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
  • The MLB industrial complex” — prioritize profit over parity. – reference to Craig Calcaterra book, Rethinking Fandom
  • The Marlins’ small-market struggles vs. big-spending teams like Dodgers & Mets
• 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