With the recent admission from Mark McGwire about his steroid use, from as far back as 1990 with the Oakland Athletics, continues to remind fans of the lie; that still permeates all sports, especially baseball, and the questions that fall upon every player who achieves success in all aspects of the game, particularly if that person; becomes a statistical phenomenon.
Because of the every increasing scrunity over players statstics and the reasons for there success; the question becomes what could anyone do to stop steroids in baseball, and particularly what could any commissioner do to stop steroids from entering the game?
Unfortunately, for the previous two commissioner and the current commissioner; the belief that steroids did not exist, or the delusional idea that baseball did not have a steroid problem. While former MLB commissioners Peter Ueberroth and A. Bart Giamatti was dealing with collusion scandal of the mid 80's involving baseball's owners, and Fay Vincent was in the midst of the fallout from the Pete Rose scandal and as a result all these commissioners did not notice the budding steroid problem; that would soon come.
But in the case of Bud Selig, an owner who people would assume would have a better understanding of the situations going on with not only his own team; but with the state of baseball at the time, especially after the baseball strike of 1994, and the anger that the fans had against both players and owners going into the 1995 season; which may explain why owners, executives and even the commissioner overlooked, in order to bring fans back to the game.
Before the start of the 1995 season, only 11 players had hit 50 or more home runs during the course of the regular season, since Babe Ruth hit 54 in 1920; but things were happening even before the 95' season, when the season abruptly ended on August 12,1994; Matt Williams of the San Francisco Giants led the majors with 43 home runs, and Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners had 40 home runs, however at the season's abrupt end, 8 other players had hit 30 home runs or more, of which 4 of those men( Bagwell, Thomas, Bonds and Belle), had hit 35 or more home runs, with close to 9 weeks left in the regular season; it had already begun.
Since the 1995 season, 13 different players have hit 50 or more home runs, with 3 men(McGwire, Sosa and Bonds) achieving 60 or more; Mark McGwire achieved this feat in back-to-back years(98'-99'); while Sammy Sosa achieved that feat three times(98',99',01').
Along with these amazing feats of home run brilliance, also came the overall success of a player from average; to borderline hall-of-famer in a season, and with the success of these players and teams, the revenues of virtally every team in the majors exploded; there is a definite idea that everyone turned a blind-eye; to the possible steroid and HGH use, particularly in the front offices of MLB. Until they had no other choice; when Congress needed to intervene and grandstand, in front of the entire country regarding this issue.
So it leads to the title question of this post; would it have been different if Peter Gammons was commissioner, the answer, is probably yes. There would have to be some significant fighting between players and ownership; but before the Jose Canseco book "Juiced" appeared; there would have been a system of random drug-testing; before a congressional intervention. I am not saying that Peter Gammons would have changed the landscape of baseball; so that players would not find ways to circumvent the testing; but the rules and conditions would have been enforced, and pushed by Gammons, the owners, and players that would have stood with the commissioner.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
What about Marvin Miller?
While looking through BaseballReference. com, I decided to look at the career of Curt Flood, and from there I went to Wikipedia; to look at his life, and I stumbled upon the name of Marvin Miller.
Marvin Miller, may be the most important baseball person; who never played an inning in his lifetime, yet he help pave the way for the contracts; that Major League players now enjoy currently. Even though Curt Flood, lost his case in 1969; it would take another five years before baseball players; would be able to breakaway from the reverse clause; that had held players down for so long, and ushering in the free-agency era.
So why not Marvin Miller for MLB Commissioner, one word...hatred. The owners past and present have an unbelieveable distain for the players that receive large contracts today; because of what the owners did to the players before free agency was instituted, under the leadership of Miller and that anger has never gone away. Even though Miller would probably make an excellent commissioner; the owners would rather have a lockout; than to have Marvin Miller commissioner of Major League Baseball.
Marvin Miller, may be the most important baseball person; who never played an inning in his lifetime, yet he help pave the way for the contracts; that Major League players now enjoy currently. Even though Curt Flood, lost his case in 1969; it would take another five years before baseball players; would be able to breakaway from the reverse clause; that had held players down for so long, and ushering in the free-agency era.
So why not Marvin Miller for MLB Commissioner, one word...hatred. The owners past and present have an unbelieveable distain for the players that receive large contracts today; because of what the owners did to the players before free agency was instituted, under the leadership of Miller and that anger has never gone away. Even though Miller would probably make an excellent commissioner; the owners would rather have a lockout; than to have Marvin Miller commissioner of Major League Baseball.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Why the next commissioner should not be a player?
With Selig eventually departure; there might be some considerable backlash for once again having an owner as commissioner of baseball; so a new question arises: What not have a former player as the new commissioner of Major League Baseball?
The notion of a former player, particularly one who held a position in the MLB players union seems like a good idea; for instance Tom Glavine, Phil Bradley, and Rick Helling were all former team representatives; as well as a Hall of Famer becoming commissioner; like Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken and Ozzie Smith.
But the problem with a commissioner being a former player; would be the idea that a player would be consistently bias, against any idea by the owners that would infringe on the financial opportunities of the players, whether it would be to implement a pay structure for first-year drafted players, an international draft, the elimination of the World Baseball Classic, and the possibility of adding the Designated Hitter into the National League; would create a major rift between the owners, the players and the commissioner's office.
That is why the next commissioner of baseball, should be an individual; who has a deep-rooted connection to the game; but has the wherewithal to fight through the idiocy and bullcrap; to come to an understanding with both sides, and help better the game in a variety of ways for decades to come.
The notion of a former player, particularly one who held a position in the MLB players union seems like a good idea; for instance Tom Glavine, Phil Bradley, and Rick Helling were all former team representatives; as well as a Hall of Famer becoming commissioner; like Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken and Ozzie Smith.
But the problem with a commissioner being a former player; would be the idea that a player would be consistently bias, against any idea by the owners that would infringe on the financial opportunities of the players, whether it would be to implement a pay structure for first-year drafted players, an international draft, the elimination of the World Baseball Classic, and the possibility of adding the Designated Hitter into the National League; would create a major rift between the owners, the players and the commissioner's office.
That is why the next commissioner of baseball, should be an individual; who has a deep-rooted connection to the game; but has the wherewithal to fight through the idiocy and bullcrap; to come to an understanding with both sides, and help better the game in a variety of ways for decades to come.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Why the next commissioner should not be an owner?
It is very easy to proclaim; that once again having an owner as commissioner of baseball would be detrimental; to the future of the game. But since Bud Selig was made commissioner; he did introduce the 3-team division format for both leagues, inter-league play; as well as the Wildcard for the best non-division winner and the introduction of the Division Series round in the playoffs; as a means to bring people back following the 1994 baseball strike; which resulted in increased excitement for fans during the final weeks of the baseball regular season, and postseason to this day.
But Bud has come under major scrutiny, from the MLB Players Union ; who still has some issues with Bud going back to the mid-80's with the first Baseball collusion scandal.; as it pertains to the financial success of the players, and the possibility of a salary cap; which the players union has refused countless time.
And from the fans; who scrutiny of Selig has come in a variety of ways; from the "tie" in the 2002 All-Star Game in Milwaukee, and the introduction of home-field advantage for the World Series; to add excitement to the exhibition game; to the elimination of the American League and National League Presidents; as to streamline authority and control, and most importantly the lenience, denial and eventually admittance of steroid use in Major League Baseball.
Steroids had been in baseball since the mid-80's; initially with the explosion of home runs in 1987; but starting with the 1994 season, and after the strike, baseball needed something to get people back in the there seats, and with more players hitting more home runs, starting with the players return in 95'; fans returned in droves. culminating with the 1998 home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, followed by Barry Bonds breaking of McGwire's record three years later; but with the increase in home runs came with it increasing questions about players and the use of steroids; but Selig denied the belief that steroids was running rampant in baseball, until the BALCO scandal in 2003., and the Jose Canseco book "Juiced" the following year.
These incidents lead to a congressional hearing in 2005, in which Bud "believed" that players were taking steroids, and he would push for harsher supensions for players; but those policies were considered laughable, and only after increased threats by various Congressmen; that harsh penalties were initiated.
Bud Selig though helpful in increasing the financial well-being of Major League Baseball; was considered a major catalyst in prepatuating baseball's steroid troubles; as well as the various alleged collusion scandals, and the supposed loss of a generation of baseball fans; as a result of all of these troubles.
This is why the introduction of Peter Gammons; as the head of baseball would not only be a plus; in terms of positive P.R. for baseball; but the introduction of a non-partisan individual, into the commissioner's office could lead to the baseball's increased prosperity, and well-being in the future.
But Bud has come under major scrutiny, from the MLB Players Union ; who still has some issues with Bud going back to the mid-80's with the first Baseball collusion scandal.; as it pertains to the financial success of the players, and the possibility of a salary cap; which the players union has refused countless time.
And from the fans; who scrutiny of Selig has come in a variety of ways; from the "tie" in the 2002 All-Star Game in Milwaukee, and the introduction of home-field advantage for the World Series; to add excitement to the exhibition game; to the elimination of the American League and National League Presidents; as to streamline authority and control, and most importantly the lenience, denial and eventually admittance of steroid use in Major League Baseball.
Steroids had been in baseball since the mid-80's; initially with the explosion of home runs in 1987; but starting with the 1994 season, and after the strike, baseball needed something to get people back in the there seats, and with more players hitting more home runs, starting with the players return in 95'; fans returned in droves. culminating with the 1998 home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, followed by Barry Bonds breaking of McGwire's record three years later; but with the increase in home runs came with it increasing questions about players and the use of steroids; but Selig denied the belief that steroids was running rampant in baseball, until the BALCO scandal in 2003., and the Jose Canseco book "Juiced" the following year.
These incidents lead to a congressional hearing in 2005, in which Bud "believed" that players were taking steroids, and he would push for harsher supensions for players; but those policies were considered laughable, and only after increased threats by various Congressmen; that harsh penalties were initiated.
Bud Selig though helpful in increasing the financial well-being of Major League Baseball; was considered a major catalyst in prepatuating baseball's steroid troubles; as well as the various alleged collusion scandals, and the supposed loss of a generation of baseball fans; as a result of all of these troubles.
This is why the introduction of Peter Gammons; as the head of baseball would not only be a plus; in terms of positive P.R. for baseball; but the introduction of a non-partisan individual, into the commissioner's office could lead to the baseball's increased prosperity, and well-being in the future.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Why Peter Gammons Should Be Commissioner Of Major League Baseball?
Peter Gammons for commissioner doesn't make any sense, right? Commissioners are supposed to be head strong, overbearing, former stuff shirt lawyers who are looking out for the controling interests of their hiring parties.
The current baseball commissioner, Bud Selig, has been mired in a series of tough decisions and scandal over the past 20+ years. Selig has been MLB commissioner since 1992, when he was appointed the Acting Commissioner in the same year. A political science graduate of Wisconsin-Madison in the late 50's and the son of a business owner, Selig was a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. When the majority owners of the Brewers wanted to move the team to a larger money market, Selig faught them off in the courts. This braught Selig into the eyes of the small market owners in baseball and showed that he could lead. His political science background, which is essentially a lawyer, made him a strong candidate for the position.
However, was Selig the best choice? He is still an owner. He has negotiated the new collective bargining agreement where large market teams have to pay en excise tax to to MLB so that small market teams can compete in the battle for free agents. Being a small market owner himself this benefited his coleagues in areas such as Kansas City and Minnesota. Selig used his stauts to change the way baseball owners and players share the wealth.
Bud is also a baseball purist. He grew up in an era of baseball when Dizzy Dean and Sandy Koffax ruled the sport. An era when Jackie Robinson helped change the views of nation and all markets were small. He has a love of baseball that isn't based strickly in business. Because of that he has tried to make the game more of a fan sport again. Outside of the steriod scandal of this millenia Selig has tried to make baseball the national past time again in a era when baseball competes for television time with other sports. He created the World Baseball Champioships and has expanded the season. If and when Selig steppes down or retires, who would be the best choice to replace him?
Look at Donald Fehr for example, current MLBPA Executive Dorector. His job has been to negotiate and fight with the owners of baseball to get the best possible contractual agreements for the players each year. Fehr has lived on the edge ever since he bacame the MLBPA Executive Director. He has come to verbal blows at each of the winter meetings over salary amounts and the possiblity of salary caps with baseball owners, the major hot bed topic for baseball in this new era.
Fehr is a lawyer or at the least was trained as one. He was an arbitraitor* for the MLBPA as a young lawyer in the 70's. His goal was to litigate, then and now. Donald has done a great job of being a great negotiator for the players association. For his years of service Donald Fehr has gained resentment from baseball owners. They see him as a leech trying to suck as much money out of their pockets to line the pockets of the players. Many have seen Fehr as the legal voice box of the players handlers, the sports agents. Donald Fehr stepped down as MLBPA Executive Director just recently.
Would Donald Fehr be a good choice for commissioner instead of Gammons?
Some people in the know have said that Scott Boras, agent of agents to some of the top athletes in our country (including baseball) could be a candidate. Really? Not sure if that would go over well in the grand scheme of things. Boras' job the past few decades has been to make the most for his clients, now you want him to completely change his view points on making money. Players would rather have Boras take over the MLBPA Executive job.
Boras would be a great mistake!
Peter Gammons is a constant positive figure in the world of baseball. For the past twenty years as an analyst with ESPN Gammons has earned the right to be not just a baseball writer but a voice fot the sport. He has earned the respect of fans, owners, agents, and (most of all) players. No other sports writer has garnered such a praise. Peter Gammons is a baseball purist that understands the business of baseball. He has seen the sport evolve from a national past time in the 50's as a fan of the Red Sox; to watching calapse as a writer for the Boton Globe in the 1994 Strike; to its resergence in the late 1990's and early millenia into this new "Steroid" era. Gammons has been named to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gammons has been one of baseball's best embassadors with his words and his knowledge and his ablity to be impartial in a time when choosing sides is the norm.
Gammons has shown an ability to make even the worst situation, steriods, seem not important and has kept the game as the focus. Peter moves over to MLB Network and back to NESN Sports to be an analyst for his beloved Red Sox. I feel that if baseball owners are smart (that includes Mr. Selig) they would look to making the best voice since Jack Buck and Vin Scully the next commissioner of baseball.
Well that is my opinion so for. Please let me know if you agree with the idea of Gammons becoming baseballs next great leader. If you agree with this opinion please feel free to voice your opinion. I will be posting YouTube video of Peter Gammons in action and hopefully posting links to Gammons' reports over the years.
Thank you.
The current baseball commissioner, Bud Selig, has been mired in a series of tough decisions and scandal over the past 20+ years. Selig has been MLB commissioner since 1992, when he was appointed the Acting Commissioner in the same year. A political science graduate of Wisconsin-Madison in the late 50's and the son of a business owner, Selig was a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. When the majority owners of the Brewers wanted to move the team to a larger money market, Selig faught them off in the courts. This braught Selig into the eyes of the small market owners in baseball and showed that he could lead. His political science background, which is essentially a lawyer, made him a strong candidate for the position.
However, was Selig the best choice? He is still an owner. He has negotiated the new collective bargining agreement where large market teams have to pay en excise tax to to MLB so that small market teams can compete in the battle for free agents. Being a small market owner himself this benefited his coleagues in areas such as Kansas City and Minnesota. Selig used his stauts to change the way baseball owners and players share the wealth.
Bud is also a baseball purist. He grew up in an era of baseball when Dizzy Dean and Sandy Koffax ruled the sport. An era when Jackie Robinson helped change the views of nation and all markets were small. He has a love of baseball that isn't based strickly in business. Because of that he has tried to make the game more of a fan sport again. Outside of the steriod scandal of this millenia Selig has tried to make baseball the national past time again in a era when baseball competes for television time with other sports. He created the World Baseball Champioships and has expanded the season. If and when Selig steppes down or retires, who would be the best choice to replace him?
Look at Donald Fehr for example, current MLBPA Executive Dorector. His job has been to negotiate and fight with the owners of baseball to get the best possible contractual agreements for the players each year. Fehr has lived on the edge ever since he bacame the MLBPA Executive Director. He has come to verbal blows at each of the winter meetings over salary amounts and the possiblity of salary caps with baseball owners, the major hot bed topic for baseball in this new era.
Fehr is a lawyer or at the least was trained as one. He was an arbitraitor* for the MLBPA as a young lawyer in the 70's. His goal was to litigate, then and now. Donald has done a great job of being a great negotiator for the players association. For his years of service Donald Fehr has gained resentment from baseball owners. They see him as a leech trying to suck as much money out of their pockets to line the pockets of the players. Many have seen Fehr as the legal voice box of the players handlers, the sports agents. Donald Fehr stepped down as MLBPA Executive Director just recently.
Would Donald Fehr be a good choice for commissioner instead of Gammons?
Some people in the know have said that Scott Boras, agent of agents to some of the top athletes in our country (including baseball) could be a candidate. Really? Not sure if that would go over well in the grand scheme of things. Boras' job the past few decades has been to make the most for his clients, now you want him to completely change his view points on making money. Players would rather have Boras take over the MLBPA Executive job.
Boras would be a great mistake!
Peter Gammons is a constant positive figure in the world of baseball. For the past twenty years as an analyst with ESPN Gammons has earned the right to be not just a baseball writer but a voice fot the sport. He has earned the respect of fans, owners, agents, and (most of all) players. No other sports writer has garnered such a praise. Peter Gammons is a baseball purist that understands the business of baseball. He has seen the sport evolve from a national past time in the 50's as a fan of the Red Sox; to watching calapse as a writer for the Boton Globe in the 1994 Strike; to its resergence in the late 1990's and early millenia into this new "Steroid" era. Gammons has been named to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gammons has been one of baseball's best embassadors with his words and his knowledge and his ablity to be impartial in a time when choosing sides is the norm.
Gammons has shown an ability to make even the worst situation, steriods, seem not important and has kept the game as the focus. Peter moves over to MLB Network and back to NESN Sports to be an analyst for his beloved Red Sox. I feel that if baseball owners are smart (that includes Mr. Selig) they would look to making the best voice since Jack Buck and Vin Scully the next commissioner of baseball.
Well that is my opinion so for. Please let me know if you agree with the idea of Gammons becoming baseballs next great leader. If you agree with this opinion please feel free to voice your opinion. I will be posting YouTube video of Peter Gammons in action and hopefully posting links to Gammons' reports over the years.
Thank you.
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