Minor leaguers reluctant to unionize

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Minor leaguers historically have been hesitant to unionize for fear of having their childhood dream of playing in the major leagues taken away. Garrett Broshuis and several former minor league players filed a 2017 lawsuit against Major League Baseball over wage disputes. This case could possibly be resolved in the establishment of a minor league union, but the risk of giving a voice to the cause is stopping current minor leaguers from joining the conversation.

“Every single player you talk to, even if they realize [a union] would be a good thing, is also scared to death to talk to another player about it,” Broshuis said in a 2012 slate.com article. “This is your dream you’re talking about.”

Minor league players currently have a starting salary of between $1,100 and $2,150 per month. A minor leaguer works anywhere between 50 to 70 hours per week. The pay for some players comes out to $4 per hour. In 2012, teams saved an average of $860,000 due to tighter restrictions placed on money spent on draft picks. According to Broshuis, this money could double the salaries of players in Double-A and below.

"The average baseball fan knows that minor leaguers aren't getting rich," Broshuis said in a 2014 motherjones.com article. "But I think the average baseball fan is shocked to know what the salaries actually are."

Broshuis was chosen in the fifth round of the 2004 draft as a pitcher by the San Francisco Giants. He played six minor league seasons and went as far as Triple-A.

He pursued law in hopes of enacting change in the minor league system after retiring from baseball. Broshuis filed Senne v. MLB for violating the Fair Labor Standards Act. He claims MLB paid minor leaguers less than minimum wage and violated local labor laws.

“Minor leaguers aren't represented by the Major League union, and without a collective voice, there hasn't been anyone to stand up for them at all,” Broshuis told USA Today Sports in 2015. “It’s a perfect recipe for exploitation.”

The outcome of Broshuis's lawsuit will change the game for minor league baseball players by expanding their possibilities. If he is successful in creating a minor league union, it could mean a possible long-term life in the minor leagues. If the lawsuit doesn't pass, minor leaguers will continue to live under poor conditions until a possible entrance into the major leagues.

“[A] minor league union would be terrific,” said Broshuis in a 2015 interview with HSMSE Sports. “Ultimately, that would be ideal. At least, they need to start paying them for spring training.”

Written by Velid Mulic and Mohammed Kabir