 MAJOR AND MINOR LEAGUE TERRITORIAL RIGHTS (a) HOME TERRITORY. (1) Each Major and Minor League Club shall be granted protected territorial rights covering a specific geographic area, called a "home territory," unless a Club and League agree to forego a home territory pursuant to an exception obtained in accordance with Rule 52(d).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 52(a) to 52(b)
(2) Attachment 52, appended to these Rules, identifies and defines each home territory. The Major League Club home territories in Attachment 52 shall be the operating territories set forth in the Major League Constitution. Attachment 52 shall be revised by the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association, who shall have obtained all approvals required by the Minor League Association, without a vote of the Major League Clubs as home territories are redefined or as Major and Minor League Clubs are added to, or deleted from, or permitted to relocate by, their respective Leagues. (3) If the governing document of the Minor League Association so provides, territorial rights protected by this Rule 52 may be granted to a Minor League Club through the League of which the Club is a member. Any home territory so granted shall be the possession of the League, and any waivers of such League rights must first be approved by the League. (4) No Major or Minor League Club may play its home games within the home territory or within 15 miles from the boundary of the home territory of any other Minor League Club, and no Minor League Club may play its home games within the home territory or within 15 miles of the home territory of any Major League Club, except pursuant to a grant of protected territory or an exception obtained in accordance with Rule 52(d). The territorial rights of Major League Clubs with respect to other Major League Clubs are governed by Rule 1 (Circuits) and by the Major League Constitution, and are not governed by this Rule 52. The territorial rights of Minor League Clubs with respect to other Minor League Clubs are also governed by the governing document of the Minor League Association to the extent that such governing document supplements this Rule 52. (b) NEW TERRITORIES. (1) With the exception of the home territories set forth in Attachment 52: (A) the home territory of each Minor League Club must have boundaries that are no closer than 15 miles from the boundaries of all other Major and Minor League Clubs' home territories, unless Rule 52(b)(1)(C) applies; (B) the home territory of each Major League Club must have boundaries that are no closer than 15 miles from the boundaries of all Minor League Clubs' home territories, unless Rule 52(b)(1)(C) applies; (C) a Major or Minor League Club is not in violation of this Rule 52 and may establish a newly created home territory that is adjacent to the existing
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 52(b) to 52(d) home territory of another Club if the ballpark or proposed ballpark within the newly created home territory is greater than 50 miles from the boundaries of the existing home territory of the other Club; and (D) the home territory of each Major and Minor League Club must be defined by the boundary lines of an entire county or counties (or parish or Canadian division or district), unless a Club agrees to forego a home territory pursuant to an exception granted in accordance with Rule 52(d). (2) The 15-mile "buffer" is not included as part of a Club's home territory and may coincide (in whole or in part) with the 15-mile "buffer" surrounding another Club's home territory. (3) If a Club wishes to establish a territory outside the United States or Canada, the Commissioner and President of the Minor League Association may agree to recognize a boundary not defined by county boundaries or the equivalent. (c) OVERLAPPING TERRITORIES. An "overlap" exists if the boundary of a home territory overlaps the boundary of another home territory or is within 15 miles of the boundary of another home territory. (1) Overlap Between a Major League Club and a Minor League Club. If an overlap exists between a Major League Club and a Minor League Club: (A) neither Club may play its home games within 15 miles of the boundary of the other Club's home territory; and (B) the home territory of the Minor League Club may not be shared with, drafted by or otherwise acquired by another Minor League or Minor League Club without the written consent of the Major League Club in accordance with Rule 52(d)(1). This Rule 52(c)(1)(B) shall not apply if the entering Minor League Club's ballpark or proposed ballpark is greater than 50 miles from the boundaries of the home territory of the Major League Club. (2) Overlaps Among Minor League Clubs. Overlaps of Minor League Clubs with respect to other Minor League Clubs are governed by the governing document of the Minor League Association and are not covered by this Rule 52. (d) EXCEPTIONS. Exceptions to the requirements of this Rule 52 may be permitted as follows:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 52(d) (1) Consent. A Major or Minor League Club may establish a home territory or play its home games in a location otherwise prohibited by this Rule 52 only if the Club first obtains the written consent of each Minor League and Major or Minor League Club whose territorial protection would otherwise be violated and of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, in the case of the territorial protection of a Major League Club that would otherwise be violated. In the case of a Minor League Club seeking to establish a home territory or play its games in a location that otherwise would violate the territorial protection of a Major League Club pursuant to this Rule 52, such written consents shall be obtained before the filing of a request for relocation of the Minor League Club pursuant to Rule 53(b) (Relocation of Minor League Clubs). A written consent may condition or limit the exception. Such consent may be revoked only according to the written terms of the consent. Any Minor League Club, Minor League, prospective Minor League Club, prospective Minor League Club owner or any person acting on behalf of any of the foregoing who wishes to explore the possibility of establishing a home territory or playing its home games in a location otherwise prohibited by this Rule 52 shall obtain, before making any such exploration, inquiries or comments (either public or private), the written permission of each Major League Club whose territorial protection would otherwise be violated by the establishment of such home territory or by the playing of such games. (2) Draft of Territory. (A) By Major League Club. A Major League Club may draft a Minor League Club's home territory pursuant to Article IX of the Professional Baseball Agreement. A drafting Major League Club shall not be required to include as part of its home territory each county (or its equivalent) that the Club drafts or is required to draft. A Minor League Club that receives written consent to remain in a drafted territory in accordance with Article IX of the Professional Baseball Agreement shall retain such territorial rights as provided in the written consent. Notwithstanding Rule 52(a)(4) and Article IX(C) of the Professional Baseball Agreement, a drafting Major League Club may play its home games in the territory of a Minor League Club so long as the Major or Minor League or Major or Minor League Club has notified the Commissioner of its request that a Board of Arbitration determine compensation pursuant to Article IX of the Professional Baseball Agreement. The drafting Major League Club shall not, however, have any territorial protection under this Rule 52 until it shall have paid the compensation required by Article IX of the Professional Baseball Agreement. If a Minor League Club's territory is drafted, a Minor League Club may relocate from the drafted territory immediately, subject to the procedures of Rule 53 (Minor League Expansion, Contraction, Relocation,
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 52(d) to 52(g) and Reclassification), without forfeiting or waiving any right it may have to seek compensation for the draft of territory, notwithstanding the provision in Rule 56(g) (Loss of Territorial Rights) that the territory of a relocated Club shall be considered unprotected and "open territory." If Article IX of the Professional Baseball Agreement provides that a Major League Club is not required to draft the territory of a Minor League Club, the Major League Club may establish a home territory that is adjacent to the home territory of that Minor League Club. (B) By Minor League Club. A Minor League Club may draft the territory of a Minor League Club of lower classification pursuant to applicable rules of the Clubs' Minor League Association. If the territory of the Minor League Club of lower classification overlaps with the territory of a Major League Club, the drafting Minor League Club must obtain the consent of the Major League Club in accordance with Rule 52(c)(1)(B). (e) RECOGNITION OF FUTURE RIGHTS. A Minor League Club that has been granted approval under all applicable rules and agreements to relocate or to operate an expansion Club shall enjoy full protection under this Rule 52 of the home territory granted as part of the expansion or relocation approval, conditioned upon the Club commencing play of its home games on or before the date specified in the approval. The Commissioner shall have 15 days from the date the Commissioner receives the written approval by the President of the Minor League Association of the proposed expansion or relocation to review the proposed expansion or relocation in accordance with Rule 53 (Minor League Expansion, Contraction, Relocation, and Reclassification). During that 15-day period, a Major League or Major League Club that applies for the rights to the same territory shall be given preference. (f) APPROVAL OF MINOR LEAGUE TERRITORIAL RIGHTS. All grants of protected territory to Minor League Clubs must first be approved by the President of the Minor League Association and by the Commissioner and must otherwise be in accordance with these Rules. (g) LOSS OF TERRITORIAL RIGHTS. If a Minor League Club has relocated or has otherwise lost its rights to a home territory pursuant to the rules of its Minor League Association, the Club's original home territory or the home territory to which the Club has lost its rights shall be considered unprotected and "open territory." No Minor League or Minor League Club may assert any rights with respect to such "open territory" against any Major League Club or the Commissioner's Office, including in any draft of territory pursuant to Rule 52(d)(2)(A) and Article IX of the Professional Baseball Agreement or arbitration in connection with such draft of territory, nor may any Minor League or Minor League Club assert any claim to damage related to or
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 52(g) to 53(a) arising out of such "open territory" in connection with any such draft of territory or any such arbitration. Nothing in this Rule 52(g) shall be construed as limiting the compensation that a Minor League or Minor League Club may claim in an Article IX proceeding under the Professional Baseball Agreement when the Minor League Club vacates a territory after having been notified of the draft of such Minor League Clubs territory by a Major League Club.
Rule 53 MINOR LEAGUE EXPANSION, CONTRACTION, RELOCATION, AND RECLASSIFICATION (a) EXPANSIONS OR CONTRACTIONS OF MINOR LEAGUES. (1) Approval of Expansions or Contractions Proposed by Minor Leagues. If a Minor League intends to expand or reduce the number of its member Clubs, it must notify in writing the Commissioner and the President of its Minor League Association of its intention to expand or contract at least 18 months before opening day of the season in which the proposed expansion or contraction would take effect. In the event that unique or emergency circumstances are presented that justify an expansion or contraction at a time when the required prior notice of intent is not possible, the approval required under this Rule 53 may nevertheless be granted if the other requirements are met. A League proposing to expand must establish to the satisfaction of the Commissioner and the President of its Minor League Association that a Major League Club is committed to purchase or enter into a PDC with the proposed expansion Club. The Commissioner and/or the President of the League's Minor League Association also may request any additional information that is reasonably necessary to their review of a proposed expansion or contraction of a Minor League. This additional information shall include (but not be limited to) data establishing that the proposed expansion Club will enhance the development of future Major League players and will be capable of sound operations. A decision by the President of the League's Minor League Association to disapprove an expansion or contraction proposed by a Minor League shall be final. If the President of the League's Minor League Association approves the proposed expansion or contraction, the proposal shall be sent to the Commissioner for the Commissioner's review. The Commissioner shall give due deference to the decision of the President of the Minor League Association, but may disapprove the proposed expansion or contraction if the Commissioner concludes
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(A) that the President of the Minor League Association failed in some material respect to adhere to the review and approval procedures in this Rule 53; (B) that the President of the Minor League Association abused his or her discretion in approving the proposed expansion or contraction; or (C) that the proposed expansion or contraction is not in the best interests of Baseball. In exercising authority under this Rule 53(a)(1), the Commissioner shall act in good faith. (2) Approval of Expansions Proposed by Major League Clubs or the Commissioner's Designee. If a Major League Club or the Commissioner's designee determines that player development needs cannot be met by a Major League Club entering into a PDC with an existing Minor League Club, the Major League Club or the Commissioner's designee may request a Minor League to expand the number of its member Clubs so long as the Minor League (or combination of Minor Leagues operating under a joint schedule) continues to have an even number of Clubs. Such a request must be accompanied by a commitment to purchase or enter into a PDC with a Club added to the League and must be made in writing to the Minor League President, the President of the Minor League Association, and the Commissioner at least 18 months before opening day of the season in which the proposed expansion would take effect. In the event that unique or emergency circumstances are presented that justify an expansion at a time when the required prior notice is not possible, the approval required under this Rule 53 may nevertheless be granted if the other requirements are met. If either the Minor League or the President of the Minor League Association refuses to approve a request for expansion made by a Major League Club or the Commissioners designee, the Major League Club or the Commissioners designee, as the case may be, may appeal to the Commissioner. In considering such an appeal, the Commissioner shall give due deference to the decision of the Minor League President and the President of the Minor League Association, but may direct that the requested expansion be accomplished if the Commissioner concludes (A) that the President of the Minor League Association failed in some material respect to adhere to the review and approval procedures in this Rule 53;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 53(a) to 53(b)
(B) that the President of the Minor League Association abused his or her discretion in refusing to approve the request for expansion; or (C) that the disapproval of the requested expansion is not in the best interests of Baseball. In exercising authority under this Rule 53(a)(2), the Commissioner shall act in good faith. (3) Approval of Contractions or Alternate Arrangements Proposed by Major Leagues. If the Major Leagues contract one or more Major League Clubs, then the Commissioner may request a Minor League to reduce the number of its member Clubs so long as the Minor League (or combination of Minor Leagues operating under a joint schedule) continues to have an even number of Clubs. Such request shall be made through the President of the Minor League Association. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall discuss with the President of the Minor League Association the terms and conditions of the proposed contraction, which may include, without limitation, changes in classification pursuant to Rule 53(c) (Change in Classification(s) of Minor Leagues or League Affiliations of Minor League Clubs), the establishment of co-op PDCs pursuant to Rule 56(a) (Exclusivity), the establishment of independent Minor League Clubs (see Rule 60(r) (Definitions)) and/or other actions, as the facts and circumstances may warrant. If the President of the Minor League Association approves the request for contraction, then the affected Minor Leagues shall implement the contraction on the terms and conditions agreed to between the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and the President of the Minor League Association. (b) RELOCATION OF MINOR LEAGUE CLUBS. If a Minor League Club intends to move to a new location, it must notify in writing the Commissioner and the President of its Minor League Association of its intention to relocate at least 18 months before opening day of the season in which it would begin operations at the new location. In the event that unique or emergency circumstances are presented that justify a relocation at a time when the required prior notice of intent is not possible, the approval required under this Rule 53 may nevertheless be granted if the other requirements are met. The Commissioner and/or the President of the Club's Minor League Association may request any documents or other data that are reasonably necessary to their review of the Club's proposal to relocate. In reviewing the proposed relocation, the President of the Club's Minor League Association shall require the Minor League Club proposing the relocation to establish that improved business operations (taking into account the quality of playing facility
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 53(b) to 53(c) and classification of play involved) and/or improved player development will be achieved at the proposed new location. A disapproval of a proposed relocation by the President of the Club's Minor League Association shall be final. If the President of the Club's Minor League Association approves the proposed relocation, the proposal shall be sent to the Commissioner for review. The Commissioner shall give due deference to the decision of the President of the Club's Minor League Association, but may disapprove the proposed relocation if the Commissioner concludes (1) that the President of the Minor League Association failed in some material respect to adhere to the review and approval procedures in this Rule 53; (2) that the President of the Minor League Association abused his or her discretion in approving the proposed relocation; or (3) that the relocation would not be in the best interests of Baseball.
In exercising authority under this Rule 53(b), the Commissioner shall act in good faith and shall endeavor to preserve the full value of Minor League franchises. (c) CHANGE IN CLASSIFICATION(S) OF MINOR LEAGUES OR LEAGUE AFFILIATIONS OF MINOR LEAGUE CLUBS. If a Minor League Club intends to change its classification or if a Minor League Club intends to change its League affiliation (for the purpose of changing classification or otherwise), it must notify in writing the Commissioner and the President of its Minor League Association of its intention to make such a change at least 18 months before opening day of the season in which the proposed change would take effect. In the event that unique or emergency circumstances are presented that justify a change in a Minor League's classification or a Minor League Club's League affiliation at a time when the required prior notice of intent is not possible, the approval required under this Rule 53 may nevertheless be granted if the other requirements are met. The Commissioner and/or the President of the Club's Minor League Association may request any documents or other data that are reasonably necessary to their review of a proposed change in a Minor League's classification or the League affiliation of a Minor League Club. A decision by the President of the Minor League Association to disapprove such a proposed change shall be final. If the President of the Minor League Association approves the proposed change, the proposal shall be sent to the Commissioner for review. In reviewing a proposal to change a Minor League classification or a Minor League Club's League affiliation, the Commissioner shall give due deference to the decision of the President of the Minor League Association, but may disapprove the proposed change in classification or affiliation if the Commissioner concludes that
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(1) the President of the Minor League Association failed in some material respect to adhere to the review and approval procedures in this Rule 53; (2) the President of the Minor League Association abused his or her discretion in approving the proposed change in classification or League affiliation; or (3) the proposed change would not be in the best interests of Baseball.
In exercising authority under this Rule 53(c), the Commissioner shall act in good faith and shall endeavor to preserve the full value of Minor League franchises. (d) ADMISSION OF NEW LEAGUES TO A MINOR LEAGUE ASSOCIATION. If a Minor League Association intends to add a Minor League, it must notify the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee in writing of its intention to do so at least 18 months before opening day of the season in which the additional league would become a member of such Minor League Association. In the event that unique or emergency circumstances are presented that justify adding a league at a time when the required prior notice of intent is not possible, the approval required under this Rule 53 may nevertheless be granted if the other requirements are met. A league proposing to join a Minor League Association as a Minor League must establish to the satisfaction of the President of the Minor League Association and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee that it is capable of and committed to complying fully with the Major League Rules as of October 31 of the year preceding the first championship season such league intends to operate as a Minor League member of the Minor League Association. Prior to approval for admission to a Minor League Association, a league proposing to join the Minor League Association as a Minor League, and all clubs that are members of such league, shall release from all obligations any player who is under reserve to, or on the Negotiation List of, any Major or Minor League Club. The President of the Minor League Association and/or the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee also may request any additional information that is reasonably necessary to their review of a proposed admission of a Minor League to the Minor League Association. Each club that is a member of a league proposing to join a Minor League Association as a Minor League shall undergo the review and approval process set forth in Rule 54(a) (Approval of Control Interest Transfers). The President of the Minor League Association and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall have the right to require such league and its member clubs to take such actions as the President of the Minor League Association and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may deem necessary, in the sole and absolute discretion of either, to effect the admission of such league and its member
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 53(d) to 54(a) clubs to the Minor League Association consistent with the Major League Rules and other applicable agreements, regulations, guidelines and policies. No Minor League shall be admitted to a Minor League Association without the approval of the President of the Minor League Association and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee. A decision by the President of the Minor League Association to disapprove the admission of a Minor League shall be final. If the President of the Minor League Association approves the proposed admission of a Minor League, the proposal shall be sent to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee for review. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall give due deference to the decision of the President of the Minor League Association, but may disapprove the proposed admission if the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee concludes (1) that the President of the Minor League Association failed in some material respect to adhere to the review and approval procedures in this Rule 53 and in Rule 54 (Regulation of Minor League Franchises); (2) that the President of the Minor League Association abused his or her discretion in approving the proposed admission; or (3) that the proposed admission is not in the best interests of Baseball.
In exercising authority under this Rule 53(d), the Commissioner and the Commissioner's designee shall act in good faith.
Rule 54 REGULATION OF MINOR LEAGUE FRANCHISES (a) APPROVAL OF CONTROL INTEREST TRANSFERS. (1) No Minor League franchise shall be leased or sublet to any operator other than the actual franchise holder unless approval is granted by its League, the President of its Minor League Association and the Commissioner. No Minor League Club may pledge its franchise (including its protected territorial rights) as security for any indebtedness unless it has first received the prior approval of its League, the President of the Minor League Association and the Commissioner. (2) No sale, transfer, assignment, gift or bequest (including but not limited to the granting of a security interest) of any interest in a Minor League Club shall occur
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(a) without the prior written approval of the President of the Minor League Association. The President of the Minor League Association shall determine whether a proposed transaction constitutes a Control Interest transfer subject to the enhanced review required by this Rule 54, and a determination of such issue by the President of the Minor League Association may not be appealed. The rules of Minor Leagues relating to ownership or Control Interest transfers, whether now existing or hereafter adopted, shall not be affected by this Rule 54 (so long as they are not inconsistent with this Rule 54) and any approval required from the League must be presented in writing to the President of the Minor League Association prior to his or her consideration. The term "Control Interest" is defined as the power or authority directly or indirectly to influence substantially the management policies of a Club. No approval under this Rule 54 is required for sales or transfers of Control Interests occurring pursuant to the terms of any written contract, option or right of first refusal executed on or before October 24, 1990. (3) A Minor League Club must notify the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, the President of its Minor League Association and its League President, and provide to all three a detailed written description, of any Regulated Transaction in which the Minor League Club proposes to participate. Any written document memorializing the negotiations concerning the proposed Regulated Transaction (including a non-binding memorandum of understanding or a letter of intent) also must be disclosed as part of the required written description. If the President of the Minor League Association concludes that these documents do not contain adequate data, the President may require the submission of additional information in determining whether the proposed Regulated Transaction amounts to a "Control Interest" transfer. A "Regulated Transaction" is defined to include: (A) sales or transfers of equity interests; (B) loan agreements; (C) stadium leases; (D) television or radio rights sales; (E) concession contracts having a potential duration of more than one year (including any options or renewals); (F) naming rights agreements; and (G) any contract having a potential duration (including any options or renewals) of five years or longer.
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A material failure to make disclosures or furnish information required under this Rule 54 may, at the discretion of the President of the Minor League Association, result in the transaction being rendered null and void and will subject the Minor League Club or its owner to such fines or other penalties as the President of the Minor League Association may impose. The Commissioner and the Commissioner's designee, the President of the Minor League Association and the League Presidents shall treat the disclosures required by this Rule 54 as confidential information. (4) If the President of the Minor League Association determines that a proposed Regulated Transaction may involve a Control Interest transfer, the President shall so notify the Minor League Club and its League, and the Minor League Club must provide the following information. (A) In the case of a Control Interest transfer involving the transfer of an equity interest: (i) A non-refundable processing fee of $5,000 payable to the Minor League Association which may be waived if the President of the Minor League Association determines that the security investigation required by this Rule 54 has already been performed; (ii) The proposed organizational structure of the entity that will own and operate the Club; (iii) The names of all persons who will have an equity interest in the proposed ownership entity, the names of the individuals who will play active management roles, and the name of the individual who will have ultimate authority to act on all Club matters; (iv) Biographical information on all persons who will have an equity interest in the proposed ownership entity and/or play an active management role on behalf of the Club, together with any release necessary to enable the Commissioner's Office (Security Division) and the President of the Minor League Association to conduct security investigations; (v) A proposed three-year operating budget, and business plans and operating policies for the initial three years of new ownership;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(a) (vi) As to each individual who will have a direct or indirect ownership interest of five percent or more, or who will have a Control Interest regardless of his or her ownership share, the most recent personal financial statement available or, if that is not available, his or her most recently filed personal federal income tax return and all attachments to the return; (vii) If the acquiring entity is some enterprise other than a natural person, its audited (if available) or unaudited financial statements (including year-end balance sheets and statements of income) for the two most recent fiscal years, and the names of all partners, directors or principals in such entity; (viii) Each potential owner (individual, corporate or otherwise) must identify any other enterprises or businesses in which he, she or it has an ownership interest of greater than five percent; in addition, all such potential owners must identify all professional sports, broadcasting, entertainment, cable or similar enterprises and any gambling-related businesses or enterprises in which such a person has any ownership or management interest, or is a trustee or director; (ix) A detailed description of the sources of all financing that will be required to effect the proposed transaction, including the names of all lenders and underwriters and copies of commitment letters from the lenders and underwriters; and, (x) Any additional information that the President of the Minor League Association may reasonably request. (B) In the case of a Control Interest transfer other than a transfer of an equity interest, such information about the transaction or the parties as the President of the Minor League Association may reasonably request. (5) After receiving the required information, and obtaining any required League approval, the President of the Minor League Association shall review the information and issue a decision as promptly as permitted by the circumstances. In determining whether to approve a proposed transfer, the President of the Minor League Association shall be guided by the following principles: (A) Responsibility and Accountability. All proposed new owners must adopt business policies consistent with sound fiscal management. There also must be clearly designated persons within the ownership structure who are
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(a) accountable to the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association for the operation of the Club and for compliance with all applicable Baseball rules. A single person must be identified as being able to exercise control of the franchise and being responsible for and able to make all Club decisions. That individual must represent that he or she will participate actively in the operation of the Club and will regularly attend Minor League and Minor League Association meetings. (B) Conflicts of Interest. The President of the Minor League Association may disapprove any Control Interest transfers that involve actual or potential conflicts of interest. Among other things, the President of the Minor League Association may consider the following factors in determining whether a proposed transaction presents an actual or potential conflict of interest. (i) Forms of Organization. The President of the Minor League Association may disapprove any form of ownership or business organization that may be subject to statutory or regulatory restrictions inconsistent with sound operation of a baseball franchise. (For example, some types of government ownership or non-profit ownership might have legal restraints that would prevent or impede sound operations.) (ii) Broadcasting Interests. The President of the Minor League Association may disapprove a transaction involving a broadcasting interest if the President determines that the proposed transaction may threaten the ability of the Minor Leagues and their Clubs or the Major League Clubs to market their broadcasting rights in an orderly manner. (iii) Cross-Ownership and Agents. The President of the Minor League Association may disapprove the transfer of a Control Interest in a Minor League Club to a Major League Club that has a PDC with another Minor League Club in the same League. Similarly, the President may disapprove the transfer of a Control Interest in a Minor League Club to any entity that has an ownership interest in another Club in the same League. Further, the President of the Minor League Association may disapprove a transfer of a Control Interest in a Minor League Club to an entity that owns other Minor League Club interests if the President of the Minor League Association concludes that the transfer may create conflicts within the Minor League Association or the Minor League Association Board of Trustees, or if assets of one franchise are pledged to secure indebtedness incurred to purchase an interest in another franchise. Finally, the President of the Minor
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(a) League Association may disapprove the transfer of an ownership interest in a Minor League Club to persons having agency relationships with players, owners or other employees of Major or Minor League Clubs. (C) Financial Viability. All proposed new owners of Minor League Clubs must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the President of the Minor League Association that the franchise: (i) Has and can maintain an equity-to-liabilities ratio of at least 55 to 45. (ii) Has a ratio of current assets to current liabilities of at least 1.0 after any injection of capital by the new owner. (iii) Has prepared Cash Budgets, Pro Forma Sources and Uses of Funds Statements, Pro Forma Financial Statements, or a business plan based on reasonable assumptions that shows the franchise will be able to fund the three-year operating budget described in Rule 54(a)(4)(A)(v). (iv) In determining equity-to-liabilities ratio, the following rules apply: (aa) Non-current baseball assets are reflected in the calculations at the greater of the amount reported in the Club's financial statement or $4,000,000 (AAA), $2,500,000 (AA), $1,000,000 (A) and $750,000 (Short A/Rookie). (bb) All deferred revenues are excluded from the ratio calculation. This is accomplished by reducing both assets and liabilities by the amount of deferred revenues reported. (cc) For non-current, non-baseball assets, where appraisals are not available, historical cost is used as the basis of the asset. (dd) Debt incurred for stadium acquisition or improvements (including video displays, scoreboards, etc.) is excluded from liabilities in the calculations.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(a) (ee) Loans or advances from stockholders, partners, etc. are considered to be equity and, therefore, are excluded from liabilities in the calculations. (ff) Loans or advances to stockholders, partners, etc. are considered to be equity reductions and, therefore, excluded from assets in the calculations unless it can be demonstrated by the Club that the amounts will be repaid within a reasonable time period. In these instances, the loans or advances will be considered noncurrent, non-baseball assets for 55-to-45 purposes. (D) Subsidiary or Family Relationships. In determining whether to approve a Control Interest transfer, the President of the Minor League Association may consider whether ownership of a Minor League Club by a corporate subsidiary or relative of another owner might create a conflict of interest or is otherwise not conducive to sound operations. The President of the Minor League Association also may disapprove the transfer of a Control Interest in a Minor League Club to a relative of a person who would be subject to disapproval under this Rule 54. (E) Local Ownership and/or Management. A prospective new owner of a Minor League Club also must establish that the franchise would be owned and/or managed by individuals with strong ties to the local community. This local ownership and/or management is necessary to assure an adequate local playing facility, solid fan support and long-term local government support. Moreover, the local ties of the new owner must be such that he or she has a strong interest in maintaining the stability of the franchise in its existing location. Any intent to relocate the franchise also must be stated. (F) Gambling Interests. The President of the Minor League Association shall disapprove any transfer of any interest in a Minor League Club to a person or entity that has any ownership interest whether direct or indirect, or as sole proprietor, shareholder, member, general or limited partner, trustee, trust beneficiary, or other beneficial owner, management ties to or relationships that create an appearance of ownership or control of (including, without limitation, landlord-tenant relationships) Legalized Gaming Enterprises (as defined in this Rule 54(a)(5)(F)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, such prohibition shall not be applicable to any investment interest in a Legalized Gaming Enterprise or Permitted Lottery (as defined in this Rule 54(a)(5)(F)) that does not represent in excess of 1% of any class of securities (or class of other ownership interests) of such entity. In addition, such prohibition shall not apply to the breeding and ownership of racehorses.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(a) The foregoing exceptions set forth in this Rule 54(a)(5)(F) shall not apply to any Legalized Gaming Enterprises that allow, or are seeking to allow, betting on professional or amateur sports or any other game that involves or refers to professional or amateur sports in any manner. As used in this Rule 54(a)(5)(F) and in Rule 54(a)(6): (i) "Legalized Gaming Enterprises" shall include all entities that are engaged, directly or indirectly, in legalized gambling operations, including, without limitation, casinos, jai alai frontons, horse or dog race tracks, off-track betting organizations, gaming enterprises operating on riverboats and Indian reservations, and bingo parlors, as well as all entities or governmental authorities that own, operate, oversee or otherwise exercise any ownership or managerial control over any such entity (but shall not include "Permitted Lotteries," as defined in Rule 54(a)(5)(F)(ii)); and (ii) "Permitted Lotteries" shall include any federal, state or provincial lottery that does not offer, promote or have any involvement, whether direct or indirect, in any form of sports betting. (6) No Minor League Club, nor any owner (whether direct or indirect, or as sole proprietor, shareholder, member, general or limited partner, trustee, trust beneficiary, or other beneficial owner), officers, directors or employees (whether full-time, part-time or seasonal) of a Minor League Club shall acquire or maintain an ownership interest in, management ties to or relationships that create an appearance of ownership or control of (including, without limitation, landlordtenant relationships) Legalized Gaming Enterprises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such prohibition shall not be applicable to any investment interest in a Legalized Gaming Enterprise or Permitted Lottery that does not represent in excess of 1% of any class of securities (or class of other ownership interests) of such entity. In addition, such prohibition shall not apply to the breeding and ownership of racehorses. The foregoing exceptions set forth in this Rule 54(a)(6) shall not apply to any Legalized Gaming Enterprises that allow, or are seeking to allow, betting on professional or amateur sports or any other game that involves or refers to professional or amateur sports in any manner. "Legalized Gaming Enterprise" and "Permitted Lottery" are defined in Rule 54(a)(5)(F) (Gambling Interests). (7) If the President of the Minor League Association determines that a proposed Regulated Transaction involves the transfer of an equity interest but is not a Control Interest transfer, the President of the Minor League Association shall require the Minor League Club to provide such information about the potential
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(a) non-Control Interest owner or owners that the President of the Minor League Association shall reasonably request, which shall include, but not be limited to, the information described in Rules 54(a)(4)(A)(iii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (x). (8) Authority of the Commissioner. In recognition of the interest of Major League Baseball in the sound operations of Minor League Clubs, the President of the Minor League Association shall furnish the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee all documents and other information related to a proposed Regulated Transaction requested by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and shall consult with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee before making a decision on the question of approving such a transfer. The Commissioner and the Commissioner's designee shall treat such documents and other information as confidential except that they may be disclosed to the Major League Club party to a PDC with the Minor League Club involved in the proposed transfer. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee may disapprove a Regulated Transaction approved by the President of the Minor League Association if the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee previously had recommended that the President of the Minor League Association disapprove the Regulated Transaction, or may reverse a decision by the President of the Minor League Association that a Regulated Transaction is not a Control Interest transfer, if in either case the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee concludes that (A) the President of the Minor League Association failed in some material respect to adhere to the review and approval procedures in this Rule 54; (B) the President of the Minor League Association abused his or her discretion in applying the standards in this Rule 54 governing review and approval of Regulated Transactions or in determining that a Regulated Transaction is not a Control Interest transfer; or (C) a failure to subject a Regulated Transaction to the Control Interest transfer disclosure and review procedures in this Rule 54 is not in the best interests of Baseball or the Regulated Transaction itself is not in the best interests of Baseball. If the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee disapproves a Regulated Transaction or reverses a decision that a Regulated Transaction is not a Control Interest transfer under this Rule 54, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall do so in writing as promptly as permitted by the circumstances and explaining the bases for such disapproval or reversal. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall be deemed to have approved the transaction if such
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(a) to 54(b) disapproval or reversal, as the case may be, is not delivered, by facsimile or otherwise, to the Minor League Association within (D) 30 days, in the case of a Regulated Transaction that is not a Control Interest transaction, or (E) 60 days, in the case of a Control Interest transaction, as measured from the time that the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee receives complete information in regard to the proposed Regulated Transaction (including the approval of the Minor League Association, in the case of a Regulated Transaction that is not a Control Interest transaction, or written notice from the Minor League Association that it is prepared to approve the transaction, in the case of a Control Interest transaction), unless a request for an extension of time is granted. The Minor League Association shall grant requests for reasonable extensions of time when the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee makes good faith requests (i.e., requests not made for purposes of delay) to the President of the National Association for extensions of time based upon the need for more information, the existence of unusual circumstances (which may or may not relate to the particular transaction being considered) or other good cause. In exercising authority under this Rule 54, the Commissioner and the Commissioner's designee shall act in good faith and shall endeavor to preserve the full value of Minor League franchises. (b) MONITORING CONTINUED FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF MINOR LEAGUE CLUBS. (1) Disclosures of "Control Interest" Transactions. Each Minor League Club must provide the President of the Minor League Association with copies of all loan agreements, stadium leases, television or radio rights contracts, concession contracts having a potential duration of more than one year (including any options or renewals) and all contracts having a potential duration of five years or longer (including any options or renewals). In addition, all Minor League Clubs must provide the President of the Minor League Association with copies of all contracts involving a potential sale of an equity interest. (2) Disclosures of Ownership Interests. Each Minor League Club annually must provide the Commissioner and the President of its Minor League Association with completed forms prescribed by agreement of the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association for reporting business ownership interest information on all persons or entities having an ownership interest in the franchise. The information disclosed shall include the extent of ownership interests in all
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(b) professional baseball franchises and all business activities outside professional baseball but would not require the disclosure of personal financial information beyond the extent of such ownership interests. (3) Maintenance of Sound Equity-to-Liabilities Ratios. Each Minor League Club annually must provide the Commissioner and the President of its Minor League Association with documentation establishing its equity-to-liabilities ratio. If the disclosed equity-to-liabilities ratio (as defined in Rule 54(a)(5)(C)(iv)) is less than 55 to 45, then the franchise is not in compliance with this Rule 54. The President of the Minor League Association shall calculate the level of the noncompliance and order a pro rata reduction of the level of noncompliance over a period which shall be no longer than three years. A failure at any point during this period to make a scheduled pro rata reduction in the equity-to-liabilities ratio shall subject the franchise to the penalties provided in this Rule 54 if compliance is not achieved within 60 days after notice of such failure. (4) Annual Financial Disclosures. Within 90 days of the close of its fiscal year, each Minor League Club annually must disclose the financial information described in this Rule 54(b)(4) to the persons or entities specified in this Rule 54(b)(4) (except as the Commissioner may waive such disclosures if and to the extent the Commissioner determines that uniform and adequate disclosures may be achieved in some less onerous manner). (A) Audited Financial Statements. At the Commissioner's request, a Minor League Club shall cooperate in the preparation (by a firm of Certified Public Accountants selected by the Commissioner) of an audited financial statement covering the Club's operations for the fiscal year that includes the most recent championship season. As part of its obligation to cooperate with the firm of Certified Public Accountants selected by the Commissioner, the Minor League Club shall prepare a financial statement and provide the firm with access to all of its financial books, records and other relevant documents, including but not limited to the following: general ledger payroll registers cash receipts and disbursements journals tax returns, for past three years leases debt agreements (including lines of credit, letters of credit, etc.) employment contracts payroll tax information television and radio broadcast contracts
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(b) pension and profit sharing agreements advertising agreements fixed asset records including leaseholds barter arrangements all insurance contracts concession agreements naming rights agreements bank statements accounts receivable registers support for real estate and property tax assessments agreements with municipality regarding stadium use travel and entertainment detail contracts and details regarding arrangements with owners and other related parties minutes of board of directors, stockholders and board committee meetings letter(s) from outside counsel regarding legal status purchase and sales commitments stadium suite contracts parking contracts details of Club ownership supporting documentation for expenditures made by Club results of year-end physical inventory, with documentation ticket manifests box office settlement sheets
Upon completion, the audited financial statement shall be submitted to the Commissioner, the President of the Club's Minor League Association and the Minor League Club and shall be kept confidential by the persons or entities to which they are disclosed. The cost of auditing the financial statement shall be borne entirely by the Office of the Commissioner. If the Commissioner requests an audit of an individual Minor League Club, the Commissioner also shall request audits of all other Clubs in the League. (B) Standard Financial Reports. All Minor League Clubs also shall submit standard financial reports on the form appended to these Rules as Attachment 54 to the Commissioner and the President of its Minor League Association. The Commissioner may prepare consolidated statements (without names of particular Clubs) from the standard financial reports and may disclose the consolidated statements to Minor Leagues, and to Major and Minor League Clubs, but not to the public.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 54(b) to 55(c) (5) Penalties for Noncompliance. A Minor League Club that fails to make any disclosure or scheduled pro-rata reduction required by this Rule 54 in a timely manner shall be fined and/or subjected to such other penalties as the President of the Minor League Association may determine are appropriate, including but not limited to a fine assessed against such Club or its Owner in an amount not in excess of $50,000. In cases of failures to comply that are promptly cured, the President of the Minor League Association may waive the imposition of such fines or penalties. In any case of repeated failures or a single egregious failure, the President of the Minor League Association may, after investigation, order the Owner to divest his or her interest in the franchise. The Commissioner may act to impose a fine or penalty, that the Commissioner deems appropriate, if the Commissioner concludes in good faith that the President of the Minor League Association abused his or her discretion in enforcing compliance with the requirements of this Rule 54.
Rule 55 MINOR LEAGUE FREE AGENCY (a) ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE AGENCY. At 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 15 or on the fifth day following the last day of the World Series, whichever is later, of the last year of a player's Minor League Uniform Player Contract, the players Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall expire and the player shall become a "Minor League free agent" unless the player's Major or Minor League Club has remaining options to renew the contract. As a "Minor League free agent," the player may negotiate and enter into a contract with any Major or Minor League Club beginning on the first day that year that a Major League free agent is eligible to sign with a different Major League Club upon expiration of the players Major League contract. (b) SUCCESSOR CONTRACT. A player shall not become a "Minor League free agent" if the player has entered into a successor contract with the player's Major or Minor League Club or has been placed on the Major League Reserve List before the expiration of the player's Minor League Uniform Player Contract on the date described in Rule 55(a) (Eligibility for Free Agency). No negotiations for a successor contract may take place before the completion of the Minor League players championship season and playoffs or after 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the date the players Minor League Uniform Player Contract expires, as set forth in Rule 55(a) (Eligibility for Free Agency). (c) LIST OF ELIGIBLE PLAYERS. On or before August 1 of each year, the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee shall prepare and circulate a list of all
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 55(c) to 56(a) players (on both Major and Minor League Reserve Lists) whose Minor League Uniform Player Contracts have expired or are scheduled to expire following that season. This list shall be circulated immediately to all Major League Clubs and independent Minor League Clubs. All players on the list also shall be notified promptly that they may be eligible to become "Minor League free agents" on the following date described in Rule 55(a) (Eligibility for Free Agency). (d) PETITIONS FOR CHANGES TO LIST. If a player believes that the player was erroneously omitted from the list circulated by the Commissioner, the player may petition the Commissioner at any time for a determination that the player is eligible to become a "Minor League free agent" as of the date described in Rule 55(a) (Eligibility for Free Agency). If a Major or Minor League Club believes that a player that it has under contract has been improperly included on the list circulated by the Commissioner, it may petition the Commissioner for a determination that its Minor League Uniform Player's Contract with the player will not terminate on the following date described in Rule 55(a) (Eligibility for Free Agency) and that the player is therefore not eligible to become a "Minor League free agent." The decision of the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee regarding such a petition by a player or a Major or Minor League Club shall be final and shall not be challenged in any federal or state court, administrative agency or other tribunal. (e) FINAL LIST. As soon as practicable after the date on which the players Minor League Uniform Player Contract expires, as set forth in Rule 55(a) (Eligibility for Free Agency), the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee shall issue to all Major League Clubs and independent Minor League Clubs a list of all players who have become "Minor League free agents" on the date described in Rule 55(a) (Eligibility for Free Agency). (f) RESTRICTIONS ON OUTRIGHTING POTENTIAL MINOR LEAGUE FREE AGENT. A Club is not permitted to assign outright a player who is a potential Minor League free agent to the roster of a Minor League Club on or after the date described in Rule 55(a) (Eligibility for Free Agency) unless such player has signed a Major League contract for the next season or has signed a letter of agreement with such Club describing the terms of a Major League contract for the next season.
Rule 56 STANDARD PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT (a) EXCLUSIVITY. In order for any Major League Club and any Minor League Club (including a Rookie League Club) to establish or maintain any form of working
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(a) agreement or other contractual relationship, they both must sign a standard form letter (a copy of which is appended to these Rules as Attachment 56) binding them both to the terms and conditions of the standard Player Development Contract ("PDC") set forth in this Rule 56. This standard PDC shall be the one and only form of working agreement or contract permitted between Major and Minor League Clubs. This standard PDC shall apply to all Major and Minor League Clubs (including Rookie League Clubs) regardless of their current contractual status, and the terms of this standard PDC shall automatically be substituted for the provisions of any existing PDC, working agreement or other contract between a Major and Minor League Club that by its terms otherwise would remain in effect after the 1990 season. Any oral or written additions or amendments to the agreement between a Minor League Club and Major League Club(s) as represented by this standard PDC shall be null and void, and neither party to a PDC shall provide the other with money, equipment, services or any other forms of consideration in excess of the obligations prescribed by this standard PDC. No Major or Minor League Club may, directly or indirectly, provide, offer, request or solicit any economic benefits to or from a Major or Minor League Club different from the terms of this standard PDC in connection with the establishment, extension or maintenance of a PDC, nor may any Major or Minor League Club provide, offer, request or solicit any inducement related to the playing of exhibition games in connection with the establishment, extension or maintenance of a PDC. The Commissioner shall impose a fine of $500,000 on any Major League Club, and the President of the Minor League Association shall impose a fine of not more than $100,000 on any Minor League Club, that attempts to add to or alter this standard PDC in any way and/or to provide, offer, request or solicit any economic benefit (including any money, equipment, services or other forms of consideration) in excess of the obligations in this standard PDC. If a single Minor League Club desires to establish or maintain a working agreement or other contractual relationship with two or more Major League Clubs, it must enter into a single standard PDC with those two or more Major League Clubs. The rights and obligations of a Minor League Club that is party to a single standard PDC with two or more Major League Clubs shall be the same as if it were party to a standard PDC with only one Major League Club. The aggregate rights and obligations of the two or more Major League Clubs that are party to a single PDC with a Minor League Club shall be the same as those of a single Major League Club that is party to a PDC. The two or more Major League Clubs may allocate their rights and responsibilities under the PDC between or among themselves as they see fit. A Major League Club may, through ownership or a PDC, affiliate with no more than one Minor League Club per Minor League, or per full-season Class A subclassification, unless the Commissioner, after having consulted with the President of
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(a) to 56(d) the Minor League Association, provides prior consent to the affiliations proposed by the Major League Club. The Commissioner may terminate, in the Commissioner's discretion, a PDC of a Major League Club in any Minor League, or in any fullseason Class A sub-classification, in which the Major League Club is party to more than one PDC. Such right of termination, if exercised, would be effective at the conclusion of the championship season designated in the Commissioner's notice. The Major and Minor League Clubs affected by such termination shall be notified as part of Step 2 of the PDC affiliation process, as described in Major League Rule 56(d) (Negotiation of New PDC Affiliations), and termination of a PDC in accordance with this Rule 56(a) shall not affect the parties' rights and obligations under Article VII of the Professional Baseball Agreement. (b) APPLICABLE AUTHORITY AND INCORPORATED AGREEMENTS. The Major League Rules and Professional Baseball Agreement ("PBA"), including all subsequent amendments to those documents, shall immediately be incorporated (as if set forth verbatim) in all PDCs between Major and Minor League Clubs. All references in a PDC to a "Rule" or "Rules" are to the applicable Major League Rules. (c) DURATION AND TERMINATION. No PDC may have a term extending beyond the expiration of the PBA and the rights and obligations of all parties to a PDC shall terminate (and be of no force and effect) as of the expiration of the PBA. The term of all PDCs between individual Major League Clubs and individual Minor League Clubs shall be either two years or four years, except that a PDC expiring at the end of the season in a year in which the PBA may be and is reopened for termination at the end of the following season may be followed by a one-year PDC covering the following season. If neither party to a PDC terminates the PDC in accordance with Rule 56(d) (Negotiation of New PDC Affiliations), the PDC shall automatically be renewed for a two-year term (or a one-year term, if the PBA is to terminate at the end of the following season). (d) NEGOTIATION OF NEW PDC AFFILIATIONS. Major League and Minor League Clubs may terminate their PDCs in the final year of the term of such PDCs only in accordance with procedures that follow. (1) Between the conclusion of the Minor League Club's championship season and September 11 of the final year of the term of its PDC, a Major League Club or a Minor League Club shall have the right to give written notice of its intention to terminate its PDC only to the Commissioner (in the case of the Major League Club), or only to the President of the Minor League Association (in the case of the Minor League Club). The fact that such notices are given shall not be disclosed by the Clubs, the Commissioner or by the President of the Minor League Association except in accordance with this Rule 56. Failure to give such notice shall make the
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(d) Club ineligible to terminate its PDC. After being informed of a Major League Club's intention to terminate a PDC, the Commissioner may direct the Major League Club not to terminate the PDC if the Commissioner determines that such a termination would prejudice the interest of a Major League, another Major League Club, a Minor League Club or a Minor League. In any such case the Major League Club shall be ineligible to terminate its PDC. (2) Between September 12 and September 15 of any year in which they receive notices of intention to terminate PDCs, the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association shall notify all Clubs that are the subject of such notices of the identities of other such Clubs whose respective PDC affiliations that are subject to termination involve the same classification or subclassification of play except that there shall be no identification of Major League Clubs that gave such notices but were directed by the Commissioner not to terminate, or of Major or Minor League Clubs that subsequently have withdrawn such notices. (3) Between September 16 and September 30 of the last year of the term of their PDCs, the Clubs receiving notification from the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association in accordance with Rule 56(d)(2) may discuss the possibility of a new PDC relationship with other such Clubs (including their current PDC affiliate) for an affiliation at the same classification (or same subclassification) of League play, and may agree to enter into such affiliations. Discussions and agreements in accordance with this Rule 56(d)(3) shall not be considered tampering. (4) On or before October 7, any Clubs that have not agreed to enter into PDCs in accordance with Rule 56(d)(3) must enter into PDCs with one another, or have their PDCs renewed in accordance with Rule 56(c) (Duration and Termination) in the case of Clubs that are parties to the same PDC. If multiple Clubs remain that have not agreed to enter into new PDCs, the Commissioner shall determine, after consultation with the President of the Minor League Association, appropriate affiliations, taking into account the Major League Clubs' player development needs in terms of the ages and experience of its players, the Clubs' respective locations, the Clubs' respective relationships, and equitable considerations, including the effect of a new affiliation on the Minor League Clubs' fan support. (5) PDC affiliations to which Clubs agree in accordance with Rule 56(d)(3), or that are determined in accordance with Rule 56(d)(4), shall result in the termination of those Clubs' existing PDCs effective September 30 of the final year of the term of their PDC, and shall require that those Clubs enter into new PDCs as so agreed or determined by execution of the standard form letter of agreement set forth in Rule 56(a), effective immediately upon such termination.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(d)
(6) No Major League Club may attempt to persuade or induce a Minor League Club whose PDC has terminated to enter into a new PDC by providing or offering to provide, directly or indirectly, economic benefits to the Minor League Club different from the terms provided for in this Rule 56, or by offering any inducement related to the playing of exhibition games, nor may the Minor League Club directly or indirectly request such economic benefits. (7) Upon complaint by a Major League Club that a Minor League Club has entered into a new PDC with another Major League Club (either the Major League Club with which it had the PDC that was terminated or a Major League Club with which it is newly affiliated) under which the Minor League Club receives economic benefits (including the playing of more exhibition games) that are superior to those provided under the Minor League Club's expired PDC, the Commissioner shall investigate whether the preceding paragraph was violated. The fact that the number of exhibition games played has changed from the prior PDC to the new PDC may be cited by either party as evidence, and the Commissioner may treat such fact as circumstantial evidence. If a violation of Rule 56(d)(6) is found, both the Minor League Club and Major League Club shall be subject to the penalties in Rule 56(a) (Exclusivity) for providing "money, equipment, services or other forms of consideration in excess of the obligations prescribed by this standard PDC." PDC REAFFILIATION TIMELINE: STEP 1: Clubs notify their respective central office of their intent to seek reaffiliation. In the case of a Major League Club, notification is made only to the Office of the Commissioner. In the case of a Minor League Club, notification is made only to the President of the Minor League Association. STEP 2: The Office of the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association give notice to all Clubs seeking reaffiliation, providing a list of Clubs in the same classification or sub-classification that are eligible for a PDC affiliation and that are the subject of a notice of a desire to reaffiliate. Timetable End of championship season to 9/11
9/12-9/15 (4 days)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(d) to 56(f)
Timetable STEP 3: Clubs receiving notification from the Office of the Commissioner or President of the Minor League Association may discuss the possibility of a new PDC relationship with other such Clubs (including their current PDC affiliates) for an affiliation at the same classification or sub-classification. STEP 4: Clubs that have not agreed to enter into a PDC arrangement or renew an existing PDC arrangement will be assigned PDC affiliations by the Office of the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association. 9/16-9/30 (15 days)
On or before 10/7
(e) OTHER AFFILIATION CHANGES. If a Major League or Minor League Club desires to change its PDC affiliation during the term of a PDC, the Club shall notify in writing the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association of its desire to change affiliations. A Major League or Minor League Club may not inform or contact any other Major League or Minor League Club concerning its desire to change affiliations. Upon receiving a notice of desire to change affiliation from a Major League or Minor League Club, the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association shall use their best efforts to arrange a new affiliation for the Major League or Minor League Club requesting the change. Any attempt during the term of a PDC by a Major League or Minor League Club to secure a change in PDC affiliation during the term of a PDC other than through the procedures in this Rule 56(e) shall be considered a violation of the rules against tampering. (f) ASSIGNABILITY. A PDC shall be assignable by the Major League Club(s) that originally enters into the PDC, or by any Major League Club(s) to which the PDC is subsequently assigned, only in the following situations: (1) If a Major League Club desires to reduce the overall number of its Minor League affiliates by assigning a PDC to another Major League Club; (2) If a Major League Club desires to increase or decrease the number of its Minor League affiliates in a particular classification or subclassification and wishes to assign a PDC to another Major League Club in order to effect such a reconfiguration of its Minor League system; or
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(f) to 56(g) (3) If the Commissioner determines that the player development needs of an existing Major League Club (taking into account geography, the age and experience of the Club's Minor League players, travel burdens, and the configuration of the Club's Minor League system) would be served by an assignment of the Club's PDC to another Major League Club. A PDC that is supported by the Major League Central Fund also may be freely assigned to a Major League Club or Clubs. A Major League Club or Clubs may assign a PDC to the Major League Central Fund in emergency circumstances, including, but not limited to, extreme financial difficulties of the Major League Club or Clubs, with the prior approval of the Major League Executive Council. In the event a PDC is assignable pursuant to this Rule 56(f), the Major League Club (or Clubs) wishing to assign the PDC shall notify the Commissioner (or the Commissioners designee) and the President of the Minor League Association on or before October 15 of its (or their) desire to assign the PDC for the next championship season and beyond, if applicable. The Commissioner (or the Commissioners designee) shall determine if another Major League Club wishes to be assigned the PDC. A Major League Club may not contact any other Major League Club concerning its desire to assign a PDC without the prior written approval of the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee. Any assignment of a PDC permitted by this Rule 56(f) must occur, and notice must be given to the affected Minor League Club, prior to November 1 of the year before the season for which the change in affiliation will be effective. (g) RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The respective rights and obligations of the Minor League Club and the Major League Club(s) under the standard PDC are as follows: (1) Roster of Minor League Club. The Major League Club shall provide, and maintain throughout the regular and any post-season play, an active roster of skilled players for the Minor League Club in accordance with the Active List limits in Rule 2. The players so provided shall be under contract exclusively to the Major League Club and reserved only to the Major League Club. The Minor League Club shall respect, be bound by, abide by and not interfere with all contracts between the Major League Club and the players that it has provided to the Minor League Club. In accordance with Rule 2, the Major League Club also shall file and maintain all player lists for the Minor League Club. (2) Promotional Appearances and Pictures of Players. As to players assigned, transferred, loaned, leased, or otherwise directed by the Major League Club to perform as a member of the active roster of any Minor League Club, the Major
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(g) League Club grants to the Minor League Club a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to exercise the rights that the Major League Club is authorized to exercise pursuant to paragraphs XIII (Promotion of Baseball) and XIV (Pictures of Player) of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract (see Attachment 3). The Minor League Club grants to the Major League Club a non-exclusive royalty-free license for non-royalty-bearing promotional purposes to use the marks of the Minor League Club in connection with or with respect to such player's name, picture and likeness and other attributes that the player authorized the Major League Club to exercise pursuant to paragraph XIV of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract, subject to such quality control standards that the Major League Clubs apply to reviewing items bearing their own marks. (3) Assignments, Transfers and Directions to Perform. In accordance with these Rules, a Major League Club may assign, direct, designate or otherwise transfer any player to the various players lists that it files and maintains for the Minor League Club. The Major League Club also may assign, direct, designate or otherwise transfer the contract of any player on the various player lists that it files and maintains for the Minor League Club to any other Major or Minor League Club. The Minor League Club shall not interfere with, limit or restrict the Major League Club's right to assign, direct, designate or otherwise transfer the contract of any player on the various player lists that it files and maintains for the Minor League Club to any other Major or Minor League Club, except that no more than three players under contract to a Major League Club other than the Major League Club or Clubs that is or are party to a PDC may be assigned, directed, designated or otherwise transferred at any one time to the roster of the Minor League Club. (4) Managers, Coaches, Instructors and Trainers. The Major League Club shall have the sole right to select and employ, and the sole obligation to compensate and provide benefits for, the manager, coaches, instructors and trainers for the Minor League Club. All of these individuals shall be under contract exclusively with the Major League Club. The Major League Club shall consult with the Minor League Club prior to selecting and employing the manager assigned to the Minor League Club. (5) Allocation of Team-Related Expenses. (A) Salaries and Other Compensation. The Major League Club is responsible for the payment of all obligations to or for the benefit of all players assigned, transferred, leased or loaned to, or otherwise directed to play for, or otherwise assigned to any list of, the Minor League Club, including all salary and other compensation, responsibility for all benefits, payroll taxes, worker's compensation coverage, unemployment insurance
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(g) coverage, and any other benefits or taxes associated with players' employment. (B) Spring Training. The Major League Club shall pay all spring training expenses for the Minor League Club's team, at a site and for a period to be designated by the Major League Club, including the travel expenses of team personnel reporting to the training camp, the travel expense from the training camp to the city where the team is scheduled to open the season, and the hotel and meal allowances of the team in such city from date of arrival through the day preceding the official opening of the season. (C) Travel. The Major League Club shall pay all travel expenses of any team personnel to his or her home by air coach or other transportation with equivalent fare if the employee's contract with the Major League Club requires such payment. The Major League Club shall pay all travel expenses of their employees arising from assignment of their contracts or the assignment, loan or transfer of such employees to another Major or Minor League Club. (D) Uniforms. The Minor League Club shall furnish a sufficient number of uniforms for all on-field team personnel assigned, transferred, leased or loaned to or otherwise directed to play or perform services for the Minor League Club. The uniforms shall be of at least the same quality as were provided during the 1997 season. The Commissioner's Office and the Minor League Association may establish minimum uniform requirements for Minor League Clubs. Major League Clubs shall receive reasonable notice of changes to a Minor League Club's uniforms. The Minor League Club shall keep its uniforms in good repair and shall have them cleaned when needed. Inventory of uniforms existing in 1997 shall become the property of the respective Minor League Clubs. (E) Bats and Balls. The Major League Club and the Minor League Club that are parties to a PDC shall share in the cost of bats and balls as follows: (i) The Major League Club shall order, ship and pay for all bats and balls necessary for use by the Minor League Club. (ii) The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, and the Minor League Association, shall establish bat and ball distribution guidelines for implementation by the Minor League Club.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(g) (iii) Each Minor League Club shall provide, subject to the approval of the Major League Club (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), an on-site equipment manager. (iv) All costs (bats and balls actually used and equipment managers) shall be split between the Major League Club and the Minor League Club. The Major League Club shall invoice the Minor League Club for the percentage of total costs due to the Major League Club. The Minor League Club may offset the appropriate percentage of costs it incurred for equipment managers. The cost of shaggers used, if any, shall be the sole responsibility of the Minor League Club. The Minor League Club shall reimburse the Major League Club for its share of total costs on or before October 31 of each year. For costs relating to each Class AAA and Class AA Club, the Major League Club shall pay 66.7% and the Minor League Club shall pay 33.3%. For costs relating to each Club in Class A and in lower classifications, the Major League Club shall pay 75% and the Minor League Club shall pay 25%. (v) Each Major League Club and each Minor League Club shall certify in writing to the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association, on or before October 31 of each year, that the reimbursement has, in fact, occurred. Such certification shall include the amounts reimbursed. (vi) Season-end inventory shall remain the property of the Major League Club and shall not be charged to the Minor League Club in that year. (F) Trainer and Medical Supplies. The Major League Club shall provide to the Minor League Club a trainer for the championship season and all reasonable medical supplies for use by such trainer. The Major League Club shall be responsible for the entire cost of the trainer's salary and benefits. The Major League Club shall not be responsible for the purchase of medical supplies by the Minor League Club, unless prior approval is granted. (G) Reimbursements. The Major League Club shall reimburse the Minor League Club within seven days of receipt of a statement for the following expense items: (i) Meal allowances paid by the Minor League Club at the request of the Major League Club, the amount of which allowance shall be determined solely by the Major League Club.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(g)
(ii) Hotel expenses on the road for rooms in excess of 17 rooms per night. The Minor League Club shall provide up to four single rooms per night for staff personnel and standard double rooms for all players on the Minor League Club's active roster. A Minor League Club shall not be permitted to lodge with a player any person who is not a member of the Club's traveling party (i.e., manager, two coaches, trainer and players). A Minor League Club shall not in any event be required to pay the expenses of providing rooms for a Major League Club's roving instructors, field coordinators, scouts, or those persons in like positions with the Major League Club who are not regularly assigned to the Minor League Club. (iii) Reporting and transportation home, including miscellaneous expenses of players, field manager and coach as provided in their Uniform Player Contract; transportation home of trainer; transportation for members of a traveling party fulfilling military reserve or national guard requirements if approved by the Major League Club; as well as any other transportation furnished by the Minor League Club at direction and with approval of the Major League Club. (iv) Commercial fare air transportation charges while traveling in League for members of a traveling party, if any in excess of 30, at all classifications. The Minor League Club may be reimbursed by the Major League Club for any unused airline ticket purchased for team travel and for which a credit or refund cannot be obtained. The Minor League Club may be reimbursed by the Major League Club for costs above the discount rate for airline tickets already purchased when changes to the traveling party require the purchase of additional tickets at full price. The Minor League Club may not prorate ground transportation for players in excess of classification limit, or for manager, coaches or trainers. (v) All obligations to be paid by the Major League Club to the Minor League Club under this Rule 56 must be submitted by the Minor League Club to the Major League Club no later than November 30, immediately following the conclusion of the season for which the obligations are to be paid in order for the Major League Club to be required to pay those obligations. (H) The Minor League Club shall provide and pay the cost of local basic telephone service for the field manager's office in both home and visiting
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(g) to 56(j) clubhouses. The Major League Club shall be responsible for all toll (long distance) and special feature charges. (I) The Minor League Club is required to either install or make readily available, and maintain, a whirlpool, hydroculator (4-pack minimum) and scale in its home clubhouse, and at least a hydroculator (4-pack minimum) in its visiting clubhouse. (J) If the Minor League Club wins its League championship, it is responsible for providing post-season awards, such as championship rings, for on-field personnel assigned to the Club, and the Major League Club may, but is not required to, participate in the purchase of such awards. (6) The Minor League Club shall have the right to recommend that disciplinary action be taken by the Major League Club against any player who is under contract to the Major League Club and who is on the Minor League Club's roster or any of its lists maintained pursuant to these Rules, including the right to recommend assignment to another Club's lists or roster, or that any such player be released. If the Major League Club refuses to take action pursuant to such a recommendation, the Minor League Club may appeal to the Commissioner, who may, acting individually or through a designee, order appropriate disciplinary action, reassignment, transfer or release of the player. The Minor League Club's League President also may take disciplinary action against any player on the roster or assigned to any of the lists of the Minor League Club, subject to the rights of appeal set forth in the Professional Baseball Agreement. (h) SCHEDULING. The Minor League Club shall be bound by and adhere to the official schedule for its League that has been drafted and approved pursuant to the procedures in Rule 32 (Schedules). Except for re-scheduled make-up games approved by its League President, the Minor League Club shall not play any exhibition, regular or post-season games that are not set forth in the official schedule for its League (except pre-season exhibition or post-season playoff games approved to be played in accordance with these Rules). (i) PLAYING FACILITY. The Minor League Club must provide a playing facility that complies with Rule 58 or it shall be subject to the sanctions set forth in Rule 58(c) (Failure to Meet Ballpark Standards). (j) RELOCATION OR CHANGE IN LEAGUE AFFILIATION OF MINOR LEAGUE CLUB. Any proposal by a Minor League Club to relocate or change League affiliation must first be approved by the Major League Club with which it has a PDC, or the Major League Club may terminate the PDC. If a Major League Club
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 56(j) to 56(n) terminates the PDC pursuant to this Rule 56(j), the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee and the President of the Minor League Association shall use their best efforts to arrange a new affiliation for the Major League Club whenever possible. (k) NATIONAL EMERGENCIES. During any national emergency that causes a suspension of Major League or Minor League play, either party to a PDC may suspend its obligations to the other under this Rule 56. (l) EXTENT OF CLUB'S OBLIGATIONS. Except as specified in the applicable Major League Rules, (1) the Major League Club does not assume and shall not have, by implication or otherwise, any obligation or responsibility to the Minor League Club, its Minor League or Minor League Association or with respect to their operations or employees; and (2) the Minor League Club does not assume and shall not have, by implication or otherwise, any obligation or responsibility to the Major League Club, or the Commissioner's Office, or with respect to their operations or employees. (m) NOTICES. Any notices required to be given by the provisions of a PDC or the Major League Rules shall be made by registered or certified mail or by telegram. The date that the notice actually is sent under this Rule 56(m) shall be deemed to be the date of receipt. (n) FILING. The Major League Club and Minor League Club shall indicate their assent to the terms of the standard PDC, as well as to the incorporated provisions of the Major League Rules and PBA, by signing a standard form letter, a copy of which is appended to these Rules as Attachment 56. This form letter cannot add to, delete from, or otherwise alter the rights and obligations of the Major League Club and Minor League Club as set forth in this Rule 56. Executed copies of the form letter shall be filed with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, with the President of the Minor League Association, and also with the President of the Minor League Club's League.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 57(a) Rule 57 TRAVEL STANDARDS FOR MINOR LEAGUE CLUBS The standards and requirements in this Rule 57 shall govern all travel and lodging that Minor League Clubs provide to active and disabled players, managers, coaches, instructors and trainers. (a) TRANSPORTATION. Unless exceptions are granted in writing by the General Manager of the Major League Club whose players are involved, the following standards apply to transportation furnished or arranged by Minor League Clubs: (1) 500-Mile Limit. Trips by bus in excess of 500 miles shall require the use of an off-day, i.e., a day on which there is no scheduled or make-up game played. Any trips in excess of 500 miles without an off-day shall be by air. (2) Commuter Trips. All trips to road games in which the Minor League Club travels to and from the road site in one day shall be limited to no more than 100 miles or two hours in each direction. (3) Approval of Vehicles. If a Minor League Club has a PDC, it must obtain the Major League Club's approval of all vehicles used for the purpose of traveling to road games. (4) Vans. Minor League Clubs may not use vans for trips that are in excess of 75 miles in each direction. (5) Flights After Night Games. If a night game was played on the immediately preceding date, a Minor League Club may not schedule an inter-city flight unless it either (A) has a departure time later than 9:00 a.m.; or (B) is the latest departing flight scheduled to arrive at least five hours before the start of the game. (6) Itineraries. Subject to the specific rules set forth above, a Minor League Club with a PDC must request the Major League Club's approval of all itineraries (i.e., scheduled route, type of plane if size and quality of equipment is a concern, and departure and arrival times) for bus, hotel and air travel. Such itineraries must
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 57(a) to 58(c) be submitted to the Major League Club for approval at least 15 days before the trip to which it applies. (b) HOTEL. The Major League Club must approve all hotels used by a Minor League Club that is party to a PDC, which approval shall not unreasonably be withheld in the case of hotels recommended by the Minor League Club. If a Major League Club approves a hotel(s) for use at the home site of a Minor League Club with which it has a PDC, that approval shall be sufficient for all visiting Minor League Clubs.
Rule 58 STANDARDS FOR MINOR LEAGUE PLAYING FACILITIES (a) STANDARDS. Each Minor League Club must maintain a playing facility that complies with agreed standards. These standards are set forth in Attachment 58. Any variance or waiver may be granted only by both the President of the Minor League Association and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and shall remain in effect only for the time remaining in the current PDC, unless both the President of the Minor League Association and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee agree that the variance or waiver involves a structural issue (a category that includes, but is not limited to, the construction of walls and other permanent features of a facility) for which a variance or waiver of longer duration is appropriate. Any variance or waiver granted under this Rule 58(a) may be renewed beyond its expiration for the term of a successor PDC. (b) MONITORING OF COMPLIANCE. The Commissioner's Office shall employ or otherwise contract for inspectors who will monitor Minor League Clubs' compliance with the agreed playing facility standards, and who will determine the frequency and timing of their inspections. (c) FAILURE TO MEET BALLPARK STANDARDS. The inspectors shall cite any failures to comply with the agreed standards and shall notify the President of the Minor League Association and the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee of such noncompliance. The President of the Minor League Association shall consult with the Major League Club that has a PDC with the non-complying Minor League Club, with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and with the Minor League Club itself. The President of the Minor League Association shall determine, in consultation with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, the specific measures the Minor League Club must take to achieve compliance and a timetable for achieving such compliance. The President of the Minor League Association shall then promptly notify such Minor League Club of such measures and timetable. Before the
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 58(c) to 59(a) expiration of the required compliance timetable, the Minor League Club may request an extension of the timetable or a variance from the required compliance measures (see Rule 58(a) (Standards)) upon a showing to the President of the Minor League Association of good cause. If the Minor League Club fails to achieve such compliance with respect to playing field and other team facilities within the time specified and has not received a variance from such compliance, the President of the Minor League Association shall consult with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee about appropriate punitive or remedial action against the Club, its owner(s) and/or its League. Such punitive or remedial action may include, without limitation, fines not exceeding $250,000 and suspensions of Minor League Club owners and/or personnel. After consultation with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, the President of the Minor League Association shall then impose such punitive and/or remedial action against the Club, its owner, and/or its League as the President shall determine is appropriate under the circumstances. In addition to other punitive or remedial action that the President of the Minor League Association may impose, if, after investigation and consultation with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, the President of the Minor League Association determines that the Minor League Club has no good cause for its failure, the President of the Minor League Association shall order the PDC voidable at the option of the Major League Club that is party to the PDC, and shall order the ownership of the Minor League Club to divest its interest in the franchise. In the event that there is a finding of good cause, the President of the Minor League Association, after consultation with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, shall issue a timetable for compliance within the shortest possible period. If either the Major League Club that has a PDC with a Minor League Club that has been cited for noncompliance or the Commissioner's designee believes that the failure by the President of the Minor League Association to impose a penalty constitutes an abuse of discretion, or that a timetable or extension for compliance or a variance given by the President of the Minor League Association constitutes an abuse of discretion, the Major League Club or the Commissioner's designee may certify the dispute for appeal to the Commissioner under Article II of the Professional Baseball Agreement.
Rule 59 LIEN ON TERRITORY (a) AMOUNT AND PRIORITY OF LIENS. The amount of a Major or Minor League Club's indebtedness:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 59(a) to 59(c) (1) To its players and for its pro-rata share of its League salary obligations to umpires and to its official scorers or for its pro-rata share of its League indebtedness to official scorers; (2) To other Major and/or Minor League Clubs for, or in connection with, assignments of player contracts, any of its commitments under a PDC or to any Major or Minor League Club or to any Major or Minor League or Minor League Association for money loaned (if such loans have been recorded with the Commissioner and the President of the Minor League Association within 10 days from the date of the loan); (3) For obligations due to the Minor League Association of which the Minor League Club's League is a member and for the Minor League Club's pro-rata share of its League obligations to that Minor League Association; and, (4) For obligations to the Major or Minor League Club's League,
shall become liens against the territory it represents. The liens shall rank in the order or priority stated in Rules 59(a)(1) through (a)(4). Except under such conditions as the President of the Minor League Association may impose, in the case of Minor League Clubs, League membership shall not be extended to any Major or Minor League Club in the debtor Club's territory until such debts are discharged. Liens established under this Rule 59 shall terminate at the expiration of two years from the date they were established. However, one year shall be added to the lien period for each season that membership is extended to a Major or Minor League Club in the territory of the debtor Club. (b) DEDUCTIONS. The Commissioner (in the case of a Major League Club) or the President of the Minor League Association (in the case of a Minor League Club) shall deduct the amount of the debts set forth in Rule 59(a) (Amount and Priority of Liens) from any monies received for the account of or to the credit of the debtor Major or Minor League Club. In the case of a Minor League Club, the President of the Minor League Association shall pay any maintenance charge required by the governing document of the Club's Minor League Association before applying the remainder of the deductions to the payment of the Club's debts. (c) EFFECT OF ASSIGNMENTS. Except as may be authorized by the Commissioner (in the case of a Major League Club) or the President of the Minor League Association (in the case of a Minor League Club), any assignment by a Club of monies due or to become due shall be subject to the provisions of this Rule 59, and shall not constitute any preference or priority contrary to the preferences and priorities
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 59(c) to 60(h) in this Rule 59, or otherwise affect any obligation specified in Rule 59(a) (Amount and Priority of Liens) that is of equal or superior priority.
Rule 60 DEFINITIONS The definitions set forth in this Rule 60 shall apply to the following terms as they are used in the Major League Constitution, the Major League Rules and all documents incorporated into or appended to the Major League Constitution and Major League Rules. (a) The term "Major League" shall refer to the American League and the National League and any other professional baseball league that is recognized as a Major League under the Major League Constitution. (b) The term "Major League Club" shall refer to a professional baseball club that plays in a Major League. (c) The term "Major League Player" shall refer to a professional baseball player who is on the Major League Reserve List of a Major League Club. (d) The term "Minor League Association" shall refer to any association of Minor League Clubs and/or Minor Leagues that is party to an agreement with the Major Leagues and that recognizes the authority of the Commissioner. (e) The term "Minor League" shall refer to any domestic or foreign professional baseball league (other than a Winter League) that is party to an agreement with the Major Leagues that recognizes the authority of the Commissioner and that recognizes that such league shall be a Minor League within the meaning of the Major League Rules. (f) The term "Minor League Club" shall refer to any professional baseball club that is a member in good standing of a Minor League. (g) The term "Club" shall refer to any Major League Club or Minor League Club. (h) The term "Minor League Player" shall refer to any professional baseball player who is on a Minor League Reserve List of a Major League Club or who is on the Reserve List of a Minor League Club.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 60(i) to 60(q) (i) The term "first-year player" shall refer to any player who has never before signed a Major or Minor League contract. (j) The term "Commissioner" shall refer to the individual who holds the office of Commissioner of Baseball pursuant to Article II of the Major League Constitution, or in the absence of a Commissioner, any entity succeeding to the powers and duties of the Commissioner pursuant to the Major League Constitution. (k) The term "President of a Minor League Association" shall refer to the individual who holds the authority of a chief executive officer under the governing document of a Minor League Association. (l) The term "Major League Reserve List" shall refer to the lists filed and maintained by a Major League Club pursuant to Rule 2 of all players, player-managers and playercoaches with whom the Major League Club is party to a Major League Uniform Player's Contract (unless such players have been assigned outright to a Minor League Club) and players whom the Major League Club has promoted to Major League status and also must be tendered Major League Uniform Player's Contracts on or before the following December 20. (m) The term "Minor League Reserve List" shall refer to the list filed and maintained pursuant to Rule 2 of all players, player-managers and player-coaches with whom a Major or Minor League Club is party to Minor League Uniform Player Contracts, including players under Major League Uniform Player's Contracts who have been assigned outright to Minor League Clubs. (n) The term "Major League Active List" shall refer to the list filed pursuant to Rule 2 of all players, player-managers and player-coaches who are currently eligible to play in a game for that Major League Club. (o) The term "Minor League Active List" shall refer to the list filed pursuant to Rule 2 of all players, player-managers and player-coaches who are currently eligible to play in a game for that Minor League Club. (p) The term "championship season" shall refer to the full schedule of regular-season games that has been approved for a Major or Minor League Club in accordance with the provisions of Rule 32. (q) The term "Player Development Contract (PDC)" shall refer to the Standard PDC in Rule 56.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR 60(r) to Acceptance (r) The term "independent Minor League Club" shall refer to a Minor League Club that is not owned by a Major League Club and does not have a PDC with a Major League Club or Clubs. (s) The term "Inactive Lists" shall refer: (1) with respect to Major League Clubs, to the Disabled, Bereavement, Suspended, Voluntarily Retired, Restricted, Disqualified and Ineligible Lists; and (2) with respect to Minor League Clubs, to the Disabled, Suspended, Voluntarily Retired, Restricted, Disqualified, Ineligible and Temporarily Inactive Lists. (t) The term Winter League shall refer to a professional baseball league outside the United States and Canada that plays a schedule of games that begins after August 31 and concludes before the start of the next championship season and that the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee recognizes as a Winter League. Winter Leagues are not Minor Leagues within the meaning of the Major League Rules. Winter League Clubs are not Minor League Clubs within the meaning of the Major League Rules.
ACCEPTANCE The foregoing Major League Rules having been proposed by the Major League Executive Council pursuant to the provisions of the Major League Constitution, have been duly accepted by the Major League Clubs and the Leagues of the National Association. These Rules are recognized as binding upon all their constituent Clubs and can be amended only as provided in said Major League Constitution and the Professional Baseball Agreement, where applicable.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 ATTACHMENT 3 MINOR LEAGUE UNIFORM PLAYER CONTRACT I. Parties
The parties to this Minor League Uniform Player Contract are those identified in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Addendum A. II. Definitions
A. As used in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, the term "Player" shall refer to the individual identified in paragraph 1 of Addendum A. B. The term "Major League" shall refer to The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs and any other professional baseball league that is granted Major League status pursuant to the Major League Agreement (MLA). C. The term "Major League Club" shall refer to a professional baseball club that is a member in good standing of a Major League. D. The term "Major League Player" shall refer to a professional baseball player who is on an Active List, Disabled List or other Inactive List of a Major League Club. E. The term "Minor League" shall refer to any domestic or foreign professional baseball league that, either directly or through membership in an association or other entity, is party to an agreement with the Major Leagues and that recognizes the authority of the Commissioner. F. The term "Minor League Club" shall refer to any professional baseball club that is a member in good standing of a Minor League. G. The term "Minor League Player" shall refer to any professional baseball player who is on a Minor League under control list and/or a Minor League Reserve List of a Major League Club and/or any professional baseball player who is on the Active List, Disabled List or other Inactive List of a Minor League Club. H. The term "Commissioner" shall refer to the individual who holds the office of Commissioner of Baseball pursuant to Article I of the MLA (or, in the absence of a
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 Commissioner, any person or entity succeeding to the powers and duties of the Commissioner pursuant to the MLA) or the Commissioner's designee. I. The term "Club" shall refer to the professional baseball club identified in paragraph 2 of Addendum A, and any other Major League Club or Minor League Club to which this Minor League Uniform Player Contract may be assigned, loaned, leased or otherwise transferred. The term "Club" also shall refer to any Major League Club or Minor League Club for which Player is directed to perform. J. The terms "Minor League Reserve List" and "Minor League under control list" shall refer to the lists filed pursuant to the Major League Rules of all Minor League Uniform Player Contracts to which that Club holds title. K. The terms "Major League Reserve List" and "Major League under control list" shall refer to the lists filed pursuant to the Major League Rules of all Major League Uniform Player Contracts that Club holds title to and that Club has placed on the Major League roster. L. The term "championship playing season" shall refer to the full schedule of regular-season games that has been approved for Club. M. The term "Minor League Association" shall refer to any association of Minor League Clubs and/or Minor Leagues that is party to an agreement with the Major Leagues and that recognizes the authority of the Commissioner. III. Recital
The Major Leagues have jointly subscribed to the Major League Agreement (MLA) and the Major League Rules (MLR). The parties agree that they and this Minor League Uniform Player Contract are therefore subject to and governed by the MLA and MLR, which are fully incorporated in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract as if set forth herein verbatim. The Major Leagues are currently party to the Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (National Association). To the extent that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is assigned, loaned, leased or otherwise transferred to a Minor League Club which is a member of a National Association League (or the player is directed by the Club to perform for, or report to, such Minor League Club), the parties acknowledge (A) that they and this Minor League Uniform Player Contract are bound by, subject to and governed by the then-existing PBA and any subsequent amendments to that document, and (B) that the then-existing PBA (and any subsequent amendments to that document) are fully incorporated in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract as if set forth herein verbatim.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3
To the extent that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is assigned, loaned, leased or otherwise transferred to a Minor League Club which is not a member of a National Association League (or the Player is directed by the Club to perform for, or report to, such Minor League Club), the parties acknowledge (A) that they and this Minor League Uniform Player Contract are bound by, subject to and governed by any agreement(s) and any subsequent amendments to any present or future agreements then in effect between the Major Leagues and the Minor League or Minor League Association of which the Minor League Club is a member and (B) that any such agreements (and any subsequent amendments to any such agreements) are fully incorporated in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract as if set forth herein verbatim. IV. Scope
Subject to the provisions of the Basic Agreement applicable to Major League Players performing for Minor League Clubs and/or in Minor Leagues, this Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall set the terms and conditions of Player's employment during all periods in which Player is employed by Club as a Minor League Player. The Basic Agreement and the Major League Uniform Player Contract shall exclusively govern the terms and conditions of Player's employment during all periods in which Player is performing services for Club as a Major League Player. This Minor League Uniform Player Contract therefore shall have no application during any period in which Player is on Club's Major League Active, Disabled or other Inactive List. V. Agreement
In consideration of the foregoing Recital and Scope provisions, for the mutual representations, promises, covenants and agreements contained herein (including in Addenda A, B and C) and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, promise, covenant and agree as follows. VI. Duration And Conditions Of Employment
A. Unless a different term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is set forth in Addendum A, Club hereby employs Player to render, and Player agrees to render, skilled services as a Minor League Player in seven (7) separate championship playing seasons, commencing with the beginning of the championship playing season identified in paragraph 3 of Addendum A, or the portion of that regular championship playing season remaining after the execution date of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, as specified in paragraph 4 of Addendum A, whichever date is later. Unless
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is terminated pursuant to Paragraph XIX, the term of employment shall extend until Player has performed services for Club as a Minor League Player in the requisite total of separate championship playing seasons. For purposes of determining whether Player has performed in the requisite total of separate championship playing seasons, Player shall not be deemed to have performed services as a Minor League Player during any championship playing season in which Player is on either the Major League Active List, the Major League Disabled List or other Major League Inactive List (or combination of the foregoing) for the entire season. Player also shall not be deemed to have performed services as a Minor League Player in any championship playing season in which Player is on the Restricted List, Disqualified List, Suspended List, Ineligible List, Voluntarily Retired List or Military List (or combinations of the foregoing) for the entire season. Player also shall not be deemed to have performed services as a Minor League Player in any championship season in which Player withholds services for any portion of the championship playing season or playoff games at the conclusion of that championship playing season. For purposes of determining whether Player has performed services in the requisite total of separate championship playing seasons, service in winter league play shall be excluded. B. This Minor League Uniform Player Contract obligates Player to perform professional services on a calendar year basis, regardless of the fact that salary payments are to be made only during the actual championship playing season. The salary paid is in part based on considerations in addition to the actual performance of services during the championship playing season. Player therefore understands and agrees that Players duties and obligations under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract continue in full force and effect throughout the calendar year, including Club's championship playing season, Club's training season, Club's exhibition games, Club's instructional, post-season training or winter league games, any official play-off series, any other official post-season series in which Club shall be required to participate, any other game or games in the receipts of which Player may be entitled to a share, and any remaining portions of the calendar year. Player's duties and obligations shall continue in full force and effect until October 15 of the calendar year of the last championship playing season covered by this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. C. Player and Club also agree to comply with all decisions of the Commissioner pursuant to the provisions of the MLA and MLR and, to the extent applicable, the PBA or other agreement in effect between the Major Leagues and one or more Minor Leagues or Minor League Associations. D. Player's physical condition is important to the safety and welfare of Player and to the success of Club. Thus, to enable Player to become properly fit for Players duties under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, Club may require Player to maintain Players playing condition and weight during the off-season and to report for
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 practice and conditioning at such times and places as Club may determine and may require Player to participate in such exhibition games prior to the championship playing season as Club may arrange. Club shall reimburse Player for expenses incurred in traveling from Player's home city to Club's training place and Club shall have the right to select the mode and class of transportation to be used and the route to be taken by Player. In the event Player fails to report for practice and conditioning as required, or fails to participate in exhibition games, Club may impose a reasonable fine upon Player in accordance with Paragraph XX and also require Player to become fit for Players duties to the satisfaction of Club at Player's own expense. E. Player represents that Player is aware of the Commissioner's Office Policy (the Policy) prohibiting Minor League Players and other Minor League Personnel from using or possessing tobacco or similar products on ballpark premises or during Club travel. Player also agrees that all Policy provisions (and any subsequent amendments, revisions or additions) shall be incorporated in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract as if set forth herein verbatim. Player further promises that Player will comply fully with all Policy provisions and that Players obligation to do so is a material term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. Player understands and agrees that any violation of the Policy may subject Player to discipline (including, but not limited to, a monetary fine and/or a suspension) under the terms of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, the MLA and the MLR. Moreover, Player stipulates and agrees that all disputes concerning the Policy and/or Player's compliance with the Policy shall be resolved in accordance with this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, the MLA and the MLR. VII. Payment
A. For the performance of all of the skilled services by Player and for Player's other promises herein contained, Club will pay Player at the monthly rate set out in Addendum C-1 during the first championship playing season covered by this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. The Player and Club shall attempt annually to negotiate an applicable monthly salary rate for the next subsequent championship playing season covered by this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. Such negotiations shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the MLA and, if applicable, the PBA or other agreement in effect between the Major League and one or more Minor Leagues or Minor League Associations. If the Player and Club reach agreement, the agreed-upon monthly salary rate shall be set out in a new Addendum C, and Player agrees to execute same. If the Player and Club do not reach agreement, then the Player's monthly salary rate for the next championship playing season shall be set by the Club, but shall not be less than eighty percent (80%) of the monthly salary rate set out in the most recently executed Addendum C. If the Player's monthly salary rate
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 is set by the Club, that monthly salary rate shall be set out in a new Addendum C, and Player agrees to execute same. Any monthly salary rate set out in any Addendum C shall conform to any applicable minimum salary requirements contained in the MLR. If Player is a foreign national with a nonimmigrant visa, monthly salary rates set out in any Addendum C shall be adjusted upward as necessary to conform with the minimum required salary levels. The various Addenda C for this Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be numbered consecutively, for example, Addendum C-1, Addendum C2, et cetera. B. The monthly payments under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract will be made in two (2) semi-monthly installments on the 15th day and last day of the month after the beginning of Club's championship playing season. The obligation to make such payments to Player shall start with the beginning of Club's championship playing season or such later date as Player reports for championship season play. The obligation to make such payments shall end with the termination of Club's championship playing season and any official play-off series in which Club shall participate, or upon the termination of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, whichever shall occur first. Player shall not be entitled to any payment under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract for any period that Player is on a Major League Active, Disabled or other Inactive List. If Player is in the service of Club for part of Club's championship playing season only, Player shall receive such proportion of the rate set forth above as the number of days of Players actual employment in any month compares to the number of days in said month. VIII. Disability Of Player
A. If Player is disabled during Club's training season and if this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is terminated during Club's training season as a result of that disability, or if this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is later terminated during the first fourteen days of Club's championship playing season while Player is so disabled, Player shall be paid by Club at the rate of compensation set out in the most recently executed Addendum C for a period of two weeks from the first day of Club's championship playing season. However, if Player is injured during Club's training season and is not released on or before the fourteenth day of Club's championship playing season, Club shall continue to be obligated to pay Player at the rate of compensation set out in the most recently executed Addendum C until the conclusion of Club's championship playing season, or until an earlier date on which Club may give Player an unconditional release. B. If Player is disabled during Club's championship playing season, that disability shall not impair Player's rights to receive the compensation set forth in subparagraph A of Paragraph VII for a period of fourteen days from the date of such
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 disability if that disability continues for all of such period. It is specifically provided, however, that said fourteen days' period shall not be considered for purposes of determining whether any additional payments may be due Player under any Special Covenants to this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. However, if Player is not released during or at the end of the fourteen days' period, Club shall continue to be obligated to Player for compensation under the terms of subparagraph A of Paragraph VII to the conclusion of Club's championship playing season, or to such earlier date on which Club may give Player an unconditional release. C. Club also shall pay all of Player's necessary and reasonable hospital and medical expenses incurred during the term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract by reason of said disability, which expenses are not paid by workers compensation insurance or other surgical, medical or hospitalization insurance policy, for the number of days in the period of disability or 180 days, whichever is less. Club, however shall always have the right to select the physician or dentist to perform professional services to be rendered to Player as well as the place of delivery of said services, including hospital, offices or clinic, or to approve the person rendering such services or the place where such services are to be performed if selected by Player. D. The following conditions are expressly established as conditions precedent to Club's obligation to pay any of the salary provided for in subparagraphs A and B of this Paragraph VIII, or to pay any of the medical or hospital expenses provided for in subparagraph C of this Paragraph VIII: 1. Player's disability must have been a direct and proximate result of an injury sustained in the course and within the scope of Player's employment under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract; and Player must give Club written notice of the place, time, cause and nature of Player's injuries within five (5) days from the date of receiving such injuries or prior to the termination of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, whichever is earlier. The failure of Player to give such notice shall not impair the rights of Player, as set forth herein, if Club has actual knowledge of such injury to Player; and Player, if requested by Club, must provide Club with written medical proof of Player's disability.
2.
3.
E. Any workers compensation payments, or any surgical, medical or hospitalization insurance payments received by Player for the period for which Club is paying Player, as specified in this Paragraph VIII, shall be immediately paid by Player
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 to Club. If Player fails or refuses to pay these monies to Club, Club shall deduct the same from any compensation due Player. IX. Allowance
Club will provide Player during Club's training season and while Club is "abroad" with lodging (if Player is required to remain "abroad" overnight) and the meal allowance required by the MLR. If while "abroad" Club elects to require Player to remain "home" and Player is on Club's Active or Disabled List, Club shall pay Player the meal allowance required by the MLR. No such meal allowance shall be due Player, however, if Players permanent residence is located in the home city of Club or if Player returns to Players permanent residence while Club is abroad. The terms "home" and "abroad" mean, respectively, at and away from the city in which Club has its home baseball park. X. Transportation
Club will provide Player with the mode and class of transportation of its choice from "home" to "abroad" games and back. Player agrees to use the mode of transportation furnished by Club to and from all "abroad" games at all times. Club will provide Player return transportation to Players home city at the conclusion of the championship playing season or playoffs, or if unconditionally released prior thereto. Mode and class of transportation shall be at the Club's discretion. XI. Uniform
Club will select and furnish Player with necessary baseball uniforms, excluding shoes, but including all numerals, emblems, logos or devices to be worn on the uniform or affixed thereto. Additionally, Club may, if it wishes to do so, provide shoes or other personal equipment items or apparel, such as batting gloves or fielding gloves. Player shall wear uniforms, personal equipment items and apparel as furnished and shall not alter or disfigure them. At the end of the championship playing season, or at the end of any post-season series games, or upon the assignment or other transfer of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, or upon the unconditional release of Player from this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, or upon any direction by Club to perform services for a different Club, Player immediately shall return to Club such uniforms, personal equipment items, apparel and any and all other property of Club in the possession of Player. Player shall not wear or use any personal equipment item, article of apparel or any other item with or upon Players uniform which is not approved by Club, or which is not in accordance with the MLR.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 XII. Loyalty
Player agrees to serve Club diligently and faithfully, to keep in first-class condition, and to observe and comply with all rules and regulations of Club. Further, Player agrees to conform to high standards of personal conduct (before, during and after working hours), fair play and good sportsmanship. XIII. Promotion of Baseball
In addition to the furnishings of professional baseball services to Club, Player agrees, beginning with the date that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is executed, to cooperate with Club and to participate in any and all promotional activities of Club which, in the sole opinion of Club, will promote the welfare of Club or of professional baseball. XIV. Pictures Of Player
Player agrees, beginning with the date that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is executed, that current or future photographs, whether still or action, and motion pictures may be taken and any form of broadcasts or telecasts of Player, individually or with others, may be made at such times or places as Club may designate and agrees that all rights therein and all rights to Player's name, voice, signature, biographical information and likeness shall belong to Club and that they may be used, reproduced, sold, licensed, or otherwise disseminated or published by Club or its licensees, assignees, and/or other designees directly or indirectly in any medium whatsoever for any purpose (including but not limited to in broadcast, in print, on trading cards, posters and other merchandise of any kind, in electronics, in audio, in video or in connection with any media), in any manner and at any time, including after the term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, that Club desires. Player acknowledges that the foregoing rights include, without limitation, all related copyright, trademark, trade name, service mark, right of publicity and/or right of privacy rights. Club may exploit each of the rights granted to it by Player pursuant to this Paragraph XIV without additional payment or other compensation to Player. Player further agrees that during the term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract Player will not make public appearances, participate in radio or television programs, or on-line computer forums or any public conferences of any sort, permit Players picture to be taken while in Club's uniform or a part thereof, sponsor or permit Players name, voice, signature, biographical information and/or likeness to be used in conjunction with any commercial purpose, including but not limited to the sale, rental or advertising or promotion of products or services, or write or sponsor newspaper, magazine or any other article for publication, without the express prior written consent of Club.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 XV. Player's Representations
As a further inducement to Club to enter into this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, Player represents to Club as follows: A. Player has no physical or mental defects which would prevent or impair the performance of Player's skilled services as a professional baseball player for Club. Player is capable of and will perform services and such other duties as may be required pursuant to this Minor League Uniform Player Contract with expertness, diligence and fidelity. B. Player does not own, directly or indirectly, stock or have any financial interest in the ownership or earnings of any Minor League Club or Major League Club except as hereinafter expressly set forth, and covenants that Player will not hereafter, while under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, acquire or hold any such stock or interest. C. Player has exceptional and unique skill and ability as a baseball player, and Player's services to be rendered to Club are of a special and extraordinary character which gives Player a peculiar value which cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated for in damages at law. Therefore, Player agrees that Player's breach of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract will cause Club great and irreparable injury and damage. Accordingly, Player agrees that, in addition to other remedies, Club shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent a breach of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract by Player, including the right to enjoin Player from playing professional baseball for any other person or organization during the term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. D. Player is not a party to, and will not enter into, any contract or any contractual obligation to render skilled services as a professional baseball player with any person or organization other than Club. Additionally, Player is not a party to, and will not enter into, any contract or any contractual obligation that conflicts with any of Players obligations under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract or limits (as determined by the Club in the sole exercise of its discretion) the rights granted Club under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract or that impairs Club's ability to fully exercise such rights. E. Player's name, as set forth in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, and of which Players signature to this Minor League Uniform Player Contract consists, is Players proper and legal name and is not a fictitious or assumed name.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 F. All personal information concerning Player in Addendum A is true and accurate. G. Player is eligible, in accordance with the MLR, to execute this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. H. Player represents and warrants that: 1. Player has the full authority to grant the rights contained in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract and to execute, deliver and perform the obligations under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, the execution and delivery of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract will not conflict with or result in any breach of any agreement to which Player is a part or by which Player is bound, and this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is duly executed and delivered by Player.
2.
3.
XVI.
Playing For Others
A. For the purpose of avoiding physical injuries, Player agrees that during the term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, Player will not play baseball other than for Club, without the written consent of the Club. If Club consents to Player's participation in a winter league, the terms and conditions of Player's employment during winter league play shall be governed by this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, except that Player and Club shall agree on the amount of monetary compensation for Player's participation in winter league play. B. Player and Club agree and recognize that Player's participation in any other sport may impair or destroy Player's ability and skill as a professional baseball player. Accordingly, from and after the date of execution of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, Player agrees that Player shall not engage in automobile or motorcycle racing, hanggliding, fencing, parachuting, skydiving, boxing, wrestling, karate, judo, football, basketball, skiing, hockey, or any other sport or activity involving a substantial risk of personal injury. Player also agrees that, except with the written consent of Club, Player will not participate in amateur, intramural, intercollegiate or professional athletics in any sport whatsoever.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 XVII. Physical Examination
A. When requested by Club, Player shall submit to a complete physical, psychiatric, psychological and/or dental examination at the expense of Club, and, if necessary, to medical, surgical, psychiatric or dental treatment at Player's own expense, except as otherwise provided in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. Upon the failure or refusal of Player to do so, Club may take such action against Player as it deems advisable in the manner agreed to between the parties and set forth at Paragraph XX. B. It is specifically provided, however, that if Player signed this Minor League Uniform Player Contract as a free agent (whether or not previously party to a Major League or Minor League Uniform Player Contract), within ninety days subsequent to the execution of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract by Player, Club may require Player to undergo a complete physical, psychiatric, psychological and/or dental examination by a physician and/or dentist of Club's choosing and at Club's expense. If such examination reveals the presence of any physical and/or dental defect, congenital or otherwise, which in the judgment of the physician or dentist would or might substantially impair Player's ability to play professional baseball and was present at the time of execution of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract by Player, Club may terminate this Minor League Uniform Player Contract without further payment to Player of any bonus, benefits or other compensation provided for in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract or any Special Covenants to this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. Such a termination, however, must be effected (including notification to the Commissioner's Office) within one hundred and five (105) days subsequent to the execution of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract by Player. In the event of a termination pursuant to this subparagraph B of Paragraph XVII, this Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be void and of no force or effect between the Parties and Player shall repay any bonus, benefits or other compensation provided pursuant to any Special Covenants to this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. XVIII. Assignments, Transfers And Directions To Perform For Minor Or Major League Clubs
A. Player specifically agrees and understands that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract may be freely assigned by Club, and re-assigned by any assignee Club, to any other Major League Club or Minor League Club. B. Upon assignment of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, the assignee Club shall be liable to Player only for payments accruing from the date Player reports to the Club for which Player is directed to perform by assignee Club. Assignor Club shall remain liable to Player for all payments accrued as of the date of the
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 assignment. In addition, if Player reports to the Club for which Player is directed to perform by assignee Club as soon as the mode of transportation authorized or furnished to player permits, assignor Club shall be liable to Player for the travel time required to reach the city to which Player is directed to report to join the Club for which Player is directed to perform by assignee Club. C. In the event this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is assigned, following Players receipt of written or telegraphic notice of the assignment, Player shall report to the Club for which Player is directed to perform by the assignee Club as soon as the mode of transportation authorized or furnished to Player permits. If Player fails or refuses to report as soon as the mode of transportation authorized or furnished to Player permits, Player shall not be entitled to any payment for the period from the date upon which Player received written or telegraphic notice of the assignment to the date on which Player reports to the Club for which Player is directed to perform by the assignee Club. D. Player also specifically agrees and understands that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract (and the Club's exclusive rights to Players services under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract) may be freely loaned, leased or otherwise transferred to any Minor League Club. In the event this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is loaned, leased, or otherwise transferred, following Players receipt of written or telegraphic notice of the loan, lease or transfer, Player shall report to the Club to which this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is loaned, leased or otherwise transferred as soon as the mode of transportation authorized or furnished to Player permits. If Player fails or refuses to report as soon as the mode of transportation authorized or furnished to Player permits, Player shall not be entitled to any payment for the period from the date upon which Player received written or telegraphic notice of the loan, lease or transfer to the date on which Player reports to the Club to which this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is loaned, leased or otherwise transferred. E. Player also specifically agrees and understands that Club may freely direct Player to perform services for any Major League or Minor League Club. Further, following Players receipt of written or telegraphic notice of the direction to perform, Player specifically agrees and understands that Players obligation under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract to perform services for the directed Club shall be the same as Players obligation to perform services for Club under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. If Club directs Player to perform services for a Club, Player agrees to report to the Club as soon as the mode of travel authorized or provided permits, and to perform all services for such Club in a diligent and faithful manner. If Player fails or refuses to report as soon as the mode of transportation authorized or furnished to Player permits, Player shall not be entitled to any payment for the period
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 from the date upon which Player received written or telegraphic notice of the direction to perform to the date on which Player reports to the directed Club. F. Player agrees that Player will execute the standard form Major League Uniform Player Contract then in effect in the Major Leagues if Player is placed (following an assignment, direction to perform or otherwise) on a Major League roster, Major League under control list or Major League Reserve List at any point during the term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. G. If Player agrees, this Minor League Uniform Player Contract may be assigned, loaned, leased or otherwise transferred to (or Player directed to perform for) a Minor League Club or other professional baseball club participating in winter league play. The terms and conditions of Player's employment during winter league play shall be as stated in Subparagraph A of Paragraph XVI. XIX. Termination
A. If Club is in arrears to Player for any payments due Player under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract for more than fifteen (15) days, or if Club fails for more than fifteen (15) days to perform any other obligations agreed or required to be performed by Club, Player shall be entitled to apply to the Commissioner to terminate this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. Thereafter, if Club fails to remedy the default as to the payment or other obligation within such time as the Commissioner may fix, the Commissioner shall terminate this Minor League Uniform Player Contract by a declaration of Player's free agency. It is specifically provided, however, that Club shall remain liable to Player for all payments due him as of the date of the termination of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract and the declaration of Player's free agency. B. Club may terminate this Minor League Uniform Player Contract upon the delivery of written or telegraphic notice to Player if Player at any time shall: 1. Fail, refuse or neglect to conform Player's personal conduct to high standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship; Fail, refuse or neglect to keep himself in first-class physical condition; Fail, refuse or neglect to obey Club's requirements respecting Player's conduct and service; Fail in the judgment of Club to exhibit sufficient skill or competitive ability to qualify or to continue as a professional baseball player as a member of Club's team; or
2. 3.
4.
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5.
Fail, refuse or neglect to render Player's services hereunder, or in any other manner to materially breach this Minor League Uniform Player Contract.
C. If Player becomes disabled, Club may also terminate this Minor League Uniform Player Contract in accordance with Paragraph VIII above. XX. Disputes
A. For the violation by Player of any of the obligations or duties of Player as set forth in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, or for the violation by Player of any of Club's rules or regulations, Player agrees that Club may impose a reasonable fine upon Player and deduct the amount thereof from Player's compensation, or may suspend Player without compensation, or both. Player also agrees that Club may place him on any disciplinary list or lists prescribed by the MLR or any other applicable Major League or Minor League rules. B. In the event of any dispute or claim between Player and Club arising under any of the provisions of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, the sole and exclusive forum available to Player and Club to resolve such dispute shall be arbitration by the Commissioner. Player or Club may exercise such right to arbitration by filing a written, itemized and detailed appeal with the Commissioner within 120 days of the event giving rise to the claim. The decision of the Commissioner shall be final and binding. Player and Club understand that the decision of the Commissioner may not be challenged in any federal or state court or any other tribunal or forum. C. Player specifically consents that either Club or the Commissioner may make known to the public the findings, decisions or record of any inquiry, investigation or hearing, including all evidence, information or testimony given, received, obtained or elicited as the result of any such inquiry, investigation or hearing. XXI. Contingent Bonus
A. Any Special Covenants to this Minor League Uniform Player Contract which entitle Player to receive bonus payments if Player is retained by Club on a designated date or for a designated period shall be subject to the following: In the event Player is placed on the Restricted, Voluntarily Retired, Military, Disqualified or Ineligible List prior to the date upon which the bonus payment becomes due and payable to Player, payment of the bonus shall be suspended by Club until Player is reinstated to an Active List and reports to and is retained by Club for the number of
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 days required by this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, including any special covenants. B. In the event the official date of placement on any of the lists enumerated in subparagraph A of this Paragraph XXI is later than the date Player ceased to be an active Player, the earlier date shall apply in determining the new date for payment of the Contingent Bonus following Player's reinstatement to an Active List of Club. XXII. Special Covenants
If Player is to receive or has received any additional payment whatsoever from Club or from any other source in connection with this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, it must be fully described on Addendum B, giving name of payor, amount and nature of payment, when paid or to be paid, et cetera. XXIII. Legislation And Suspension
This Minor League Uniform Player Contract is subject to federal and state legislation, regulations, executive or other official orders and other governmental action, now or hereafter in effect, which may affect directly or indirectly Player or Club. Additionally, this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is subject to the authority of the Commissioner to suspend the operation of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, including the payment of compensation to Player, during any national emergency or any cessation or suspension of play in the Major Leagues. In the event that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is suspended pursuant to the terms of this paragraph, it is specifically agreed between Player and Club that the compensation provisions of Paragraph VII shall be modified and the compensation paid to Player at the monthly rate set forth in Paragraph VII shall be paid only for the portion of the championship playing season actually played by Player. Moreover, in the event that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is suspended pursuant to the terms of this Paragraph XXIII, it is also specifically agreed between Player and Club that the Club's exclusive right to the Player's services shall remain in effect and that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall continue in full force and effect for the remainder of its term once the suspension ends. XXIV. Entire Agreement
Club and Player covenant that this Minor League Uniform Player Contract fully sets forth all understandings and agreements by and between them and agree that no understandings or agreements, whether heretofore or hereafter made, shall be valid, recognized, or of any effect whatsoever, unless and until they are set forth in a
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 subsequent Minor League Uniform Player Contract executed by Player and Club, filed with and approved by the Commissioner of Baseball and complying with the MLR. XXV. Governing Law
This Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be governed by and interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under New York law. However, if any provisions of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidation only, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. XXVI. Approval Required
This is the only Minor League Uniform Player Contract form prescribed by the MLR. No different form shall be used and no clause shall be added or eliminated without the specific written approval of the Commissioner. Any written or oral agreement between Player and Club not contained in this Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall subject both parties to discipline. No such agreement shall be recognized or enforced by the Commissioner. This Minor League Uniform Player Contract, including any addenda or attachments, shall not be valid, recognized or enforced unless filed with and approved by the Commissioner. XXVII. Player Information and Notices
Player will immediately provide Club and any Club to which this Minor League Uniform Player Contract is assigned, loaned or leased (and any Club for which Player is directed to perform services) with Players current home address and telephone number, and will keep such information current. Any written notice required to be given by the Club to the Player under this Minor League Uniform Player Contract may be accomplished, at Club's option, by sending the notice via registered mail to the Player's last known address and/or by physically delivering the notice to the Player. The effective date of any written notice shall be the date on which the notice is mailed or physically delivered, whichever is earlier. The effective date of any telegraphic notice by the Club to the Player will be the date on which the telegram is sent.
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This Minor League Uniform Player Contract must be received at the Commissioner's Office within 20 days from the date SIGNED by Player. Player must sign NAME, including all INITIALS, and must DATE in Players OWN HANDWRITING on Addendum A. Player's social security number, date of birth, street address, city, state, country, zip code and telephone number must be included. If Player has not previously signed a professional contract, Player's position, height, weight, batting hand, throwing hand, high school, high school graduation date, junior college, junior college graduation date, college, college graduation date and place of birth must be included. A copy of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, when approved by the Commissioner, must be delivered to Player in person or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 ASSIGNMENTS OF THIS MINOR LEAGUE UNIFORM PLAYER CONTRACT 1. On____________________, this contract was assigned from (Date) ____________________________________ to_____________________________ (Assignor Club) (Assignee Club)
2.
On____________________, this contract was assigned from (Date) ____________________________________ to_____________________________ (Assignor Club) (Assignee Club)
3.
4.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 ADDENDUM A 1. Player's Information____________________________________________________ Name (First) (Middle) (Last) ______________________________________________________ Permanent Street Address ______________________________________________________ City State Country Zip
Social Security No. Telephone No.
Date of Birth
2. Club's Name:_____________________________________________________ 3. First championship playing season covered by this Minor League Uniform Contract: _______ (Year) 4. Execution Date of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract: ______________ Month/Day/Year 5. Pursuant to subparagraph E of Paragraph XVIII, and subject to change at any time, Club initially directs Player to perform for the ___________________ Club of the___________________League. STATUS OF PLAYER First Minor League Contract Non-drafted Player Rule 4 Drafted Player Not Subject to Rule 4 Draft Draft Selection Overall Year___ Round____ Sel. No.___ Previous Contract Assigned from Major League Club Completed Previous Minor League Contract Released/Nontendered Player Major League Re-entry Free Agent Other (explain)____________________
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PLAYER INFORMATION (MUST BE COMPLETED FOR FIRST MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS) POS_________HGT_______WGT_______BATS______THROWS_____ HIGH SCHOOL__________________ JUNIOR COLLEGE_______________ COLLEGE_______________________ _______GRAD DATE______
(State) (State) (State) (M/Y) (M/Y) (M/Y)
_______GRAD DATE______ _______GRAD DATE______
DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL? Y/N (Circle One) If Yes, Drop Out Date _______ from (College/JC/HS)
(M/Y) (City) (State) (Circle One) (Country)
PLACE OF BIRTH_______________________________________________
CONTRACT TERM (FOR PREVIOUSLY-SIGNED PLAYERS ONLY) If Player has previously signed a Minor League or Major League contract, this Minor League Uniform Player Contract shall be, consistent with the MLR, for the following term: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (circle one) __________ (write out) championship playing seasons. EXECUTION OF THIS CONTRACT By affixing their signatures below, Player and Club indicate their understanding of, and agreement to, all of the provisions of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, including pages one through six, Addendum A, Addendum B, Addendum C-1, and any other attachments. CLUB DATE AND SIGN HERE AS TO CLUB:________________ Date (Write Out Month)
By:__________________________ Authorized Club Representative Signature Title: ________________________
PLAYER DATE AND SIGN HERE AS TO PLAYER:_______________ Date (Write Out Month)
____________________________ Player's Signature
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PARENTS OR GUARDIAN CONSENT Irrevocable consent is given to the performance and execution of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract (including all Addenda and attachments) by the minor Player party hereto. Such consent shall be effective as to all provisions, including (but not limited to) any assignment, loan, lease or direction to perform under Paragraph XVIII hereof, and any compensation and any restrictions thereon that are hereinafter negotiated or set by the Club pursuant to Paragraph VII hereof. Consent is irrevocably given for the duration of this contract to the payment of all earnings, bonuses and other consideration personally to the minor Player party. Player's parents or guardian further agree to hold Club harmless for any injury suffered by Player during the term of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract. These consents and promise to hold harmless are expressly given as an inducement to enter into this contract. _________ Date ___________________________________ Signature of Father-Mother-Guardian (circle one) _________ ___________________________________ Date Signature of Father-Mother-Guardian (circle one)
FOR COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE USE ONLY
Approved and recorded: Date:_______________By:_________________________ Commissioner of Baseball
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 ADDENDUM B Special Covenants: In accordance with Paragraph XXII of this Minor League Uniform Player Contract, all additional payments or consideration whatsoever that Player is to receive or has received from Club or from any other source in connection with this Minor League Uniform Player Contract are fully described below:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 ADDENDUM C-___ In accordance with Paragraph VII of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract to which the undersigned Player is a party, Player's monthly salary rate during the ________(Year) championship playing season shall be $__________/month (_____________________________________________ dollars per month.) If a Player and Club have agreed on a different monthly salary rate if Player is on the Active or Disabled List of a Club in a particular classification, that monthly salary rate, classification and any restrictions, contingencies, minimum service requirements, and other agreements concerning salary are fully set out below:
Players Name (print or type)
Clubs Name (print or type)
Players Signature
Club Representatives Name/Position
Street Address
Club Representative Signature
City
State
Country
Zip
Date
Telephone No.
Social Security No.
Date FOR COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE USE ONLY Approved and recorded:
Date:______________
By:________________________ Commissioner of Baseball
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 ADDENDUM C-___
In accordance with Paragraph VII of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract to which the undersigned Player is a party, Player's monthly salary rate during the ______(Year) championship playing season shall be: CLASSIFICATION OR SUBCLASSIFICATION _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ MONTHLY SALARY ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ EXAMPLE OF CLUB _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________
If Player is on the Active or Disabled Lists of Clubs in more than one subclassification or classification during the same pay period and is entitled to different salary rates for the different subclassifications or classifications, Players salary shall be prorated in accordance with the number of days of Players employment in each subclassification or classification compared to the number of days in that pay period. All other restrictions, contingencies, minimum service requirements, and other agreements concerning salary are fully set out below:
Player's Name (print or type)
Club's Name (print or type)
Player's Signature
Club Representative's Name/Position
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Street Address
Club Representative's Signature
City
State
Country
Zip
Date
Telephone No.
Social Security No.
_________________________________ Date FOR COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE USE ONLY Approved and recorded:
Date:______________
By:________________________ Commissioner of Baseball
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 3 ADDENDUM D In accordance with subparagraph A of Paragraph XVI and subparagraph G of Paragraph XVIII and all other terms of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract to which the undersigned Player is a party, Player's monthly salary rate during the ______ (Year) championship playing season of the __________________ League shall be $_____________/month (________________________________dollars per month).
_____________________________________ Team Player has agreed to perform for _____________________________________ Team Representative's Name/Position _____________________________ Player's Name (print or type) _____________________________ Player's Signature _____________________________________ Major League Club's Name (print or type) _____________________________________ Major League Club Representative's Name/Position (print or type) _____________________________________ Major League Club Representative's Signature
_____________________________ Date
_____________________________________ Date
FOR COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE USE ONLY
Approved and recorded:
Date:_________________By:________________________ Commissioner of Baseball
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 4 ATTACHMENT 4 (a) PLAYER'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF CONTRACT TENDER. I hereby acknowledge that on ___________, I received from __________________, (Date) (Name of Club official) a representative of the _________________________, each of the following: (Club Name) (1) (2) written notice that I was selected in the First-Year Player Draft; a copy of Major League Rules 3(c) (Contract Terms for First-Year Player Contracts), 4(d) (Effect of Selection on Player) and 4(e) (Negotiation Rights); and three identical, executed Minor League Uniform Player Contracts, two of which are to be returned to the Major League Club for approval processing after execution by me. For each copy of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract, (A) Addendum A was completed and signed by a Major League Club official; (B) Addendum B was completed, or the word "NONE" was entered; and (C) Addendum C was completed and signed by a Major League Club official.
(3)
DATE: __________________
_____________________________ Player's Name (print or type) _____________________________ Player's Signature _____________________________ Parent or Guardian Signature (if Player is a minor)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 4 (b) DECLARATION OF CLUB OFFICIAL I hereby declare, under penalty of perjury, that on __________________, I, on behalf (Date) of the ___________________, personally delivered to ________________________ (Club Name) (Name of Player) ("Player") each of the following: (1) (2) written notice that Player was selected in the First-Year Player Draft; a copy of Major League Rules 3(c) (Contract Terms for First-Year Player Contracts), 4(d) (Effect of Selection on Player) and 4(e) (Negotiation Rights); and three identical, executed Minor League Uniform Player Contracts, two of which are to be returned to the Major League Club for approval processing after execution by Player. For each copy of the Minor League Uniform Player Contract, (A) Addendum A was completed and signed by a Major League Club official; (B) Addendum B was completed, or the word "NONE" was entered; and (C) Addendum C was completed and signed by a Major League Club official. Player refused to sign a form acknowledging receipt of each of the items described above. DATE: __________________ _____________________________ Club Official's Name (print or type) _____________________________ Club Official's Signature _________________________ Club Official's Title
(3)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 12 ATTACHMENT 12 NOTICE TO PLAYER OF RELEASE OR TRANSFER ____________________, _____ (Date) (Year) To Mr. __________________________ You are hereby notified as follows: 1. 2. That you are unconditionally released. That your contract has been assigned to the ________ ______________ Club of _____________________ League. (a) (b) Without right of recall. With right of recall.
(Cross out parts not applicable. In case of optional agreement, specify all conditions affecting player.) __________________________________________ Corporate Name of Club __________________________________________ President A copy must be delivered to the player. A copy must also be forwarded to the Commissioner. THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS are given for the guidance of Club officials executing this form: (1) If the player is unconditionally released, cross out all of paragraph 2, including subparagraphs (a) and (b). (2) If the player is transferred outright to another Club, insert the name of that Club and of that Club's League in paragraph 2, and cross out the following:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 12 (i) paragraph 1; and (ii) subparagraph (b) of paragraph 2. (3) If the player is transferred by an optional agreement to another Club, insert the name of that Club and that Club's League in paragraph 2, and cross out the following: (i) paragraph 1; and (ii) subparagraph (a) of paragraph 2. Also specify all conditions affecting the player (date recall option is to be exercised, etc.).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 ATTACHMENT 52 MAJOR AND MINOR LEAGUE TERRITORIES (a) NATIONAL LEAGUE CIRCUIT. The circuit of the National League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Arizona: Atlanta: Maricopa County in Arizona; City of Atlanta; and Fulton, Cobb, Gwinette and Dekalb Counties in Georgia; Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kendall, McHenry and Grundy Counties in Illinois; and Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the Chicago franchise in the American League; Butler, Warren, Clermont and Hamilton Counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton and Campbell Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Franklin Counties in Indiana; City of Denver; and Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, Jefferson and Denver Counties in Colorado; Dade and Broward Counties in Florida; provided, however, that with respect to all Major League Clubs, Palm Beach County in Florida shall also be included; City of Houston; and Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller Counties in Texas; Orange, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties in California; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim franchise in the American League; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Ozaukee and Waukesha Counties in
Chicago:
Cincinnati:
Colorado:
Florida:
Houston:
Los Angeles:
Milwaukee:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 New York: City of New York; Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York; Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Union Counties in New Jersey; and that portion of Fairfield County in Connecticut located south of Interstate 84 and west of Route 58; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the New York franchise in the American League; Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania; and Gloucester, Camden and Burlington Counties in New Jersey; City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County in Pennsylvania; City of St. Louis; and St. Louis, Jefferson, St. Charles and Franklin Counties in Missouri; and St. Clair, Madison, Monroe and Jersey Counties in Illinois; San Diego County in California; City of San Francisco; and San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Marin Counties in California; provided, however, that with respect to all Major League Clubs, Santa Clara County in California shall also be included; District of Columbia; and Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties, and all independent cities bordering such counties, in Virginia.
Philadelphia:
Pittsburgh: St. Louis:
San Diego: San Francisco:
Washington:
(b) AMERICAN LEAGUE CIRCUIT. The circuit of the American League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Baltimore: City of Baltimore; and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Carroll and Harford Counties in Maryland; Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, Bristol, Worcester and Norfolk Counties in Massachusetts; provided, however, that Bristol and Worcester Counties and the territory south and west of Highway 128 in Norfolk County shall be shared with the Pawtucket franchise in the International League;
Boston:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 Chicago: Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kendall, McHenry and Grundy Counties in Illinois; and Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana; provided, however, this territory shall be shared with the Chicago franchise in the National League; Cuyahoga, Lorrain, Medina, Geauga, Lake and Summit Counties in Ohio; provided, however, that Summit County shall be shared with the Akron franchise in the Eastern League; Wayne, Monroe, Washtenaw, Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair Counties in Michigan; Johnson, Wyandotte, Miami and Leavenworth Counties in Kansas; and Clay, Jackson, Cass and Platte Counties in Missouri;
Cleveland:
Detroit:
Kansas City:
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:
Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties in California; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the Los Angeles franchise in the National League; Ramsey and Hennepin Counties in Minnesota; City of New York; Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York; Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Union Counties in New Jersey; and that portion of Fairfield County in Connecticut, located south of Interstate 84 and west of Route 58; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the New York franchise in the National League; Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in California; King County in Washington; Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties in Florida; Cities of Dallas, Ft. Worth and Arlington; and Dallas and Tarrant Counties in Texas;
Minnesota: New York:
Oakland: Seattle: Tampa Bay: Texas:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 Toronto: Cities of Scarborough, York, East York, North York, Etobicoke and Toronto, commonly referred to as Metropolitan Toronto.
(c) INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE (AAA) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the International League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Buffalo: Charlotte: Erie County in New York; Mecklenburg County in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina; Franklin County in Ohio; Durham, Wake and Orange Counties in North Carolina; provided, however that Wake County shall be shared with the Carolina franchise of the Southern League; Marion County in Indiana;
Columbus: Durham:
Indianapolis: Lehigh Valley (Allentown): Norfolk:
Lehigh County in Pennsylvania; Cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Chesapeake and Newport News; and York and Isle of Wight Counties in Virginia; Providence, Kent and Bristol Counties in Rhode Island; and Bristol and Worcester Counties and the area south and west of Highway 128 in Norfolk County in Massachusetts; provided, however, that the described territory in Massachusetts shall be shared with the Boston franchise in the American League; City of Richmond, and Henrico, Chesterfield, Goochland and Hanover Counties in Virginia; Monroe County in New York;
Pawtucket:
Richmond:
Rochester: Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre:
Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 Syracuse: Toledo: Onondaga County in New York; Lucas, Ottawa and Wood Counties in Ohio.
(d) MEXICAN LEAGUE (AAA) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Mexican League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below, provided, however, that for each Club no 15-mile buffer shall extend beyond the described territory: Campeche: Chihuahua: Laguna (Torreon): Mexico City: Minatitlan: Monclova: Monterrey: Nuevo Laredo: Oaxaca: Puebla: Quintana Roo (Cancun): Saltillo: Tabasco (Villahermosa): Tijuana: Veracruz: Yucatan (Merida): State of Campeche in Mexico; Definition pending; State of Coahuila in Mexico; Federal District in Mexico; Definition pending; State of Coahuila in Mexico; State of Nuevo Leon in Mexico; Definition pending; State of Oaxaca in Mexico; State of Puebla in Mexico;
Definition pending; State of Coahuila in Mexico;
State of Tabasco in Mexico; Definition pending; State of Veracruz in Mexico; State of Yucatan in Mexico.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 (e) PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (AAA) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Pacific Coast League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Albuquerque: Colorado Springs: Fresno: Iowa (Des Moines): Las Vegas: Memphis: Nashville: New Orleans: Oklahoma (Oklahoma City): Omaha: Portland: Round Rock: Sacramento: Salt Lake: Tacoma: Tucson: Bernalillo County in New Mexico; El Paso County in Colorado; Fresno County in California; Polk County in Iowa; Clark County in Nevada; Shelby County in Tennessee; Davidson County in Tennessee; Orleans and Jefferson Parishes in Louisiana;
Oklahoma County in Oklahoma; Douglas County in Nebraska; Multnomah County in Oregon; Travis and Williamson Counties in Texas; Yolo County in California; Salt Lake County in Utah; Pierce County in Washington; Pima County in Arizona.
After the 2008 season, the Tucson Club will relocate to Reno and have as its home territory Washoe County in Nevada.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 (f) EASTERN LEAGUE (AA) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Eastern League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Akron: Stark and Summit Counties in Ohio; provided, however, that Summit County shall be shared with the Cleveland franchise in the American League; Blair County in Pennsylvania; Broome County in New York; Prince Georges County in Maryland; provided, however, that no 15-mile buffer shall extend into the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Virginia;
Altoona: Binghamton: Bowie:
Connecticut (Norwich): Erie: Harrisburg: New Britain: New Hampshire (Manchester): Portland: Reading: Trenton:
New London County in Connecticut; Erie County in Pennsylvania; Dauphin County in Pennsylvania; Hartford County in Connecticut;
No home territory; Cumberland County in Maine; Berks County in Pennsylvania; Mercer County in New Jersey.
(g) SOUTHERN LEAGUE (AA) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Southern League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Birmingham: Carolina (Zebulon): Jefferson County in Alabama; Wake, Franklin, Wilson, Nash and Johnston Counties in North Carolina; provided, however, that Wake County shall be shared with the Durham franchise in the International League;
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Chattanooga: Huntsville: Jacksonville: Mississippi (Pearl): Mobile: Montgomery: Tennessee (Sevierville): West Tennessee (Jackson):
Hamilton County in Tennessee; Madison County in Alabama; Duval County in Florida; Rankin County in Mississippi; Mobile and Baldwin Counties in Alabama; Montgomery County in Alabama;
Sevier and Knox Counties in Tennessee;
Madison County in Tennessee.
(h) TEXAS LEAGUE (AA) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Texas League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Arkansas (Little Rock): Corpus Christi: Frisco: Midland: Northwest Arkansas (Springdale): San Antonio: Springfield: Tulsa:
Pulaski County in Arkansas; Nueces County in Texas; No home territory; Midland County in Texas;
Washington County in Arkansas; Bexar County in Texas; Greene County in Missouri; Tulsa and Osage Counties in Oklahoma.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 (i) CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (A) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the California League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Bakersfield: High Desert (Adelanto): Inland Empire (San Bernardino): Lake Elsinore: Lancaster: Modesto: Kern County in California;
San Bernardino County in California;
San Bernardino County in California; Riverside County in California; No home territory; Stanislaus County in California;
Rancho Cucamonga: San Bernardino County in California; San Jose: Stockton: Visalia: Santa Clara County in California; San Joaquin County in California; Tulare County in California.
(j) CAROLINA LEAGUE (A) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Carolina League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Frederick: Frederick and Montgomery Counties in Maryland; provided, however, that no 15-mile buffer shall extend into the District of Columbia or into Arlington, Fairfax or Prince William Counties, or any independent city bordering such counties, in the Commonwealth of Virginia with respect to any League or Club, and that no 15-mile buffer shall extend into any city or county in the Commonwealth of Virginia with respect to the location or relocation of a Major League Club; Lenoir, Craven and Jones Counties in North Carolina; City of Lynchburg, and Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell Counties in Virginia;
Kinston: Lynchburg:
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Myrtle Beach: Potomac (Woodbridge): Salem:
Horry County in South Carolina;
No home territory; City of Salem and Bedford and Roanoke Counties in Virginia; New Castle County in Delaware; Forsyth County in North Carolina.
Wilmington: Winston-Salem:
(k) FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE (A) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Florida State League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Brevard County (Melbourne): Clearwater: Daytona: Dunedin: Fort Myers: Jupiter: Lakeland:
Brevard County in Florida; No home territory; Volusia County in Florida; No home territory; Lee County in Florida; Palm Beach County in Florida; Polk County in Florida;
Palm Beach (Jupiter): Palm Beach County in Florida; St. Lucie: Sarasota: Tampa: Vero Beach: St. Lucie County in Florida; No home territory; No home territory; Indian River County in Florida.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 (l) MIDWEST LEAGUE (A) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Midwest League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Beloit: Burlington: Rock County in Wisconsin; Des Moines County in Iowa and Henderson County in Illinois; Linn County in Iowa; Clinton County in Iowa and Whiteside County in Illinois; No home territory; Allen County in Indiana;
Cedar Rapids: Clinton: Dayton: Fort Wayne: Great Lakes (Midland): Kane County (Geneva): Lansing: Peoria: Quad Cities (Davenport): South Bend: West Michigan (Comstock Park): Wisconsin (Appleton):
Midland County in Michigan;
Kane County in Illinois; Ingham County in Michigan; Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties in Illinois;
Scott County in Iowa and Rock Island County in Illinois; St. Joseph County in Indiana;
Kent County in Michigan;
Outagamie County in Wisconsin.
(m) SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE (A) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the South Atlantic League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Asheville: Buncombe County in North Carolina;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 Augusta: Charleston, S.C.: Columbus: Delmarva (Salisbury): Greensboro: Greenville: Hagerstown: Hickory: Kannapolis: Lake County (Eastlake): Lakewood: Lexington: Rome: Savannah: West Virginia (Charleston): Richmond County in Georgia; Charleston County in South Carolina; Dougherty County in Georgia;
Wicomico County in Maryland; Guilford County in North Carolina; Greenville County in South Carolina; Washington County in Maryland; Burke, Catawba and Caldwell Counties in North Carolina; Rowan County in North Carolina;
No home territory; No home territory; Fayette County in Kentucky; Floyd County in Georgia; Chatham County in Georgia;
Kanawha County in West Virginia.
(n) NEW YORK-PENNSYLVANIA LEAGUE (Short-Season A) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the New York-Pennsylvania League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Aberdeen: Auburn: Batavia: No home territory; Cayuga County in New York; Genesee County in New York;
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Brooklyn: Hudson Valley (Fishkill): Jamestown: Lowell: Mahoning Valley (Niles): Oneonta: State College: Staten Island: Tri-City (Troy): Vermont (Burlington): Williamsport:
No home territory;
Dutchess County in New York; Chautauqua County in New York; No home territory;
Trumbull County in Ohio; Otsego County in New York; Centre County in Pennsylvania; No home territory; Rensselaer County in New York;
Chittenden County in Vermont; Lycoming County in Pennsylvania.
(o) NORTHWEST LEAGUE (Short-Season A) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Northwest League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Boise: Eugene: Everett: Salem-Keizer: Spokane: Tri-City (Pasco): Ada County in Idaho; Lane County in Oregon; Snohomish County in Washington; Marion County in Oregon; Spokane County in Washington; Franklin County in Washington;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 Vancouver: Yakima: Greater Vancouver District in British Columbia; Yakima County in Washington.
(p) APPALACHIAN LEAGUE (Rookie) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Appalachian League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Bluefield: Bristol: Burlington: Danville: Elizabethton: Johnson City: Kingsport: Greeneville: Princeton: Pulaski: Mercer County in West Virginia; City of Bristol and Washington County in Virginia; Alamance County in North Carolina; City of Danville and Pittsylvania County in Virginia; Carter County in Tennessee; Washington County in Tennessee; Sullivan County in Tennessee; Greene County in Tennessee; Mercer County in West Virginia; Pulaski County in Virginia.
(q) PIONEER LEAGUE (Rookie) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Pioneer League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Billings: Casper: Great Falls: Helena: Idaho Falls: Missoula: Yellowstone County in Montana; Natrona County in Wyoming; Cascade County in Montana; Lewis and Clark County in Montana; Bonneville County in Idaho; Missoula County in Montana;
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 52 Ogden: Orem: Weber County in Utah; Utah County in Utah.
(r) GULF COAST LEAGUE (Rookie) CIRCUIT. The circuit of the Gulf Coast League shall comprise the following cities, as defined below: Bradenton: Sarasota: Manatee County in Florida; Sarasota County in Florida.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 ATTACHMENT 54 STANDARD MINOR LEAGUE FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE CLUB NAME_____________________________ LEAGUE_____________________________CLASSIFICATION________ YEAR ENDING__________________________ *Completed By:_______________________ Title:________________________ Date:________________________ *Number of Dates this Season _________ Regular Season Dates _________ Exhibition/All-Star Date _________ Rain Out Dates _________ Reported Attendance *Source of Information (check one): _________ Audited Financial Statement _________ Reviewed Financial Statement _________ Compiled by outside firm _________ Compiled internally * Form of Ownership: _________ Partnership _________ Subchapter S Corporation _________ C Corporation _________ Other (specify)_________________________ *Year Franchise Purchased:_____________________________ *Currency: _________ U.S. Dollars _________ Canadian Dollars
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 BALANCE SHEET ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT STADIUM/LEASEHOLD Accumulated depreciation $__________ $__________ ($_________) $__________ $__________ (A2) (A3) (A4) (A5) (A6) $__________ (A1)
TOTAL (Net of Depreciation) BASEBALL ASSETS (FRANCHISE) NON-BASEBALL ASSETS LOANS/ADVANCES TO OWNERS NON-OWNER RELATED ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS
$__________ $__________ $__________
(A7) (A8) (A9)
NOTE: Line numbers at right refer to Detailed Instructions.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 BALANCE SHEET LIABILITIES AND OWNER EQUITY LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES DEFERRED REVENUES DEBT Stadium Related Loans/Advances from Owners Other Total Debt TOTAL LIABILITIES OWNER EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND OWNER EQUITY $__________ $__________ (L1) (L2)
$__________
(L3)
$__________ $__________ $__________ $__________ $__________ $__________
(L4) (L5) (L6) (L7)* (L8) (L9)**
* If zero insert $1.00 to allow for equity to liabilities calculation. ** Line L9 should equal A9 NOTE: Line numbers at right refer to Detailed Instructions.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 INCOME STATEMENT REVENUES Ticket Revenues: Gross Receipts Direct Costs Payment to Major Leagues Net Advertising Revenues: Gross Revenues Direct Costs Net Concessions: Gross Revenues Direct Costs Net Other: Gross Revenues Direct Costs Net TOTAL REVENUES OPERATING EXPENSES Park and Game Expenses Team Expenses General & Administrative Management Fees Other
$__________ ($_________) ($_________) $__________
(I1) (I2) (I3) (I4)
$__________ ($_________) $__________
(I5) (I6) (I7)
$__________ ($_________) $__________
(I8) (I9) (I10)
$__________* ($_________) $__________ $__________
(I11) (I12) (I13) (I14)
$__________ $__________ $__________ $__________ $__________ $__________
(I15) (I16) (I17) (I18) (I19) (I20)
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 DEBT SERVICE & OTHER EXPENSES Interest - 3rd Party Debt $__________ Interest - Owner Debt $__________ Depreciation & Amortization $__________ Income Taxes $__________ Other (Itemize) $__________ TOTAL DEBT SERVICE/OTHER NET INCOME (LOSS) $__________ $__________
(I21) (I22) (I23) (I24) (I25) (I26) (I27)
*Identify the amount of any EXPANSION FEES included as other revenue. NOTE: Line numbers at right refer to Detailed Instructions.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 EQUITY TO LIABILITIES RATIO TEST WORKSHEET ASSET ADJUSTMENTS 1. 2. Enter 'TOTAL ASSETS' (Line A9) Enter amount, if any, that PBA minimum franchise value exceeds Line A6 Enter amount, if any, that appraisals for non-current, non-baseball assets exceed historical cost bases for such assets (attached copies of appraisals and details) Deduct 'Deferred Revenues' (Line L2) Deduct 'Loans/Advances to Owners' (Line A7) $__________ (R1)
$__________
(R2)
3.
$___________
(R3)
4.
($__________)
(R4)
5.
($__________) $__________
(R5) (R6)
ADJUSTED ASSETS
LIABILITIES ADJUSTMENTS 1. Enter 'TOTAL LIABILITIES' (Line L7) Deduct 'Deferred Revenues' (Line L2) Deduct 'Stadium Related Debt' (Line L3) Deduct 'Owner Related Debt' (Line L4)
$__________
(R7)
2.
$__________
(R8)
3.
$__________
(R9)
4.
($_________) $___________
(R10) (R11)*
ADJUSTED LIABILITIES
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 ADJUSTED EQUITY (Line R6 minus Line R11) PBA RATIO TEST: Line R12 divided by Line R11= (Test is passed if result is equal to or greater than 1.222 [55-to-45]) *If zero insert $1.00 to allow for calculation.
$___________
(R12)
$___________
(R13)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS The following detailed instructions are intended to assist Clubs in uniformly completing this Report. Line numbers in parentheses refer to the corresponding lines in the Standard Financial Report: BALANCE SHEET ASSETS (Line A1) Current Assets. Enter the total of cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other comparable assets. Do not include any receivables from owners, affiliates and related parties here (include in Line A7).
(Line A2, A3 & A8)
Non-Current Non-Baseball Assets. Historical cost is to be used as the basis of the asset(s). Property and Equipment. Enter total cost of furniture, fixtures, equipment, and the like. Stadium/Leasehold. Enter total cost of stadium acquisition and improvements (including video displays, scoreboards, etc.) Enter total accumulated Accumulated Depreciation. depreciation on assets included in Lines A2 and A3. Total (Net of Depreciation). Sum of Lines A2 plus A3, less Line A4. Baseball Assets (Franchise). Enter value of franchise on Club's books. Enter total outstanding Loans/Advances to Owners. balances of loans/advances from Club to stockholders, partners, etc., whether current or non-current. Other Non-Owner Related Non-Baseball Assets. Enter total amount of other assets (deposits, etc.).
(Line A2)
(Line A3)
(Line A4)
(Line A5)
(Line A6)
(Line A7)
(Line A8)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 BALANCE SHEET - LIABILITIES AND OWNER EQUITY (Line L1) Current Liabilities. Enter total of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other similar current liabilities. Do not enter amounts payable to owners, affiliates and related parties here (include in Line L4). Deferred Revenues. Enter total of revenues (net of deferred expenses) on Club's books that are related to a future period, (for example, sale of a billboard sign in November for next season, assuming a fiscal year end of December 31). Stadium Related Debt. Total debt incurred for stadium acquisition or improvements (including video displays, scoreboards, etc.) Loans/Advances From Others. Total loans or advances (current and long term) from stockholders, partners, affiliates and related parties. Other Debt. Total all other debt per books. Total Debt. Sum of Line L3, L4 and L5. Total Liabilities. Sum of Lines L1, L2 and L6. Owner Equity. Total equity of stockholders, partners, etc.; should be equal to Line A9 (Total Assets) less Line L7 (Total Liabilities). Total Liabilities and Owner Equity. Sum of Lines L7 and L8 (must equal Line A9, Total Assets).
(Line L2)
(Line L3)
(Line L4)
(Line L5) (Line L6) (Line L7) (Line L8)
(Line L9)
INCOME STATEMENT (Line I1) Gross Ticket Receipts. Enter total revenue from ticket sales (should equal amount from NA Ticket Reporting form). Direct Cost, Tickets. Enter direct cost associated with ticket revenues (sales and admission taxes, payments accrued per leases, printing costs, etc.).
(Line I2)
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(Line I3)
Payment to Major Leagues. Enter payment to Minor League Association as a result of the "5% tax" on ticket revenues (1992 and subsequent years). Net Ticket Revenue. Line I1, less Line I2, Less Line I3. Advertising Revenues. Enter total gross revenues from advertising (billboards, program ads, radio, etc.) on Line I5; enter direct cost associated with such revenue (printing, painting, radio costs, etc.) on Line I6; and enter net on Line I7. Concessions Revenue. Enter total gross revenues from sale on Line I8; enter direct cost of sales on Line I9; enter net on Line I10. If concessions are provided by outside concessionaire, amount received by Club would appear on Line I10, but enter concessionaire's gross sales on Line I8, and amount retained by concessionaire on Line I9. Other Revenues. Enter gross sales (souvenirs, concerts, parking, expansion fees, etc.) on Line I11; enter direct cost of such sales on Line I12; enter net on Line I13. Total Revenues. Sum of Lines I4, I7, I10 and I13. Park and Game Expenses. Enter total expenses (rent under ballpark lease, utilities, maintenance, security, labor, etc.) Enter total expenses, net of Team Expenses. reimbursements from Major League Affiliate (team travel, hotel, etc.). General and Administrative. Enter total of all other operating expenses of Club (salaries, league and Minor League Association dues, insurance, office expenses, etc.). Management Fees. Enter amounts paid to owners and related parties under management agreements (other than salaries).
(Line I4) (Line I5-I7)
(Line I8-I10)
(Line I11-I13)
(Line I14) (Line I15)
(Line I16)
(Line I17)
(Line I18)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 (Line I19) Other. Enter any miscellaneous expenses not included elsewhere. Total Operating Expenses. Sum of Lines I15 to I19. Interest - 3rd Party Debt. Enter interest incurred on debt to non-owners (those other than stockholders, partners or related parties). Enter interest on debts to Interest - Owner Debt. stockholders, partners, related parties, etc. Depreciation and Amortization. Enter current period (year) total. Income Taxes. Enter income taxes incurred (estimated if necessary) by entity owning franchise and reporting on this Form. Enter "N/A" if reporting entity is a partnership, sub-S corporation, or other non-taxpaying entity. Other. Enter any expenses not entered elsewhere. Total Debt Service/Other. Sum of Liens I21 and I25. Net Income (Loss). Line I14 less Line I20 less Line I26.
(Line I20) (Line I21)
(Line I22)
(Line I23)
(Line I24)
(Line I25) (Line I26) (Line I27)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 EQUITY TO LIABILITIES RATIO TEST (Refer also to Rule 54(b)(3) and Rule 54(a)(5)(C)(iv)) (Line R1) (Line R2) Total Assets. Enter amount from Line A9. PBA Franchise Value Adjustment. If franchise value entered on Line A6 is less than $4 million (if AAA), $2.5 million (if AA), $1 million (if A) or $750,000 (if ShortSeason A or Rookie), then enter difference on Line R2. Enter -0- if A6 is greater than the corresponding "PBA Allowance" figures listed in previous sentence. Example #1: Your AA franchise is $2.0 million per books (Line A6), enter 500,000 on Line R2 ($2.5 million "allowance for AA" less $2.0 million from Line A6). Example #2: Your Class A franchise is $1.5 million per books (Line A6), enter -0- on Line R2 (your $1.5 million is greater than PBA "Allowance for Full A" of $1.0 million). (Line R3) Rule Non Current, Non-Baseball Asset Adjustment. 54(a)(5)(C)(iv)(cc) allows "appraised value" to be used in lieu of "historical cost" for purposes of the equity-to-liability ratio test. If this adjustment is applicable, attach calculation and copies of appraisals(s) and enter adjustment amount in Line R3. Deduct "Deferred Revenues". Enter amount from Line L2. Deduct "Loans/Advances to Owners". Enter -0- if it can be demonstrated that the amounts will be repaid within a reasonable time period (See Rule 54(a)(5)(C)(iv)(ff)); otherwise enter amount from Line A7. Adjusted Assets. Line R1, plus Line R2, plus Line R3, less Line R4, less Line R5. Total Liabilities. Enter amount from Line L7. Deduct "Deferred Revenues". Enter amount from Line L2.
(Line R4) (Line R5)
(Line R6)
(Line R7) (Line R8)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 54 (Line R9) Deduct "Stadium Related Debt". Enter amount from Line L3. Deduct "Loans/Advances From Owners". from Line L4. Enter amount
(Line R10)
(Line R11)
Adjusted Liabilities. Line R7, less Line R8, less Line R9, less Line R10. Adjusted Equity. Line R6 less Line R11. PBA Ratio Test. Divide Line R12 (Adjusted Equity) by Line R11 (Adjusted Liabilities). If result is equal to or greater than 1.222 (55-to-45) test is passed.
(Line R12) (Line R13)
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 56 ATTACHMENT 56 STANDARD FORM LETTER ESTABLISHING PDC The parties to this Player Development Contract, ______________________,
(Major League Club)
and _________________________, hereby adopt and agree to all provisions of the

(National Association Club)
standard Player Development Contract (PDC) as set forth in the Major League Rules (MLR) incorporated by reference into the Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) between the Major Leagues and the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, Inc. As used in the PDC, the term "Major League Club" shall refer to ___________________ and the term "Minor League Club" shall refer to
(Major League Club)
___________________________. This Agreement shall be in effect from the

___ day of ___________, ______ through September 30, ______.

(Year) (Year)
_______________________________ By:_______________________________
(Major League Club)
_______________________________ By:_______________________________
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 ATTACHMENT 58 MINOR LEAGUE FACILITY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE INSPECTION PROCEDURES Standards Unless expressed as recommendations, these facility standards are minimum requirements for all new Minor League facilities. The standards outlined in Sections 11, 12 and 13 are applicable to both new and existing facilities. New Facilities Any facility that is scheduled for a construction starting date of January 1, 1991 or later shall be considered a "new facility." All plans for new facilities, including construction time schedules, must be submitted to field inspection personnel designated by the Commissioner's Office and the President of the Minor League Association, for review and approval by the field inspection personnel prior to the start of construction. Such review must be completed within 30 days after submission or the plans shall be deemed approved. If such plans meet the standards they shall be approved. Notwithstanding its facility's designation as a "new facility," a Minor League Club that can demonstrate that its new facility construction planning and approval process was at such a stage as of November 17, 1990 that requiring compliance with a minimum new facilities standard (other than those outlined in Sections 11, 12 and 13) will cause it to suffer a material hardship, may apply to the President of the Minor League Association and to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee for a variance from such standard. Existing Facilities Any facility other than a "new facility" as defined above shall be considered an "existing facility." All existing facilities must meet the standards outlined in Sections 11, 12 and 13 (playing field and other team facilities) by no later than April 1, 1995. All plans for additions, alterations or renovations of such facilities, including new turf installations, must be submitted to field inspection personnel designated by the Commissioner's Office and to the President of the Minor League Association, for review and approval by the field inspection personnel (including construction time schedules) prior to the start of construction. Such review must be completed within 30 days after submission or the plans shall be deemed approved. If such plans meet the standards they shall be approved.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 6.0 6.1 6.2 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Seating Seating Capacity Grades Of Seating Seating Distribution Seat Spacing Handicapped Accessibility Public Comfort Stations Comfort Station Distribution Plumbing Fixtures Handicapped Accessibilities Drinking Fountains Public Telephones Concession And Vending Concession Areas Concession Vendors Concession Compliance/Codes And Regulations Concession Storage And Novelty Stands Miscellaneous Public Areas Stadium Club/Restaurant/Banquet Facility Picnic/Beer Garden Facility Family Recreation Area Ticket Windows And Entry Turnstiles Ticket Windows Turnstiles/Entry Positions Handicapped Accessibility Security And First Aid Security Command Post First Aid Station Parking And Facility Access Parking Spaces Access And Control Handicapped Parking 236 236 236 237 237 238 238 238 238 239 239 239 239 239 239 240 240 240 240 240 240 241 241 241 241 241 241 241 241 241 242 242
SECTION
SECTION
SECTION
SECTION
SECTION
SECTION
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 SECTION 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.9 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 11.15 11.16 11.17 12.0 12.1 Sound System And Scoreboard Sound System Scoreboard Scoreboard Location Clock Media Facilities Press Parking And Access Public Address/Scoreboard Personnel Radio Broadcast Booths Television Broadcast And Camera Booth Print Media Area Media Toilet Facilities Media Workroom/Lounge Handicapped Accessibility To Press Box Administration Area Facility Administration Area Stadium Personnel Dressing/Locker Facilities Team Administration Area Team Facilities Home Clubhouse/Dressing Area Shower And Toilet Facilities Training Room Team Laundry Facility Team Equipment Room Coaches' Lockers Field Manager's Office Visitors Clubhouse/Dressing Area Visitors Shower and Toilet Facilities Visitors Training Room Visiting Field Manager's Office Team Storage (Major League Parent Team) Umpire Facilities Field/Dugout Access Player Parking Hitting/Pitching Tunnels Pre- And Post-Game Waiting Area Playing Field Field Dimensions 242 242 242 242 242 243 243 243 243 243 243 243 243 244 244 244 244 244 244 244 245 245 246 246 246 246 246 246 247 247 247 247 248 248 248 248 248 248 3/08
SECTION
SECTION
SECTION
SECTION
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 12.9 12.10 12.11 SECTION 13.0 13.1 13.2 Playing Surface Field Grade Field Wall Bullpens Dugouts Field Equipment Field Lighting Batting Cage Gate Backstop Playing Field Tarps Maintenance Facility Maintenance And Cleanliness Field Maintenance 248 249 249 249 249 249 251 252 252 252 252 252 253
SECTION 1.0
SEATING
This section establishes standards for the number, type and arrangement of seating in all facilities. 1.1 SEATING CAPACITY
Seating capacities shall be established to be appropriate for the size of the Minor League Club's market. Recommended minimum capacities are as listed below. All facilities shall conform with the seating grade, seating distribution and spacing requirements described in sections 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 1.1.4 1.2 Class AAA Capacity Class AA Capacity Class A Capacity Short-Season Class A/Rookie 10,000 seats 6,000 seats 4,000 seats 2,500 seats
GRADES OF SEATING
In order to enhance the professional atmosphere of the facility, each facility shall provide a minimum of two separate and distinct grades of seating (three separate and distinct grades are recommended). This provision is intended to designate and define general types of seating and not to define pricing or ticketing structures.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 1.2.1 TYPES OF SEATING
Seating types shall be defined as in sections 1.2.2, 1.2.3, and 1.2.4. 1.2.2 BOX SEATING
Defined as Arm Chair Seats with Backs. Additional seat width and leg room is recommended, with an additional three inches of tread width to be provided as compared to the tread width in the other seating areas. Following the traditional definition of box seating, it is recommended that additional access to smaller groupings of box seats be provided. 1.2.3 RESERVED SEATING
Defined as a bench with back as a minimum requirement. 1.2.4 GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
Defined as a bench as a minimum requirement. 1.3 SEATING DISTRIBUTION
In no event shall more than 90% of the total seating capacity be General Admission seating. Recommended seating distributions are as follows. For two grades of seating: Box or Reserved: General Admission: For three grades of seating: Box: Reserved: General Admission: 1.4 SEAT SPACING 25% of total capacity 25% of total capacity 50% of total capacity 25% of total capacity 75% of total capacity
The spacing and layout of all seating, aisles, vomitories, cross-aisles and concourses comprising the established exiting system shall conform to all applicable local, state and federal codes and regulations. (NFPA 101 for Assembly Occupancies
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 shall be considered the minimum requirement if the facility does not fall under jurisdiction of other regulations.) 1.5 HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY
All facilities shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal codes and regulations regarding access of Handicapped patrons and employees. (ANSI.A117-1 shall be considered the minimum requirements.)
SECTION 2.0.
PUBLIC COMFORT STATIONS
This section determines and defines the number of plumbing fixtures and their arrangement at the facilities. 2.1 COMFORT STATION DISTRIBUTION
The distribution of the fixtures should be in accordance with the distribution of the seating locations and exiting system to allow minimal walking distances from all parts of the facility to public toilet facilities. 2.2 PLUMBING FIXTURES The minimum plumbing fixture ratios shall be as follows: Water closets 1:125 Women 1:450 Men 1:150 Women 1:150 Men 1:125 men COMFORT STATION ACCESSORIES
Lavatories (sinks)
Urinals 2.2.1
All public restroom facilities shall provide mirrors, purse shelves (in women's), hand drying facilities and trash cans. It is recommended that a table/platform for diaper changing be located in each restroom.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 2.3 HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITIES
All facilities shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal codes and regulations (ANSI. A117-1). It is recommended that all facilities provide a minimum of one, unisex h.c. toilet facility per level. This facility shall be similar to a residential bathroom, and allow a h.c. patron to use the facility with the assistance of his/her companion of the opposite sex. 2.4 DRINKING FOUNTAINS
All facilities shall provide drinking fountains per local, state and federal codes and regulations. 2.5 PUBLIC TELEPHONES
All facilities shall provide telephones per local, state and federal codes and regulations.
SECTION 3.0
CONCESSION AND VENDING
The following standards for Concessions and Vending are recommended for all facilities. Many of the conditions may be affected by an existing operational agreement between the facility and concessionaire. It is recommended that these standards be incorporated into any new operational agreement negotiated after the effective date of this PBA. 3.1 CONCESSION AREAS
It is recommended all facilities provide 5 lineal feet of counter space (with corresponding support space) per 350 seats in the total facility capacity. The distribution of the concession areas shall be commensurate with the distribution of the patrons to minimize walking distances. [Example: 12,000 seats/350 = 34.28 X 5' = 171 lineal feet of counter. Each stand averages 25' per stand. Therefore, a minimum of 7 stands, distributed throughout the facility are recommended.] 3.2 CONCESSION VENDORS
If concession vendors are provided at the facility, the following ratios are recommended: one vendor per 350 seats, with 15 sq. ft. of vending commissary space for each vendor separate from the concession areas.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 3.3 CONCESSION COMPLIANCE/CODES AND REGULATIONS
Concessionaires are responsible for compliance with all local, state and federal regulations in regard to Health Standards, Fire Department regulations, power, exhaust and ventilation requirements. The agreement between the facility and concessionaire shall define which party is responsible for required modifications. 3.4 CONCESSION STORAGE AND NOVELTY STANDS The following standards shall be minimum requirements. 3.4.1 CONCESSION STORAGE
All facilities shall provide adequate storage for concession inventory. It is recommended that the storage area be of such size to store the inventory necessary to stage the number of games in an average home stand. In the Agreement between the facility and the concessionaire, the concessionaire shall provide empirical data to determine the required amount of storage space. 3.4.2 NOVELTY STANDS
Any provided novelty stand(s) acting as a sales point for retail sales shall present products in a professional manner commensurate with standard retail sales areas.
SECTION 4.0 4.1
MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC AREAS
STADIUM CLUB/RESTAURANT/BANQUET FACILITY This type of facility shall be optional.
4.2
PICNIC/BEER GARDEN FACILITY This type of facility shall be optional.
4.3
FAMILY RECREATION AREA This type of facility shall be optional.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 SECTION 5.0 TICKET WINDOWS AND ENTRY TURNSTILES
The following Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 shall be minimum requirements. 5.1 TICKET WINDOWS All facilities shall provide one ticket window for each 1500 seats of total capacity. 5.2 TURNSTILES/ENTRY POSITIONS
All facilities shall provide one turnstile or equivalent entry position (minimum of 30" wide) for each 1500 seats of total capacity. 5.3 HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY
All facilities shall provide access per all applicable local, state and federal codes and regulations to all public and private areas of the facility. (ANSI A117.1)
SECTION 6.0 6.1
SECURITY AND FIRST AID
SECURITY COMMAND POST
All facilities shall provide a "command post" for event security forces, centrally located with provisions for removing unruly patrons from the facility. 6.2 FIRST AID STATION
All facilities shall provide a first aid station during all events. It is recommended that certified medical personnel staff the station at all events.
SECTION 7.0
PARKING AND FACILITY ACCESS
The following Sections 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 shall be applicable to all facilities. 7.1 PARKING SPACES
It is recommended all facilities shall provide public parking spaces at a ratio of 1 space per 3 seats of total capacity. Such parking spaces shall be on-site or within a 10 minute (1/2 mile) walking distance of the stadium.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 7.2 ACCESS AND CONTROL
All facilities shall coordinate with local law enforcement officials to provide controlled on-site traffic access, so as to promote a safe and trouble-free access environment. 7.3 HANDICAPPED PARKING All facilities shall conform with all applicable local, state and federal regulations.
SECTION 8.0 8.1
SOUND SYSTEM AND SCOREBOARD
SOUND SYSTEM
All facilities shall provide an acoustically balanced sound system integrated with the capacity to deliver clear audio messages to the press box, concourses and all public areas within the facility. 8.2 SCOREBOARD
All facilities shall provide a scoreboard that provides the following as minimum requirements. All scoreboard characters are to be large enough to be seen throughout the facility. Line Score Ball-Strike-Out Player at Bat 8.3 SCOREBOARD LOCATION
No part of any scoreboard and/or associated lighted advertising panels may be located within 50' of the center line of the playing field. 8.4 CLOCK
All facilities shall provide a time-of-day clock that is in full view of all field personnel from the beginning of batting practice through the close of each game.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 SECTION 9.0 9.1 MEDIA FACILITIES
PRESS PARKING AND ACCESS
It is recommended that all facilities provide a parking area for all members of the media with direct access to the facility. It is also recommended that parking be provided for television vans and broadcast trucks. 9.2 PUBLIC ADDRESS/SCOREBOARD PERSONNEL
All facilities shall provide space in the press box for the public address announcer and scoreboard operator(s). It is recommended that the PA/scoreboard area have a minimum of 50 sq. ft. of floor space in addition to the floor space required for the scoreboard equipment. 9.3 RADIO BROADCAST BOOTHS
It is recommended that all facilities provide two radio broadcast booths (home and visitor) that provide a direct view of the entire field and facilitate the broadcast of the game. Each shall provide counters, chairs, power, lighting and telephone jack. 9.4 TELEVISION BROADCAST AND CAMERA BOOTH
It is recommended that all facilities provide a spare broadcast/camera booth available for local television broadcasts and local television media. The booth should have a direct view of the entire field with operable windows or closures. 9.5 PRINT MEDIA AREA
It is recommended that all facilities provide a separate area for 6 to 10 members of the print media with a direct view of the entire field. Counter, chairs, power, lighting and telephone jack shall be provided. 9.6 MEDIA TOILET FACILITIES
It is recommended that all facilities provide media restroom facilities separate from public restrooms, located with direct access to the press box. 9.7 MEDIA WORKROOM/LOUNGE This type of facility shall be optional.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 9.8 HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY TO PRESS BOX
Facilities shall conform to all applicable local, state and federal codes and regulations for accessibility to the press box. (ANSI-A117.1)
SECTION 10.0 10.1
ADMINISTRATION AREA
FACILITY ADMINISTRATION AREA
It is recommended that all facilities provide administrative space of 250-300 sq. ft. per person for facility and maintenance operations with separate toilet facilities directly adjacent. 10.2 STADIUM PERSONNEL DRESSING/LOCKER FACILITIES
It is recommended that all facilities provide separate dressing/locker facilities (separate for each sex) for all maintenance and event employees (including concession personnel) separate from the public. 10.2.1 STADIUM PERSONNEL TOILET FACILITIES
It is recommended that all facilities provide toilet facilities for stadium personnel separate from the public. Direct access to personnel locker rooms is desirable. 10.3 TEAM ADMINISTRATION AREA
If the tenant team has a permanent administration area away from the facility, an on-site game day team administration area must be provided. If the team's permanent administration area is at the facility, it is recommended that the area provide 250-300 sq. ft. per person for team operations with adjacent toilet facilities.
SECTION
11.0 TEAM FACILITIES
The following shall be minimum requirements. 11.1 HOME CLUBHOUSE/DRESSING AREA
The number of lockers provided shall be at least five more than the Club's active player limit for its classification of play. The minimum size of each locker shall be 24"
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 w x 72" h (36" w x 72" h is recommended). A lockable storage compartment is recommended for each locker. Minimum floorspace requirements for the team dressing area shall be as follows: New facility: 1,000 sq. ft. Existing facility: 800 sq. ft. (1,000 sq. ft. is recommended) 11.2 SHOWER AND TOILET FACILITIES
All facilities shall provide separate shower, drying and toilet areas with the following minimum fixture counts: New facility: shower heads: water closets: urinals: lavatories: 8 (10 recommended) 2 2 4 (8 recommended)
Existing facilities:
shower heads: water closets: urinals: lavatories:
6 (10 recommended) 2 2 2 (8 recommended)
11.3
TRAINING ROOM
All new facilities shall provide a separate training room of not less than 300 sq. ft. divided into three areas: treatment, whirlpool and rehabilitation. The training room shall have space for 1 or 2 treatment tables, a minimum of 2 whirlpools, hydroculator (4-pack minimum), scale, stationary bicycle, ice machine and an area for 2 or 3 pieces of rehabilitation/weight equipment. The training room shall contain a lockable storage area for training supplies. It is recommended that additional space be provided for a separate office/dressing area for the trainer and team physician. It is also recommended that a valuable storage box be installed in the training room. All existing facilities shall comply with the above paragraph, with the exception that the minimum square footage requirement shall be 175 sq. ft. (300 sq. ft. is recommended).
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 11.4 TEAM LAUNDRY FACILITY
All facilities shall provide commercial quality laundry facilities (washer and dryer) for the home team to provide daily washing capability. This room may be combined with the Team Equipment Room. 11.5 TEAM EQUIPMENT ROOM
All facilities shall provide adequate lockable equipment storage space (minimum of 300 sq. ft. in a new facility) contiguous with the clubhouse. 11.6 COACHES' LOCKERS
All new facilities shall provide a minimum of 4 coaches lockers (6 are recommended) in addition to the players lockers. It is recommended these lockers shall be in a separate area from the players lockers. Locker size and floor space requirements (per capita) shall be the same as in the players dressing area. Existing facilities shall comply with the above paragraph, with the exception that a minimum of 3 coaches lockers are to be provided. 11.7 FIELD MANAGER'S OFFICE
All facilities shall provide a field manager's office with direct access to the home clubhouse. It shall include a separate toilet, shower and dressing area, along with a desk and adequate meeting space for 6-8 persons. At existing facilities the separate toilet, shower and dressing area is recommended and not required. 11.8 VISITORS CLUBHOUSE/DRESSING AREA
The number of lockers provided shall be at least three more than the Club's active player limit for its classification of play. Minimum floor space requirements shall be as follows: New facility: 750 sq. ft. Existing facility: 500 sq. ft (750 sq. ft. is recommended) 11.9 VISITORS SHOWER AND TOILET FACILITIES
All facilities shall provide separate shower, drying and toilet facilities with minimum fixture counts as follows:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 New facility: showers heads: water closets: urinals: lavatories: 6 (8 recommended) 2 2 4
Existing facility:
shower heads: water closets: urinals: lavatories:
4 (8 recommended) 2 2 2 (4 recommended)
11.10
VISITORS TRAINING ROOM
All new facilities shall provide a separate training room (minimum of 150 sq. ft.), with space for one training table, one whirlpool, and a hydroculator (4-pack minimum). In existing facilities, this area may be integrated into the players' dressing area, provided that the dressing area is at least 650 sq. ft. 11.11 VISITING FIELD MANAGER'S OFFICE
All facilities shall provide a separate office for the visiting field manager. It shall include a separate toilet, shower and dressing area, along with a desk and adequate meeting space for 2-4 people. At existing facilities, the separate toilet, shower and dressing area is recommended and not required. 11.12 TEAM STORAGE (MAJOR LEAGUE PARENT TEAM)
It is recommended that all facilities provide a minimum of 300 sq. ft. of lockable team storage, separate from other team storage, with year round access only to the major league team. 11.13 UMPIRE FACILITIES
All facilities shall provide a private dressing, shower, and toilet facility for umpires. This area shall provide enough lockers (each a minimum of 36" w x 72" h) to accommodate the number of umpires typically assigned to work in the applicable classification of play. In new facilities, this area shall be a minimum of 200 sq. ft.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 11.14 FIELD/DUGOUT ACCESS
It is required that all new facilities and recommended that all existing facilities provide a direct access route to the dugout/playing field. Similar access is to be provided for the umpires. 11.15 PLAYER PARKING
It is recommended that all facilities designate a parking area with clubhouse access for players and other uniformed team personnel. 11.16 HITTING/PITCHING TUNNELS
It is recommended that each facility provide two covered tunnels for players to practice hitting and pitching in an enclosed environment. If provided, these tunnels should be reasonably close to the home clubhouse with minimal public access. 11.17 PRE- AND POST-GAME WAITING AREA
It is recommended that all facilities provide a pre-game and post-game waiting area for families of players and other uniformed personnel.
SECTION 12.0 12.1
PLAYING FIELD
FIELD DIMENSIONS
Layouts of all new fields (and modifications to existing fields) shall be submitted for approval by the parent Major League Club and the Minor League Club. All field dimensions shall comply with the minimum dimensions specified in Section 1.04 of the Official Baseball Rules. 12.2 PLAYING SURFACE
All facilities shall provide a field surface (natural or synthetic) without defects and/or "trip-hazards" that could affect the normal play of the game or jeopardize player safety. Warning track material shall identify all zones within 15' of all walls and fences. This warning track must be of a material to provide visual and tactile notice of a significant change in surface type.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 12.3 FIELD GRADE
The maximum allowable grade from the base of the pitcher's mound to the warning track in foul territory shall be 6". The maximum allowable grade from second base to the outfield warning track shall be 20". 12.4 FIELD WALL
The permanent outfield wall or fence in all new facilities shall be a minimum of 8' high. 12.5 BULLPENS
All facilities must provide a bullpen area for each team. These areas may be located in foul territory down the baselines or just immediately outside the field wall. Each must be visible to both dugouts and to the press box. Each shall have two regulation pitching mounds and home plates, adequate distance and clearance for each pitcher and catcher, and a bench for 10 players. If the bullpens are in foul ball areas, care shall be taken to integrate the slope of the pitcher's mound into the field so as not to create a trip hazard for fielders as they approach the bullpen. It is recommended that all facilities have phones connecting the bullpens to the dugouts. 12.6 DUGOUTS
All facilities must provide two enclosed dugouts (home and visitor). Each dugout in a new facility must accommodate 25-30 uniformed personnel on a bench with seatback. Each dugout in an existing facility shall accommodate 20-25 uniformed personnel. Each dugout must have a helmet rack for a minimum of 15 helmets and a bat rack for a minimum of 30 bats. It is recommended that a bat swing/storage area be directly accessible to each dugout. It is recommended that each dugout include a refrigerated water cooler (drinking fountain) and provide direct access to a restroom. It is recommended that all facilities have telephones connecting the dugouts to the bullpens and to the press box. All dugouts shall provide as feasible an anti-skid surface as possible on steps and walkways. 12.7 FIELD EQUIPMENT
All facilities shall provide the following field equipment. Examples given shall serve as guidelines for equipment quality, and the equipment provided shall meet or exceed the examples specified.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 12.7.1 BATTING CAGE
All facilities shall provide a full cover batting cage. New batting cages shall have minimum dimensions of 18' wide, 14' deep and 9' high. It is recommended that the cage be portable and made of an aluminum frame to provide maximum maintainability. Existing batting cages not meeting the above standards may be approved by the parent Major League Club. 12.7.2 FIELD SCREENS
All facilities shall provide a pitching screen, first base screen, 2nd base/double play screen, and a shag protector screen. New screens shall have the following minimum dimensions: Pitching screen: Double play screen: 7' h x 8' w with 4' x 4' notch in upper corner. 7' h x 14' w with hinged wings.
First base and shag protector screens: 7' h x 8' w. All existing screens not meeting the above standards may be approved by the parent Major League Club. Periodic checks of the batting cage and all screens shall be performed to verify frame and net integrity. 12.7.3 BATTER'S EYE
All facilities shall provide a solid monochromatic batter's eye painted in a flat, dark color with minimum dimensions of 16' high and 40' wide centered in the outfield. If a centerfield camera is integrated into the batter's eye, the camera must be the same color as the batter's eye. It is recommended that all new facilities provide a batter's eye with minimum dimensions of 40' high and 80' wide. Any advertising sign abutting the batter's eye shall not include white lettering, a white background, any neon or other lighting or motion effects. 12.7.4 FOUL POLES
All facilities shall provide two foul poles of a bright color that are a minimum of 30' high (45' is recommended) with a screen to the fair side of
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 the pole. No white signs shall be allowed on or immediately adjacent to each side of the foul pole. 12.7.5 FLAG POLE
All facilities shall provide a flag pole for the United States Flag or Canadian Flag, as applicable, in clear view of the entire seating bowl. 12.7.6 SCOREBOARDS, VIDEO MONITORS AND MOTION SIGNS
In addition to other provisions of these Minor League Facility Standards (including, but not limited to, Section 8.3 (Scoreboard Location)), the President of the Minor League Association, in consultation with the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee, shall develop and distribute guidelines regarding the use and location of scoreboards, video monitors, LED boards and LED/matrix boards so as not to interfere with play. 12.8 FIELD LIGHTING
All new lighting systems shall maintain the following minimum brightness requirements after 100 hours of burning: Class AAA and Class AA: 100 fc average in infield/ 70 fc average in outfield. 70 fc average in infield/ 50 fc average in outfield.
Class A and Rookie:
The height and location of poles in all new lighting systems shall follow IES standards. All existing lighting systems shall maintain the following minimum brightness requirements: Class AAA and Class AA: 70 fc average in infield/ 50 fc average in outfield. 60 fc average in infield/ 40 fc average in outfield.
Class A and Rookie:
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 All lighting systems shall operate with a maximum variance ratio of 1.2/1 in the infield and 2/1 in the outfield. The variance ratios shall be computed by comparing the highest and lowest footcandle readings in the infield and the outfield. 12.9 BATTING CAGE GATE
All new facilities shall provide a gate large enough to allow the batting cage to be freely taken to and from the playing field. 12.10 BACKSTOP
All facilities shall provide a backstop behind home plate. The configuration and dimensions shall vary due to sight-lines for the press box and insurance requirements for the facility. Periodic inspections shall be performed to insure the integrity of the backstop. 12.11 PLAYING FIELD TARPS
All Class AAA, Class AA and full season Class A facilities shall provide a full infield tarp and pitcher's mound, home plate, base pit, and bullpen tarps, except that this requirement may be waived by the President of the Minor League Association in the event that the facility is located in an area that does not experience sufficient rainfall to justify the expense of tarps. The tarps shall be oversized to prevent water from running under the edge to a dirt area. The tarps shall be stored in an easily accessible location but in a way not to create a safety hazard on the playing field. Each facility is required to provide adequate manpower to operate the placement and/or removal of the tarps.
SECTION 13.0
MAINTENANCE
This section outlines requirements and recommendations for overall maintenance of the facility and playing field in a professional manner. 13.1 FACILITY MAINTENANCE AND CLEANLINESS
Each facility shall develop a maintenance program (both short-term and long-term) for use by its maintenance personnel. All public areas shall be completely free of trash and rubbish at the opening of each event, and stadium personnel shall be responsible for cleanliness during the event. Each facility shall follow its maintenance program for interior repairs and touchups to maintain the professional atmosphere of the facility. Long-term maintenance
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 shall be ongoing in order to deter major facility problems and to minimize potential disruptions to the public. 13.2 FIELD MAINTENANCE
The playing field shall be maintained at the highest possible professional level. Every reasonable effort shall be made to insure the safety of the players and the smooth play of the game. The facility shall follow professional grounds- keeping practices and shall utilize proper maintenance equipment. Nail-drags, screens, tampers and rakes are recommended to maintain all dirt areas. Proper turf care equipment (mowers, tractors, etc.) shall be used, and an appropriate maintenance plan shall be developed and followed to care for the playing field. 13.2.1 PLAYING FIELD RECONDITIONING
The pitcher's mound and base pit areas shall be reconditioned prior to each game through the use of clay materials and tampers. 13.2.2 FIELD MAINTENANCE MATERIALS
All facilities are required to have a sufficient amount of drying material on hand at all times for reconditioning the infield. A chemical drying agent and/or calsonite clay may be used in combination with sand to stabilize areas affected by excessive moisture. Sand may not be the sole drying agent. 13.2.3 LAYOUT OF PLAYING FIELD
The entire playing field shall be laid out to coincide with the provisions of Sections 1.04 through 1.08 of the Official Baseball Rules. 13.2.4 IRRIGATION SYSTEM
All new facilities shall provide a full field irrigation system as well as water lines 1 1/2" or larger behind both home plate and second base for watering the infield grass and base pit areas. It is recommended that a series of water outlets 1" or larger be distributed around the playing field in order to water the field if the irrigation system should become inoperable. It is recommended that a full-field irrigation system be provided at all existing facilities.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RULES MLR Attachment 58 13.2.5 FIELD DRAINAGE SYSTEM
All new facilities shall provide an underfield drainage system integrated into the subbase of the turf (natural or synthetic) surface. This system shall be a system of a drain tile fields in a porous collection bed (or similar system) below the turf base. It is recommended an optimal slope of .5% be maintained from the base of the pitcher's mound to the baselines and from second base to the outfield warning track.
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EXHIBIT B
MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. I to Art. II, Sec. 2
MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION

(originally adopted as the Major League Agreement on January 12, 1921)
Article I FORMATION AND DURATION OF CONSTITUTION This Major League Constitution constitutes an agreement among the Major League Baseball Clubs, each of which shall be entitled to the benefits of and shall be bound by all the terms and provisions hereof, and it shall remain in effect through December 31, 2012, except that the provisions of Article II, Section 3(g) shall expire at such time as the current Commissioner ceases to hold office.
Article II THE COMMISSIONER Sec. 1. The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball is an unincorporated association also doing business as Major League Baseball and has as its members the Major League Baseball Clubs. Sec. 2. The functions of the Commissioner shall include:
(a) To serve as Chief Executive Officer of Major League Baseball. The Commissioner shall also have executive responsibility for labor relations and shall serve as Chairman, or shall designate a Chairman, of such committees as the Commissioner shall name or the Major League Clubs shall from time to time determine by resolution. (b) To investigate, either upon complaint or upon the Commissioners own initiative, any act, transaction or practice charged, alleged or suspected to be not in the best interests of the national game of Baseball, with authority to summon persons and to order the production of documents, and, in case of refusal to appear or produce, to impose such penalties as are hereinafter provided. (c) To determine, after investigation, what preventive, remedial or punitive action is appropriate in the premises, and to take such action either against Major League Clubs or individuals, as the case may be.
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. II, Sec. 2 to Art. II, Sec. 4
(d) From time to time, to formulate and to announce the rules of procedure to be observed by the Commissioner and all other parties in connection with the discharge of the Commissioners duties. Such rules shall always recognize the right of any party in interest to appear before the Commissioner and to be heard. (e) To appoint a President of each League to perform such functions as the Commissioner may direct. (f) To make decisions, or to designate an officer of the Commissioners Office to make decisions, regarding on-field discipline, playing rule interpretations, game protests and any other matter within the responsibility of the League Presidents prior to 2000. Sec. 3. In the case of conduct by Major League Clubs, owners, officers, employees or players that is deemed by the Commissioner not to be in the best interests of Baseball, punitive action by the Commissioner for each offense may include any one or more of the following: (a) a reprimand; (b) deprivation of a Major League Club of representation in Major League Meetings; (c) suspension or removal of any owner, officer or employee of a Major League Club; (d) temporary or permanent ineligibility of a player; (e) a fine, not to exceed $2,000,000 in the case of a Major League Club, not to exceed $500,000 in the case of an owner, officer or employee, and in an amount consistent with the then-current Basic Agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association, in the case of a player; (f) loss of the benefit of any or all of the Major League Rules, including but not limited to the denial or transfer of player selection rights provided by Major League Rules 4 and 5; and (g) such other actions as the Commissioner may deem appropriate. Sec. 4. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2, above, the Commissioner shall take no action in the best interests of Baseball that requires the Clubs to take, or to refrain from taking, action (by vote, agreement or otherwise) on any of the matters requiring a vote of the Clubs at a Major League Meeting that are set forth in Article II, Section 9 or in Article V, Section 2(a) or (b); provided, however, that nothing in this Section 4 shall limit the Commissioner's authority to act on any matter that involves the integrity of, or public confidence in, the national game of Baseball. Integrity shall include without limitation, as determined by the Commissioner, the ability of, and the public perception that, players and Clubs perform and compete at all times to the best of their abilities. Public confidence shall include without limitation the public perception, as determined by the Commissioner, that there is an appropriate level of long-term competitive balance among Clubs.
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. II, Sec. 5 to Art. II, Sec. 9
Sec. 5. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2 and 4, above, the powers of the Commissioner to act in the best interests of Baseball shall be inapplicable to any matter relating to the process of collective bargaining between the Clubs and the Major League Baseball Players Association. Sec. 6. In the case of conduct by organizations not parties to this Constitution, or by individuals not connected with any of the parties hereto, that is deemed by the Commissioner not to be in the best interests of Baseball, the Commissioner may pursue appropriate legal remedies, advocate remedial legislation and take such other steps as the Commissioner may deem necessary and proper in the interests of the morale of the players and the honor of the game. Sec. 7. The Office of the Commissioner shall be financed in such manner as the Major League Clubs shall by rule and/or agreement determine. Audited financial statements for the preceding fiscal year and a proposed budget for the ensuing year shall be submitted annually by the Commissioner for the approval of the members of the Executive Council. The Commissioner shall obtain the approval of the Executive Council before incurring any expenses in excess of the annual budget so approved by the Executive Council, except that the Commissioner need not secure such approval in the case of expenses that the Commissioner would be required by law or pre-existing contract to pay in any event. Sec. 8. (a) The Commissioner shall hold office for a minimum term of three years or for such longer term as shall be established by the Major League Clubs at the time of the Commissioners election. The Commissioner shall be eligible to succeed himself or herself. (b) Any re-election shall be considered at a Major League Meeting held not less than six months nor more than 15 months prior to the expiration of any term. The Commissioner's compensation shall be fixed at the time of election. (c) No diminution of the compensation or powers of the present or any succeeding Commissioner shall be made during the Commissioners term of office. Sec. 9. The election of a Commissioner hereunder shall be at a Major League Meeting; the vote shall be by Clubs and by written ballot, and to elect shall require the affirmative vote of not less than three-fourths of all Major League Clubs. The reelection of a Commissioner to succeed himself or herself shall be by Clubs and by written ballot, and to re-elect shall require the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of all Major League Clubs. During any period of incapacity of the
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. II, Sec. 9 to Art. III, Sec. 2
Commissioner, as determined by a majority of the Executive Council or by the Commissioner, all the powers and duties of the Commissioner shall be conferred upon and exercised by the Executive Council. During any vacancy in the Office of the Commissioner, all the powers and duties of the Commissioner shall be conferred upon and thenceforth exercised by the Executive Council, until a Commissioner of Baseball has been elected as herein set forth. Notwithstanding the two preceding sentences, in the event of such incapacity or vacancy and upon the affirmative vote of not less than three-fourths of all Major League Clubs, a Commissioner Pro Tem may be elected to serve for any period less than three years, with all of the powers and duties that are conferred upon the Commissioner pursuant to this Constitution.
Article III THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Sec. 1. The Major League Executive Council shall be composed of the Commissioner and eight Club members, four from each League. The Club members shall be appointed by the Commissioner and ratified by the vote of a majority of the Major League Clubs. Club members shall serve a four-year term, with the term of one member from each League expiring annually. The Commissioner may designate a substitute or alternate to serve at any meeting of the Council in the absence of any member of the Council. The Commissioner and five other members shall constitute a quorum at all meetings. Each member of the Council shall have one vote. In the case of a division within the Council, the decision of a majority shall be controlling and final. The Commissioner shall have authority, solely and finally, to determine and decide all jurisdictional questions. Sec. 2. The Executive Council shall have jurisdiction in the following matters:
(a) To cooperate, advise and confer with the Commissioner and other offices, agencies and individuals in an effort to promote and protect the interests of the Clubs and to perpetuate Baseball as the national game of America, and to surround Baseball with such safeguards as may warrant absolute public confidence in its integrity, operations and methods. (b) To survey, investigate and submit recommendations for change in, elimination of, addition to or amendments to any rules, regulations, agreements, proposals or other matters in which the Major League Clubs have an interest and particularly in respect to:
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. III, Sec. 2 to Art. III, Sec. 4
(1) Rules and regulations determining relationships between players and Clubs and between Clubs, and any and all matters concerning players' contracts or regulations; and (2) Rules and regulations to govern the playing of World Series games, All-Star Games and any other contests or games in which Major League Clubs participate and/or games that may be played for charitable purposes. (c) In the interim between Major League Meetings, to exercise full power and authority over all other matters pertaining to the Major League Clubs, not within the jurisdiction granted to the Commissioner under this Constitution, including the adoption, amendment or suspension of Major League Rules, for said interim; provided that all actions of the Executive Council pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall be noticed for action at the next regular or special Major League Meeting for approval or other disposition. (d) To submit to the Major League Clubs recommendations as to persons to be considered for election as Commissioner whenever a vacancy may exist in that office. (e) To review and to either approve or disapprove, in whole or in part, the proposed budget submitted annually by the Commissioner for the financing of the Commissioners Office and requests by the Commissioner for authority to incur expenses in excess thereof. Nothing contained in this Section 2 shall be deemed to diminish or curtail the jurisdiction granted to the Commissioner under Article II hereof or to empower the Executive Council to amend or suspend in any respect any provisions of this Constitution. Sec. 3. The Commissioner shall be permanent Chairman of the Executive Council. The members of the Executive Council shall receive no compensation or reimbursement of expenses for their services as members thereof. Sec. 4. The Executive Council shall hold regularly scheduled meetings at least bimonthly each calendar year. The Executive Council shall hold such other meetings as may, from time to time, be called at the request of the Commissioner or a majority of the Major League Clubs. The Executive Council shall establish its own rules of procedure for all such meetings and shall keep minutes of its meetings.
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. IV to Art. V, Sec. 1
Article IV RULES, RESOLUTIONS AND REGULATIONS Any rules, resolutions or regulations adopted as provided in this Constitution shall be binding upon the Major League Clubs and shall not thereafter be amended or repealed except as provided in Article III, Section 2(c), Article V, Section 2 or Article XI, Section 3 hereof. The authority of the Commissioner shall include the authority to determine finally a disagreement over a rule, resolution, regulation or this Constitution.
Article V MAJOR LEAGUE MEETINGS Sec. 1. (a) Four regular Major League Meetings shall be held each year on such dates and at such places as the Commissioner shall designate. One such regular meeting shall be held each off-season in December or January. The Commissioner may either cancel a regular meeting so called or may fail to call a regular meeting if in the Commissioners judgment there is not sufficient business to justify holding the meeting. The Commissioner may also hold any meeting by teleconference or videoconference or conduct any vote by mail, facsimile, electronic mail or other means. At all Major League Meetings, the Commissioner shall preside, except that the Commissioner shall not preside at any Major League Meeting for the election of a Commissioner or for consideration of the term of office or duties of a Commissioner. In the absence of the Commissioner, the presiding officer shall be elected by written ballot of a majority vote of the Major League Clubs represented at the meeting. Whatever Clubs shall be represented at a Major League Meeting shall constitute a quorum. Each Club at a Major League Meeting shall be represented by a person having full authority to act for the Club and to bind the Club on all matters. Voting shall be by roll call of the Clubs, in rotating alphabetical order; provided, however, that upon the majority vote of all Clubs, the vote shall be by written ballot. (b) The Commissioner or the Executive Council or any Major League Club may, from time to time, propose to the Major League Clubs the adoption, amendment or rescission of any rule, resolution or other matter for action at a Major League Meeting. Except by unanimous consent, no action shall be taken at any Major League Meeting upon any matter of which at least 20 days, or at any special meeting upon any matter of which at least 10 days, of prior written
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. V, Sec. 1 to Art. V, Sec. 2
notice shall not have been given all Major League Clubs and the Executive Council. The notice calling any Major League Meeting may specify that the meeting shall act in Executive Session either entirely or as to any particular matter specified therein. Upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the Major League Clubs represented at a Major League Meeting or at the Commissioners direction, such meeting shall go into Executive Session. At an Executive Session each Club shall be represented by not more than two representatives. Sec. 2. (a) The vote of a majority of the Major League Clubs shall be required for the approval of any of the following: (1) Any action relating to the process of collective bargaining with the Major League Baseball Players Association or with any representative of the Major League umpires; (2) Any action relating to scheduling for the championship season; (3) Any action relating to the All-Star Game, Division Series, League Championship Series or World Series; (4) Any action to amend Major League Rule 25 relating to the Uniform Playing Rules and Official Scoring Rules; provided, however, that any action to amend the designated hitter rule shall require the vote of threefourths of all Clubs; (5) Any action relating to radio, television or other audio or video media (including the Internet or any other online technology), including but not limited to any agreement or amendment thereto with any other party, pursuant to which there is the grant, license or other transfer of radio, television or other audio or video media rights for Major League Baseball games; or (6) Any action to extend the term of this Constitution. (b) The vote of three-fourths of the Major League Clubs shall be required for the approval of any of the following: (1) Expansion by the addition of a new Club or Clubs or contraction by the subtraction of a Club or Clubs;
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. V, Sec. 2 to Art. V, Sec. 3
(2) The sale or transfer of a control interest in any Club; provided, however, that a majority vote of all Major League Clubs shall be sufficient to approve any such sale or transfer occurring upon the death of an owner to a spouse or one or more lineal descendants. For purposes hereof, the term "control" shall mean the possession by the transferee, directly or indirectly, of the power or authority to influence substantially the management policies of the Club. A sale or transfer of a non-control interest in any Club shall require only the approval of the Commissioner; (3) The relocation of any Major League Club; (4) Any change from the present form of three-division play in either League (e.g., two-division or four-division play); (5) The realignment of one or more Clubs into a different division(s) or into the other League; provided, however, that no Club may be moved to a different division or to the other League without its consent; (6) Any provision affecting the sharing by the Major League Clubs of revenues from any source; (7) Any provision amending this Constitution, except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Constitution; or (8) The involuntary termination of the rights, privileges and properties of a Major League Club pursuant to the procedures of Article VIII hereof. (c) Except as specifically provided in Article II, Section 9 and Article V, Section 2(b) of this Constitution, all actions to be voted upon by the Major League Clubs shall be decided by a majority vote of all Major League Clubs. (d) Interpretation and applicability of this Section 2 shall be made by the Commissioner and that decision shall be final and non-appealable. Sec. 3. Special Major League Meetings may be called by the Commissioner and shall be so called whenever the Commissioner is requested in writing by any eight Major League Clubs. If the Commissioner shall, within five days after receipt of such request, fail to call a Major League Meeting, any Major League Club so requesting may call the Major League Meeting.
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. VI, Sec. 1 to Art. VI, Sec. 2
Article VI ARBITRATION Sec. 1. All disputes and controversies related in any way to professional baseball between Clubs or between a Club(s) and any Major League Baseball entity(ies) (including in each case, without limitation, their owners, officers, directors, employees and players), other than those whose resolution is expressly provided for by another means in this Constitution, the Major League Rules, the Basic Agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association, or the collective bargaining agreement with any representative of the Major League umpires, shall be submitted to the Commissioner, as arbitrator, who, after hearing, shall have the sole and exclusive right to decide such disputes and controversies and whose decision shall be final and unappealable. The procedure set forth in this Section is separate from and shall not alter or affect the procedure set forth in Article V governing the role of the Commissioner at Major League Meetings, or the Commissioner's powers to act in the best interests of Baseball under Article II. Sec. 2. The Major League Clubs recognize that it is in the best interests of Baseball that all actions taken by the Commissioner under the authority of this Constitution, including, without limitation, Article II and this Article VI, be accepted and complied with by the Clubs, and that the Clubs not otherwise engage in any form of litigation between or among themselves or with any Major League Baseball entity, but resolve their differences pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution. In furtherance thereof, the Clubs (on their own behalf and including, without limitation, on behalf of their owners, officers, directors and employees) severally agree to be finally and unappealably bound by actions of the Commissioner and all other actions, decisions or interpretations taken or reached pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution and severally waive such right of recourse to the courts as would otherwise have existed in their favor. In the event of any legal action other than as prescribed by Section 1 of this Article VI by any Club (including, without limitation, their owners, officers, directors and employees) in connection with any dispute or controversy related in any way to professional baseball, or in the event of noncompliance with any action of the Commissioner, with any action or decision taken or reached pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution, or with the terms or intent of this Article VI, in addition to any other remedy that may be available to the Commissioner, the Commissioner may direct that the costs, including attorneys' fees, to the Office of the Commissioner or any other Baseball entity, whether as plaintiff or defendant, of any court proceeding or other form of litigation resulting therefrom be reimbursed to the Office of the Commissioner or such other Baseball entity by such non-complying Club (on its own behalf and including, without limitation, on behalf of its owners, officers, directors and
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. VI, Sec. 2 to Art. VIII, Sec. 1
employees). Nothing herein shall be construed to limit any rights of indemnity that the Major League Clubs or any Major League Baseball entity may have against any Club. Sec. 3. The form of player's contract to be used by the Major League Clubs, and all contracts between Major League Clubs and their officers and employees, shall contain a clause by which the parties agree to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, and to accept the Commissioners decisions rendered in accordance with this Constitution.
Article VII SUPERSEDING EFFECT This Constitution, and all actions taken pursuant to this Constitution, shall supersede any conflicting provisions of any other agreement, as amended, whether now existing or hereinafter entered into, to which any Major League Club is a party and any conflicting actions taken pursuant thereto.
Article VIII CLUBS AND TERRITORIES Sec. 1. Clubs. There shall be 30 Major League Clubs, which agree hereby to act at all times in the best interests of Baseball. The Clubs shall be organized into two Leagues, the American League and the National League, with three divisions in each League, as follows: American League East Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox New York Yankees Tampa Bay Rays Toronto Blue Jays National League East Atlanta Braves Florida Marlins New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Washington Nationals
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. VIII, Sec. 1 to Art. VIII, Sec. 4
Central Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Minnesota Twins West Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers
Central Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Houston Astros Milwaukee Brewers Pittsburgh Pirates St. Louis Cardinals West Arizona Diamondbacks Colorado Rockies Los Angeles Dodgers San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants
Sec. 2. Expansion, Contraction, Realignment, Divisions. Any increase or decrease in the number of or any realignment of the Major League Clubs or any change from the present form of three-division play shall be governed by the voting provisions in Article V, Section 2 (b). Sec. 3. Voluntary Termination. A Major League Club may withdraw from this Constitution only with the approval of three-fourths of all Major League Clubs, subject to such terms and conditions as the Commissioner may require, by submitting a written request to withdraw to the Commissioner, making full payment of all Baseball indebtedness and offering to assign to the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee all of the withdrawing Clubs rights, privileges and other property rights hereunder and under any other Baseball-related agreement. Sec. 4. Involuntary Termination. The rights, privileges and other property rights of a Major League Club hereunder and under any other Baseball-related agreement may be terminated (i) in the event of contraction, pursuant to Article V, Section 2 (b) (1), or (ii) involuntarily, with the approval of three-fourths of all Major League Clubs, if the Club in question shall do or suffer any of the following: (a) (b) Disband its team; Disband its business organization or cease its business;
(c) Except pursuant to official policies promulgated by the Commissioner, allow gambling of any kind upon its grounds or any building owned or controlled by it;
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(d) Offer, agree, conspire or attempt to lose any game participated in by the Club; or fail to suspend immediately any player, employee or officer who shall be proved guilty of offering, agreeing, conspiring or attempting to lose any such game or of being interested in any pool or wager on any game in which a Club participates; (e) Fail to present its team at the time and place it is scheduled to play any championship game, unless such failure is caused by unavoidable accident in travel or conditions beyond the control of the Club or its officers; (f) Fail or refuse to comply with any requirement of the Commissioner;
(g) Willfully violate any provision of this Constitution or any provision of the Professional Baseball Agreement, or any rules duly adopted pursuant to either of those agreements; (h) Transfer or assign such number of its player contracts as will prevent it from functioning as a Major League Club; (i) Fail to pay any indebtedness owing to Baseball within thirty days after receiving written notice from the Commissioner of default of such payment; (j) Fail or refuse to fulfill its contractual obligations;
(k) Fail to maintain a ballpark suitable for the playing of home Major League Baseball games; or (l) Make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors or file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or if a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy is appointed for the properties and assets of the Club, or if reorganization proceedings in bankruptcy are instituted by or against the Club. Sec. 5. Termination Procedure. The Commissioner shall determine the procedure to be followed with respect to a termination of a Clubs rights hereunder, whether voluntary or involuntary. Such procedures shall include, in the case of a proposed involuntary termination, a written charge identifying the basis for the proposed involuntary termination, and an opportunity for the Club in question to be heard with respect to the charge. Sec. 6. Effect of Termination. Upon termination of a Major League Club in accordance with Section 3 or 4 hereof, the Commissioner may, but is not required to,
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cancel and/or make such other disposition of the terminated Clubs rights, privileges and other property rights hereunder or under any other Baseball-related agreement as the Commissioner deems appropriate. Without limiting the foregoing, the Commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered (but not required) to acquire through a designee and operate or dispose of the baseball park (or leasehold interest therein if such park is leased by such Club) and/or all other baseball properties, including without limitation the Club and the television, radio and other media contracts of such Club, the Player Development Contracts of such Club, the trademark and copyright rights of such Club and any other property, contracts, rights under this Constitution or other rights the Commissioner shall designate. Any terminated Club shall be obligated to assist in carrying out the provisions of any intended sale or other disposition and will execute and deliver any and all documents determined by the Commissioner to be necessary or convenient therefor, including without limitation instruments of conveyance, transfer, lease, bill of sale, assignment or quit claim. In the event of a failure, refusal or inability of any terminated Club to execute any and all such documents, each Club agrees i) that the Commissioner shall have the full and complete authority, to execute any and all such documents on behalf of the terminated Club in order to carry out the intended sale or other disposition, and ii) that any court of competent jurisdiction may enter any orders, judgments or decrees necessary to enforce and carry out the provisions hereof and that such Club will not oppose the entry of any such orders, judgments or decrees. Upon consummation of such purchase or sale, the Commissioner may first apply the proceeds to the payment of Baseball-related debts of the terminated Club, and finally any balance remaining thereafter shall be paid over to the terminated Club. The cancellation, operation, acquisition or disposition of a terminated Clubs rights, privileges and properties shall be conducted in such manner, if any, as may be decided by the Commissioner in the Commissioners sole discretion. Sec. 7. Effect of Termination on Active Player Contracts and Reservation Rights. Upon a termination of a Major League Club in accordance with Section 3 or 4 hereof, title to the contracts of all active players then under contract to the terminated Club and all rights of player reservation of such Club shall, at the option of the Commissioner, thereupon vest in the Commissioner or a designee of the Commissioner, to be disposed of in such manner as the Commissioner may determine. The Commissioner may exercise this option with respect to all or less than all of the active player contracts and reservation rights of the terminated Club. Sec. 8. Operating Territories. The Major League Clubs shall have assigned operating territories within which they have the right and obligation to play baseball games as the home Club.
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. VIII, Sec. 8
(a) National League. The National League Clubs shall have the following operating territories: Arizona Diamondbacks: Atlanta Braves: Maricopa County in Arizona; City of Atlanta; and Fulton, Cobb, Gwinette and Dekalb Counties in Georgia; Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kendall, McHenry and Grundy Counties in Illinois; and Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the Chicago White Sox franchise in the American League; Butler, Warren, Clermont and Hamilton counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton and Campbell Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Franklin Counties in Indiana; City of Denver; and Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, Jefferson and Denver Counties in Colorado; Dade and Broward Counties in Florida; provided, however, that with respect to all Major League Clubs, Palm Beach County in Florida shall also be included; City of Houston; and Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller Counties in Texas; Orange, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties in California; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim franchise in the American League; Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Waukesha Counties in Wisconsin; City of New York; Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York; Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Union Counties in New Jersey; and that
Chicago Cubs:
Cincinnati Reds:
Colorado Rockies:
Florida Marlins:
Houston Astros:
Los Angeles Dodgers:
Milwaukee Brewers:
New York Mets:
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portion of Fairfield County in Connecticut located south of Interstate 84 and west of Route 58; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the New York Yankees franchise in the American League; Philadelphia Phillies: Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania; and Gloucester, Camden and Burlington Counties in New Jersey; City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County in Pennsylvania; City of St. Louis; and St. Louis, Jefferson, St. Charles and Franklin Counties in Missouri; and St. Clair, Madison, Monroe and Jersey Counties in Illinois; San Diego County in California; City of San Francisco; and San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Marin Counties in California; provided, however, that with respect to all Major League Clubs, Santa Clara County in California shall also be included; District of Columbia; and Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties, and all independent cities bordering such counties, in Virginia.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
St. Louis Cardinals:
San Diego Padres: San Francisco Giants:
Washington Nationals:
(b) American League. The American League Clubs shall have the following operating territories: Baltimore Orioles: City of Baltimore; and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Carroll and Harford Counties in Maryland; Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, Bristol, Worcester, and Norfolk Counties in Massachusetts; provided, however, that Bristol and Worcester Counties and the territory south and west of Highway 128 in Norfolk County shall be shared with the Pawtucket franchise in the International League;
Boston Red Sox:
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Chicago White Sox:
Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kendall, McHenry and Grundy Counties in Illinois; and Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the Chicago Cubs franchise in the National League; Cuyahoga, Lorrain, Medina, Geauga, Lake and Summit Counties in Ohio; provided, however, that Summit County shall be shared with the Akron franchise in the Eastern League; Wayne, Monroe, Washtenaw, Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair Counties in Michigan; Johnson, Wyandotte, Miami and Leavenworth Counties in Kansas; and Clay, Jackson, Cass and Platte Counties in Missouri;
Cleveland Indians:
Detroit Tigers:
Kansas City Royals:
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:
Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties in California; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise in the National League; Ramsey and Hennepin Counties in Minnesota; City of New York; Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York; Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Union Counties in New Jersey; and that portion of Fairfield County in Connecticut located south of Interstate 84 and west of Route 58; provided, however, that this territory shall be shared with the New York Mets franchise in the National League; Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in California; King County in Washington; Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties in Florida; Cities of Dallas, Ft. Worth and Arlington; and Dallas and Tarrant Counties in Texas;
Minnesota Twins: New York Yankees:
Oakland Athletics: Seattle Mariners: Tampa Bay Rays: Texas Rangers:
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. VIII Sec. 8 to Art. IX, Sec. 5
Toronto Blue Jays:
Cities of Scarborough, York, East York, North York, Etobicoke and Toronto, commonly referred to as Metropolitan Toronto.
Sec. 9. Home Television Territories. The definitions of the home television territories of the Major League Clubs shall be maintained in the Commissioners Office. Amendments to such territories shall be made only with the approval of the Executive Council.
Article IX CONDUCT OF CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON AND POST-SEASON Sec. 1. Schedule. The games for each championship season shall be arranged in a written schedule prepared by the Commissioner, acting in accordance with any standing resolutions passed at a Major League Meeting and with the Basic Agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association. No Major League Club shall schedule or play any exhibition game during the championship season without the prior approval of the Commissioner. Sec. 2. Playing Rules. All championship games shall be played under the Official Baseball Rules. Sec. 3. Parks Not to be Changed During Season. No Club shall change the size or dimensions of its playing field during the championship season. Sec. 4. Championship Season and Post-Season. The Commissioner shall have responsibility for all matters relating to the administration of the championship season and the post-season, which shall be conducted in accordance with the Major League Rules and the Major League Regulations. Sec. 5. All-Star Game. The Clubs shall provide the necessary services of players, and, if selected as a host Club, the park, facilities and equipment needed for the playing of an All-Star Game during each baseball season. All-Star Games shall be played under the supervision, control and direction of the Commissioner. The date and the park in which an All-Star Game is to be played shall be determined by the Executive Council. Each host Club agrees that when it is designated to conduct an All-Star Game, it will provide the park, facilities and equipment for such a game for a total rental of one dollar and will act as agent for the Major League Clubs in the conduct of said game.
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. X, Sec. 1 to Art. X, Sec. 3
Article X MAJOR LEAGUE CENTRAL FUND Sec. 1. Maintenance of Major League Central Fund. There shall be maintained for the Major League Clubs in the Office of the Commissioner a separate account to be known as the Major League Central Fund and to be administered by the Executive Council. All sums received for the account of the parties hereto under this Constitution shall be deposited in the Major League Central Fund. The Commissioner is hereby appointed the fiscal agent of the Major League Central Fund. Sec. 2. All-Star Game Revenues and Expenses. The All-Star Game host Club shall be required to submit such revenue and expense budgets for the All-Star Game and reasonably related events as may from time to time be required by the Commissioner. The host Club shall be entitled to reimbursement of its reasonable and necessary expenses out of such revenues. With the approval of the Commissioner, reimbursement of expenses included in the budget may be made on application of the host Club periodically in advance of each All-Star Game. Final settlement pursuant to the approved budget shall be made following submission of a post-game accounting by the host Club. All-Star Game receipts from the sale of tickets (net of applicable local taxes) shall be transmitted by the host Club to the Major League Central Fund without deduction for expenses, but the host Club may retain revenues received from related activities until the final accounting and settlement. The net proceeds of each such game and related activities after the payment of expenses shall be deposited in the Major League Central Fund and shall be credited to the Major League Clubs equally. Sec. 3. Major League Club Broadcasts. Major League Club practices with regard to the telecasting and radio broadcasting of games are governed as follows: (a) The Clubs hereby agree that each Club shall have, with respect to each game in which it participates, the right to authorize the telecast of such game only by means of over-the-air, cable and satellite technology, and only within its home television territory. (b) Each Club shall have, with respect to each game in which it participates, the right to authorize the radio broadcast of such game (1) if such Club is a home Club, over any radio broadcast station in the United States, for Clubs in the United States, or in Canada, for Clubs in Canada, except a station whose transmitter is not
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located within 50 miles of such Clubs ballpark and is located within 50 miles of the visiting Clubs ballpark, or (2) if such Club is a visiting Club, over any radio broadcast station in the United States, for Clubs in the United States, or in Canada, for Clubs in Canada, whose transmitter is located within 50 miles of such visiting Clubs ballpark, except as may be agreed by the home Club and the visiting Club. (c) Each Club shall provide in its ballpark to the visiting Club suitable space to be used for the purposes described in subparagraphs (a) and (b), above, together with the ability to install and maintain in such ballpark such wires, cables and other equipment and items as may be necessary for such purposes, at the expense of the visiting Club or the visiting Clubs rightsholder. Each home Club will additionally admit such employees and agents of the visiting Club and the visiting Clubs rightsholder to the home Clubs ballpark free of charge as may be necessary for the purposes described in subparagraphs (a) and (b), above. (d) Each Club hereby agrees, with respect to each game in which it participates, that the other participating Club shall have the right, and hereby authorizes the Commissioner to grant to national rightsholders the right, to make use of the Clubs trademarks in connection with all productions made pursuant to subparagraphs (a) and (b), above, and Section 4, below, and all advertising related thereto. All such use of trademarks shall inure to the benefit of the trademark owner and shall be made pursuant to all established standards of quality. Sec. 4. National Broadcasts, Copyright Royalties. Subject to such approving vote of the Major League Clubs as may be required by Article V, Section 2 of this Constitution, the Major League Clubs grant to the Commissioner, acting as their agent, with the prior advice and prior consent of the Major League Executive Council, the exclusive right to sell on their behalf, throughout the United States and other territories as chosen by the Commissioner, exclusive or non-exclusive television and radio or other video or audio media rights (including the Internet and any other online technology) (live or taped) to the World Series, League Championship Series, Division Series, All-Star Games, regular season championship games, spring training games, exhibition games and other Major League Baseball events. All contracts for the sale of such television, radio and other video and audio media and online rights shall be administered by the Commissioner on behalf of the Clubs, and the contracts shall so provide. The Clubs further authorize and empower the Commissioner, acting as their agent, to make exclusive demand and present formal claim on their behalf, by appropriate notice, filings and otherwise, and to negotiate and enter into settlement agreements with respect to the collection of royalty fees for broadcasts of Major League Baseball games carried as distant signal programming by cable television systems, satellite providers
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and other media providers, pursuant to applicable provisions of the United States, Canada and foreign copyright laws. The proceeds received from the sales of television and radio or other video or audio media rights to the World Series, League Championship Series, Division Series, All-Star Games, regular season championship games, spring training games and exhibition games and from copyright royalty fees shall be made payable to the Commissioner as agent for the Clubs, and when received by the Commissioner, shall be deposited in the Major League Central Fund and shall be credited to each of them equally. Sec. 5. Payments from Central Fund, Books of Account. Each of the Major League Clubs hereto hereby authorizes and directs the Commissioner to make the following payments on its behalf out of the Major League Central Fund. These payments are to be charged to the Clubs equally. (a) There shall be payments of such contributions to the Major League Baseball Players Benefit Plan as the Clubs are or may become obligated to contribute to the Benefit Plan by agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association or by action of the Clubs. (b) In October of each year, there shall be paid to the Commissioner an amount which shall be sufficient for the following purposes: (1) to enable the Commissioner, after expenditure of the receipts of the Commissioners Office from all other sources, to cover (i) the clerical, administrative and operational expenses of the Commissioners Office and the Executive Council incurred during the fiscal year ending in that month pursuant to the budget for such year as approved by the Executive Council, and (ii) expenditures for contributions and other non-operational purposes made pursuant to the appropriations for such purposes recommended by the Executive Council, and (2) to provide, as of the close of each fiscal year, a reserve fund for the Commissioners Office of at least $10,000,000, or such amount approved by the Executive Council (such reserve fund to be the excess of all assets over all liabilities). (c) There shall be paid from time to time such amounts as shall be approved by the Executive Council for the administrative expenses of the Central Fund and for other purposes common to all Clubs, including the compensation and expenses of advisors, attorneys, actuaries and other persons retained or employed by the
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Commissioner in connection with player relations matters and the Major League Baseball Players Benefit Plan or other matters. (d) The balance of each Clubs share of the Major League Central Fund remaining after said payments (less the reserve) shall be paid to the Clubs on or before October 31 of the year in which received, or as soon thereafter as possible, unless otherwise determined by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may from time to time invest any balance of the Major League Central Fund on hand in certificates of deposit, obligations of the United States Government, A1P1 rated commercial paper or such other interest bearing accounts or instruments as have been approved in advance by the Major League Finance & Compensation Committee. Upon termination of the Major League Central Fund, any remaining funds shall be distributed and paid to the Clubs. The Commissioner shall provide and keep true and accurate books of account and records of all receipts and disbursements and other transactions involving or pertaining to the Major League Central Fund. On or before February 15 of each year, the Commissioner shall submit to the Executive Council an accurate statement of account showing all receipts and disbursements and other transactions involving or pertaining to the Major League Central Fund during the preceding fiscal year ending October 31 and, in addition thereto, setting forth a full and complete schedule of all cash obligations of the United States Government and other property then comprising the Major League Central Fund. Each Major League Club shall be furnished a copy of such annual statement and shall be entitled at all times during business hours to inspect the books of account and records of the Major League Central Fund. Sec. 6. Termination of Central Fund. The Major League Central Fund shall be in existence continuously unless and until three-fourths of the Major League Clubs shall have given to the Commissioner written notice on or before June 30 of any year of their intention to terminate the Major League Central Fund, and upon the giving of any such notice the Major League Central Fund shall terminate on the 31st day of December of the year following the year in which such notice is given.
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. XI, Sec. 1 to Art. XI, Sec. 2
Article XI MISCELLANEOUS Sec. 1. Fiscal Responsibility. Each Major League Club shall comply with the Debt Service Rule and any other rules dealing with fiscal responsibility as may be contained in the then-current Basic Agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association, as may be amended in accordance with Article V, Section 2(a)(1). Sec. 2. Indemnification of Officials. The Major League Clubs hereby jointly indemnify each person who is now or hereafter serves as the Commissioner of Baseball, or as an employee, officer or director of the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., Major League Baseball Enterprises, Inc., Major League Baseball Advanced Media, L.P., the Major League Scouting Bureau, the Arizona Fall League, Inc. or any other similar or affiliated entity currently existing or hereafter created to carry out functions of interest to Major League Baseball or to professional baseball, and each person who is an officer, director, employee or representative of a Major League Club who has been or is hereafter elected, appointed or selected by the Commissioner of Baseball or the Commissioners designee or the Major League Executive Council to perform, individually or as a member of a committee, a function related to the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball or any other matter of interest to Major League Baseball or to professional baseball, whether or not then acting as such Commissioner of Baseball, employee, officer or director or as such a person so elected, appointed or selected, against expenses (including attorneys fees) judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative to which he or she shall have been made a party by reason of his or her being or having served in such capacity if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in and not opposed to the best interests of baseball, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of baseball, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The Commissioner shall hereafter be indemnified in any case, provided that he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the preceding portion
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MAJOR LEAGUE CONSTITUTION MLC Art. XI, Sec. 2 to Art. XI, Sec. 3
of this resolution. In the case of any other person covered by this resolution, indemnification shall be only as authorized in a specific case upon a determination either by the Commissioner or a majority vote of the Major League Clubs that the indemnification of the person is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the preceding portion of this resolution. Sec. 3. Major League Regulations. The Commissioner shall adopt a set of Major League Regulations relating to games, ballparks, uniforms and other matters and may otherwise promulgate bulletins and directives binding on the Major League Clubs (including without limitation their owners, officers, directors and employees) in matters relating to the Commissioners functions and the administration of the game of baseball that are not inconsistent with this Constitution. Amendments to such Regulations, bulletins and directives may be made in the discretion of the Commissioner.
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EXHIBIT C
EXHIBIT D

Amended Complaint For Senne v. MLB March 5 2014

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Case3:14-cv-00608-JCS Document19 Filed03/05/14 Page1 of 381

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

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29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.

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3 Commissioner of Baseball, doing business as MLB, is an unincorporated association comprised of the

MLC Art. II 2. MLC Art. II 2, 3. MLC Art. II 2.

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MLR Attachment 3, UPC VI.E.

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MLB International, MLB.com, http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/international/mlbi_index.jsp (last visited Dec. 16, 2013).

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MLR 4(a). MLR 4(e).

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See MLR 3(a).

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22 leaguers at all times when using PDCs. MLR 56(g) states: 23 24 25 26 27 28

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22 earn $1,100 per month. 23 24 25

MLR 56(g). MLR 56(g).

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The Long Hours Worked By Minor Leaguers

27 when on the road. 28

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See MLR 56(g).

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See MLR 14. See MLR Attachment 3, UPC XVI.

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27 though the Royals required it to be performed. 28

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