The average salary of a Major League Baseball player in 2022 will be a staggering $4.17 million. Suffice it to say, every player who suits up has the economic means to afford a pair of headphones if they want to buy some.
That did not stop MLB commissioner Rob Manfred from gifting each player on an opening day roster a pair of Bose headphones. They were left in each player’s locker this past Thursday and Friday, along with a note from the commissioner that said the following.
“Please accept this gift as a small gesture of my appreciation for the hard work that comes with being a Major Leaguer and your respect for our incredible fans. Thank you for everything you do in a game that has such a rich history and deep meaning to our fans in the U.S. and around the world. Wishing you the best of luck for a successful season.”
It’s hard to rip anyone for being generous, but on the other hand, Manfred didn’t buy these gifts, and it is kind of weird at best, lame at worst.
For one reason, the players and owners (who are led by Manfred) just got done going after each other’s throats for three months as they tried to work out a new collective bargaining agreement.
If Manfred thought players would be giddy at the thought of a present waiting for them when they showed up for work, he was incredibly naive. Here’s what Adam Wainwright, a veteran pitcher f the St. Louis Cardinals told the Associated Press about Manfred.
“To just put it bluntly, he doesn’t do anything for us. I know how that’s going to read, so Commissioner Manfred, don’t take it personally. That’s just how it looks from a players’ standpoint.”
Nice try, commissioner. Next time try to read the room a little more effectively.
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