Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

MLB expanding aid for Negro Leagues players

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Wednesday, 22 May 2024 17:50

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced they are expanding existing financial assistance programs to support living Negro Leagues players.

Players who played in fewer than four seasons in the Negro Leagues will receive an annual financial benefit based on their time in the Negro Leagues, the organizations said in a release Wednesday. A committee of MLB and MLBPA officials will establish the eligibility criteria for the program.

MLB said approximately 50 additional living players will benefit financially.

Negro Leagues players "are an important part of the history of our sport who persevered because of their love of the game despite the discrimination and segregation they faced," commissioner Rob Manfred said. "As we prepare to celebrate their legacy in June at Rickwood Field, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to further recognize their contributions."

MLB is planning for Willie Mays, who turned 93 this month, to attend a game on June 20 between San Francisco and St. Louis Cardinals being played in his honor at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. The 10,800-seat stadium, opened in 1910, is the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S. and was home to the Birmingham Black Barons from 1924 to 1960. Mays, an Alabama native, began his professional career with the team in 1948.

MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said while the adjustment is "long overdue, it is gratifying that these former players who meant so much to our game will finally receive a retirement benefit to help them through their senior years. This is another example of players using their collective voice to bring about progress."

"The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association is proud to be an integral part of this initiative," said Dan Foster, CEO of the MLB Players Alumni Association.

The program is intended to complement the Major League Baseball Players Pension Plan and the existing non-vested benefits programs for former players, both jointly administered by MLB and the MLBPA.

Additional financial benefits are available to Negro Leagues players from the Baseball Assistance Team, an independent nonprofit designed to help those in need of emergency financial, medical and other assistance.

Read 24 times

Soccer

Spalletti: Italy 'switched off' for fastest-ever goal

Spalletti: Italy 'switched off' for fastest-ever goal

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDORTMUND, Germany -- Italy manager Luciano Spalletti said his team...

Italy overcome fastest-ever goal to edge Albania

Italy overcome fastest-ever goal to edge Albania

Italy recovered from the shock of conceding the fastest goal ever scored at a European Championship...

Spain's Yamal sets youngest Euros player record

Spain's Yamal sets youngest Euros player record

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBERLIN -- Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal became the youngest playe...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

'It will be insufferable': Why Lakers greats can't stand the Celtics this close to an 18th title

'It will be insufferable': Why Lakers greats can't stand the Celtics this close to an 18th title

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIt was the day of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celti...

Barkley says he'll retire from TV after 2024-25

Barkley says he'll retire from TV after 2024-25

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharles Barkley says next season will be his final one on TV.Barkle...

Baseball

Traveling Phils fans give Kimbrel earful at Camden

Traveling Phils fans give Kimbrel earful at Camden

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBALTIMORE -- Philadelphia fans had their chance to show Craig Kimbr...

Cole 'feeling good'; Yanks yet to commit on return

Cole 'feeling good'; Yanks yet to commit on return

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- Gerrit Cole could be ready to rejoin the New York Yankees...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated