An Appreciation Of Don Fehr
After Don announced his retirement, Marvin Miller, the union leader who preceded him, observed that Don has always had a unique set of challenges. He had to gain consensus with a group of players who now had a lot more to lose economically in the event of a strike, some of whom were industries unto themselves. In Marvin’s time, all the players knew what it was like to play without a union. They understood how it felt being "owned" by a team and having no medical or retirement benefits. When Don took over, few if any players could remember such conditions. Don helped them understand and appreciate how they came to have such advantages, what exactly was at stake, and how this was a movement that would benefit future generations, not only themselves. To accomplish this while keeping everyone on the same page was, according to Miller, "one of Don’s greatest strengths."
It is easy to make Don Fehr a target representing everything that frustrates us. Anyone perceived as the guy who fought for the rights of millionaires — especially millionaires who get to play baseball for a living — will never get a warm welcome. Yet our entire nation across the economic spectrum has been the beneficiary of his work and the work of the organization he headed for many decades, most often for the better.
over 2 years ago
Chiburb
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more naunced perspective from marvin miller
btw chiburb, you’re getting all 60’s radical style with perspectives on labor and race today
Always bet on black!
by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 7, 2009 11:56 AM CDT reply actions
When you don't have much future, the past is a nice place to visit.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"
Nice example, OPOS.
I have a 6 year-old. the future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades. And a flak jacket.
We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
Since our % debt to GDP is now twice what it was during FDR's New Deal
and LBJ’s Great Society it seems appropriate and timely. I am buying “Reds” today and studying John Reed more closely.
We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
wu, are you actually insinuating that FDR made the depression worse?
Always bet on black!
by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 7, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
He was a member of Hoover's Cabinet
Sour grapes.
The Chicago Bulls.....the more profitable Los Angeles Clippers.
by Ozzie Montana on Jul 7, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
um, what? can you wiki that?
Always bet on black!
by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 7, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
You do tend to read a lot into my posts, OSFIB.
Where did I say that? FDR was much more prudent and consensus-building than our current administration. I was making a comment on the 2 other times we piled on a lot of debt. And they were death for the capital markets for a LONG time. 1929-1945 and 1966-1982 were tough times. Ask Chiburb.
We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

















