MLB Players Union Scrambling To Protect Itself

Almost lost in the media frenzy of A-Rod’s admission to using steroids – and potentially a much bigger and more far-reaching problem – is the role that Gene Orza and the MLB Players Association had in the 2003 testing, results, and subsequent testing.

At almost the same time as A-Rod was addressing the media at Yankee camp yesterday, the MLBPA was distributing memos to all of its members – either directly or simply leaving them in lockers.

The memo – from union head Donald Fehr and the union’s head lawyer Michael Weiner, – directs players to be careful when discussing the 2003 tests and gives them a series of questions they may face with suggested answers they should give. Among them is one specifically about Gene Orza allegedly tipping off players about 2004 testing.

The union is facing heavy criticism, both for its actions and inactions during the steroid era. Clean players are beginning to break ranks, calling for harsher penalties then the union wants (David Ortiz called for a 1 -year banishment for a first offense).

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Shea Home Run Apple Pictures

Thanks to the soon-to-be Mrs. CyclonesFan for spotting the Shea Apple as we were driving past Corporate Field on Sunday.

The Apple is placed just inside the 126th Street entrance, located by the right field bull pen area.

Honestly, the way it looked from the street it makes it seem that they just tucked the Apple into a corner, keeping it away from most people. Keep the reminders of Shea far away from the main areas.

I guess I should be happy that at least they kept it.

You are invited to view Mets’s photo album: Shea Apple on Feb 15
Shea Apple on Feb 15
Feb 15, 2009
by Mets

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Last Week of Shea – Part 7 (Shea’s Final Visitors)

All that’s left now are some ramps and a shell. Reports from several sources say that the last piece will come down today around noon.

The most interesting pictures from Tuesday are those of 2 workers high on the shell using blow torches to cut into the framework – presumably to make it easier to come down today. They are Shea’s final visitors

You are invited to view Mets’s photo album: Feb 17
Feb 17
Feb 17, 2009
by Mets

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Clean Up The Hall of Fame

Mark McGwire can’t get elected.

Pete Rose and Joe Jackson are banned.

The way it looks now, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmiero, and Alex Rodriguez won’t get in either

MLB and the BBWAA want to maintain the “purity” of the Hall of Fame.

OK, I’ll get on board with that. But if we really want to keep the Hall pure, then we have to do some house-cleaning. Time to weed out those who are “un-worthy.” Let’s start with 15 for now:

  1. Babe Ruth – The man was a drunk and a womanizer. He openly violated federal law (prohibition). He also fathered a child by a woman other than his wife.
  2. Ty Cobb – A racist and murderer. Also accused of fixing games
  3. Tris Speaker – Accused of fixing games with Cobb
  4. Cap Anson – Racist.
  5. Pud Galvin – Steroid user
  6. Enos Slaughter – Racist
  7. Gaylord Perry – Admitted to using a spitball in clear violation of MLB rules
  8. Kirby Pucket – Womanizer
  9. Paul Molitor – Admitted drug user
  10. Fergie Jenkins – Admitted drug user
  11. Don Sutton – Admitted doctoring baseballs
  12. Whitey Ford – Admitted doctoring baseballs
  13. Rogers Hornsby – Admitted to cheating in a self-penned article “You’ve Got To Cheat To Win”
  14. Ralph Kiner – Admitted to using amphetamines
  15. Willie Stargell – Used Amphetamines

And I haven’t even gotten started on the non-players in the Hall (you know Comiskey is at the top of that list).

Who else should we weed out? Or better yet, who will be left once we are done?

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New York’s pernennial losers pulled a name out of a hat – 06.26.67 – SI Vault

1967, and the Mets have a promising young pitcher.

But in the second game the Mets produced their own special rookie pitcher, Tom Seaver, who beat the Reds 7-3 and showed a sample of his exceptional poise in the sixth inning. With runners on second and third and no outs, he forced Floyd Robinson to pop up and struck out Vada Pinson and Pete Rose. He tired in the ninth and lost his shutout, but the job was typical of what Seaver has been doing for the Mets in his second season of pro ball.


Against the Cubs he pitched a four-hitter over 10 innings and scored the winning run himself. Against Atlanta he lost a 4-3 game but hit two doubles and a single, stole a base and had two RBIs. He beat the Dodgers with a five-hitter and stole another base. Through last weekend Tom had a 5-4 record, praiseworthy on a basement team, and if his performance was un-Metlike, it was hardly unexpected by another team to which he happens to belong—the sharpshooting, par-busting, raisin-packing Seaver family out of Fresno, Calif. and points east.

More below:

New York’s perennial losers pulled a name out of a hat – 06.26.67 – SI Vault