Hall of Fame Attorneys, Gambling in the Game & MLBPA / CBA
- Eleven attorneys enshrined in Cooperstown, beginning with Kenesaw Mountain Landis and ending with Tony La Russa.
- Each chapter written by a law professor or librarian, edited by Professor Robert Jarvis for a unified voice.
- Stories go beyond the plaques — revealing lesser-known truths, scandals, and achievements.
- “In baseball, when the number nine hitter gets up, everybody holds their breath — that’s what makes this game so great.” – Lou Schiff
- “We wanted to tell the stories behind the plaques — the legal lives that shaped the game.” – Lou Schiff
- Highlights & Discoveries
- Landis’ dual role as judge and commissioner — and the ethics code that arose because of it.
- Branch Rickey’s pioneering fight for equality in baseball
- John Montgomery Ward’s role in forming the first players’ union
- Tony La Russa’s law school mentor inspired him — and how La Russa later mentored others, like Judge Robin Fuson, to pursue law
- Insights on Bowie Kuhn, William Shea, and the intersection of law and leadership in baseball
- Gambling impacting future of baseball & Player representation
- Cleveland Guardians gambling scandal an echo of the Black Sox case a century later
- A shift from “No Gambling” signs to DraftKings banners on outfield walls
- Legal influence on player rights, agents, and representation within MLBPA and the expanding Minor League union.
- Reflections on Harry Marino’s impact on minor leaguers’ inclusion in the MLB Players Association
- From Pete Rose to 2025 player allegations on Cleveland Guardians fixed first pitches
- Has MLB’s partnership with betting platforms created integrity risks?
- “It’s like steroids. Everyone knew it was coming — and it’s only going to get worse.”
- Lawyers in the Locker Room
- Players agents and legal counsel
- Marvin Miller’s leadership transformed labor relations
- MLBPA lawyers continue to shape player rights.
- The growing influence of minor leaguers under the MLBPA and the rise of Harry Marino as a new labor voice.
- Business Before Baseball
- Relegating Bottom Feeders - Salary caps, minimums, and revenue transparency
- Relegate bottom MLB teams from the game until their front office & team can prove they belong
- What if AAA clubs could rise to MLB status?
- What if expansion required winning your way in?
Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame, can be found at https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/attorneys-in-the-baseball-hall-of-fame/?srsltid=AfmBOooqiO22Codod2rmGfU9La5XnAyz3tu8WTwz1y5ry3BaBSxqSCew
Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @ baseballbizondeck@gmail.com BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X
