Chicago Cubs: MLBPA should leave no player behind

Chicago Cubs: The perfect time to fix it all

The current CBA or collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the MLBPA expires in 2022. That means there is just one year left until baseball owners and players’ union reps commence negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.  It would be the perfect time to finally, once and for all, address the 600 player’s grievances that were left behind from the benefits of being a professional baseball player.

Players today don’t seem to be as concerned about the pension, the past, or the plan because they have a number to focus on these days. The number for most active players is 10. That’s right, just pure old 10 and everyone is racing for it. Once a player hits 10 years, he can retire and claim his health insurance. So everyone in MLB has got the same goal, according to Jorge L. Ortiz of USA TODAY.

"The plan pays fully vested members a minimum of nearly $68,000 a year for those who start drawing at 45, with a sliding scale that goes up to $220,000 for beneficiaries who wait until age 62. The payout is even more meaningful for coaches, managers and trainers, who are also eligible and have lower salaries."

Expect there may be some changing of the 10-year rule down the road soon as well, but if not, MLB and the MLBPA will have to start thinking out the box. This can’t go on for wealthy organizations to leave anyone behind. The U.S. Army, also known as the biggest corporation in America, has made an entire culture out of leaving no one back from the time of the Viet Nam war until now.

There are so many fans and friends of the Chicago Cubs that would love to raise money and give something for the 600 players. Now more than ever, this is a matter for owners, MLB leadership, current players, coaches and the league.  Do you realize that just a nickel increase on every hot dog and drink sold this season would take care of those 600 for the rest of their lives?

Let them finally enjoy the fruits of making it to the show.

Especially Fanzone who still loves everything about Chicago, especially the food, according to Gladstone:

"He still longs for Chicago cuisine. That’s why he regularly places online orders for Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza. “I’ve got two in my fridge right now,” he (Fanzone) says."

What do you say, MLBPA? Let’s fill that fridge up for Fanzone.