The sports industry in the United States is a multi-billion dollar business, and for years it has been a common belief that baseball’s popularity makes it an exception to many of the country’s laws says William D King. This has grown especially true as television networks have tripled their broadcasting fees to televise MLB games over the past few decades. However, with MLB pushing to expand into international markets such as Latin America and the Far East, the civil actions that have been brought against it in American courts are becoming increasingly frequent.
Here is an Overview of the Civil Cases Pertaining to Baseball in America:
- The past few years have seen a spate of lawsuits filed by former Latino prospects who allege they were seriously abused when they played in Major League Baseball’s (MLB) developmental system. Some of the most notable of these have been filed in California, a state that is home to many Latinos and with a long history of labor actions. In addition to these civil cases, MLB has also been name as a defendant in at least one criminal case involving allegations of sexual assault against a minor.
- In 2011, Jorge Julio sued the Florida Marlins for $10 million for forcing him to work as a domestic servant. And denying him medical attention when he was seriously hurt in an on-the-job accident. A year later, Francisco Cruceta filed suit against the Padres and their Dominican Republic “sister club” (a local minor league affiliate) for nearly $7 million after he became permanently unable to pitch due to a shoulder injury that went untreated. The most shocking of these cases, however, is the ongoing one involving Joel and José Molina. Who claim they were routinely beat and sexually abuse. By team bus drivers during their time in the minor league system explains William D King.
- In addition to those filed on behalf of former players. Others have been against MLB for violating antitrust laws or promoting unfair competition through. Its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Dozens of lawsuits have also been file by fans due to dangerous conditions at baseball stadiums. With some specifically targeting local governments’ use of public funds to build new “jewel box” facilities for certain teams. Also significant are two class action suits brought against MLB following Hurricane Sandy’s impact on New York City’s metro area in 2012. For failing to provide enough free tickets to the affected fans.
- On the other hand, there are also several cases involving MLB teams or players. That have ended in favor of professional baseball. For example, when the Chicago White Sox were sue by a group of season ticket holders. Over changes to the team’s seating plan at U.S. Cellular Field; they did not contest it because they did not want to draw more public attention to its discriminatory nature. Then there was the time Seattle Mariners pitcher Félix Hernández agrees. To pay an undisclose sum after he was accuse by a Washington man. Of having caused him emotional distress following an on-the-field brawl between two minor league affiliates. Yet perhaps what is most emblematic of baseball’s legal past was the time management at Marlins Park try. To use a pair of outside lawyers as scapegoats over a malfunction with one of its new high-definition scoreboards.
- In many ways, it is too early to tell how these cases. wWich span from MLB’s earliest days all the way up to today—will affect professional baseball going forward. It does seem clear, however, that they will continue to have a serious impact. On how it conducts business both in and out of court rooms across America.
Conclusion:
Baseball’s legal controversies have been part of its identity from the very beginning. The number and seriousness of these lawsuits may vary, but they will never disappear completely explains William D King. In fact, it is unlikely that MLB would actually want them to. Since this would threaten its sense of tradition and culture.
As the cases above show, Major League Baseball has had an interesting legal history. While many of these civil and criminal cases did not involve teams directly. They still demonstrate how MLB’s influence and power horizontally and vertically reaches each and every team.