MLBPA Exec Dir Michael Weiner died yesterday at the age of 51 after a 15-month battle with brain cancer. He will be remembered as a "highly respected leader and continuing architect of the sport's longest period of management-labor peace." Weiner "oversaw the most significant period in the union's history" since late MLBPA Exec Dir Marvin Miller "drove it into the national consciousness." The "personable" Weiner "insisted on remaining active almost to the end." MLBPA Deputy Exec Dir Tony Clark "takes over" the position and is "scheduled to be approved as Weiner's successor next month" (USA TODAY, 11/22).
Tributes poured in last night: MLB Commissioner Bud Selig called Weiner a "family man, and an extraordinarily talented professional who earned the trust of his membership and peers. ... Michael was a courageous human being, and the final year of his remarkable life inspired so many people in our profession." NHLPA Exec Dir and former colleague Donald Fehr: "Mike was an extraordinary individual in so many ways: As a loving husband and father, as an exceptional union leader and lawyer, and as a great friend to so many." Former MLBPA COO Gene Orza said, "Tears are everywhere at the loss of Michael. ... He was special, and it is unfair. For those of us who worked alongside him in the offices of the Players Association, there is nothing less than a hole in our hearts right now" (THE DAILY).
MLB players took to Twitter to honor their leader. D-Backs P Brad Ziegler: "One of the best leaders & men I knew." Marlins P and union rep Steve Cishek: "This guy fought hard for us players and he will never be forgotten." Tigers P Max Scherzer: "He had a special and unique way to connect to everybody that never will be forgotten." Angels P C.J. Wilson: "He was truly an inspiration to us and a stronger man than the rest of us."
See today's issue of THE DAILY for more tributes to the late union leader.
