DTFC LINX

08/04/1999

An Open Letter to Bud Selig

By Shoeless Don
Guest Writer

Dear Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig:

Once again this summer, the game we both love appears to be having a good season. A lot of teams are in contention, interest is high, and attendance is up (everywhere except Comiskey, but that is a letter for another time and another person).

What worries me though, Bud...can I call you Bud...is that a cloud still hangs over the game that has never gone away. It is the cloud of labor dispute.

Now, I am not talking about the umpires and their ludicrous "You can't fire me, I've already withdrawn my resignation" schtick, though that certainly didn't help. It is the pending labor negotiations in about three years that could close down the game again.

Bud, Bud, Bud....we can't have that! The game's marketing suffers enough from the owners not knowing how to promote the game (you and I can talk about that at another time). Another labor stoppage would be catastrophic.

However, I have a solution that will address the strength and stability of the game and enhance the appeal to the fan marketplace. I'll call it, for lack of another name, "The Shoeless Don 5-Point Plan", primarily because I could not think of a sixth.

1. As the Commissioner, you establish a seven person panel to run the game. The panel consists of you as the Commish, the AL and the NL President, the owners negotiating rep, the head of the players union, the head of the umpires union (hopefully the new one), and a representative of your most important public...the fans.

2. The Commissioner is elected every six years by the other six representatives. This person will have full authority over the game, making all decisions, negotiating all differences, and stopping or allowing any and all work stoppages.

3. The AL and NL Presidents are appointed by the Commissioner, with the other labor groups allowed to appoint whoever they wish whenever they wish.

4. Interested fans of each major league club submit a resume to be the fan representative for each major league club. That way, each club will have a fan rep for one year terms. The media will love it, fans will love it, and the game may thrive on it. This person could be right there for signings or new park openings, etc. etc., representing the fan. And, they could get free box/luxury tickets for their term.

5. One person will be elected from this group to be the one year fan rep for MLB, with their alternate selected to fill in for their respective team. This fan rep will be the official spokesperson and representative of MLB's only asset....the fan. They can speak on behalf of all fans everywhere, and have a semi-voting position on the 7-member board.

Now, you are probably saying, "yeah, Shoeless, it sounds good on paper. But, I'm not sure it will fly, and I don't think the owners will buy any of it."

You might be right, Bud, but I think you need to try anything to avoid another work stoppage and in further alienating the fans. My Kentucky daddy used to tell me the true sign of insanity is to do the same thing the same way and expect different results.

The game is insane right now, Bud, despite all of the positives occurring. How else can you explain the salary gap growth, the insane umpires recent activity, the poor viewer-ship on tv and the declining talent pool?

Think about it, Bud. Run it up the flag pole a couple of times. The NBA says it is "fan"tastic, but who else would appoint a fan to the fans game for the next millennium? And, how else are you going to avoid another strike in 3 or so years?

Let the owners get rich, let the players get rich, let the umpires be mentally well, let the Commissioner run it......but let the fans enjoy the game!

It's ours, Bud; make us a true part. And, gain from our contribution.

Let me know your thoughts. Let's do lunch.

Best Wishes,

Shoeless Don

PS--My vote is to reinstate my quasi-namesake, in case you care. Screw Pete.

The Mendoza Line will return to its regular format next week.

© 1999 K. Hollingshead 1999