Judge: MLB violated labor law with youth players

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that minor league players were employed throughout the year to work during training.

As a result, Major League Baseball violated Arizona's minimum wage law and had to pay triple compensation.

Federal District Judge Joseph Spero also ruled in San Francisco that Major League Baseball did not meet California's pay notice requirements, resulting in a fine of $1,882,650.

Spero revealed on Tuesday night an 181-page ruling related to a lawsuit filed eight years ago. He decided that minor league players should be paid for the time they spent playing away games in the California league and practicing in Arizona and Florida.

“As part of the practical training needed to compete and obtain a license, these students were not enrolled in vocational schools knowing they would serve pro bono,” Spero wrote.

By rejecting a number of majors' motions for summary judgment, Spero allowed these claims to enter proceedings scheduled for June 1.

Under Arizona law, he cried out for supporting players. Only the amount of compensation is yet to be determined.

“For decades, minor league players have been working long hours a year in exchange for poor wages,” the Junior Player Lawyers Steering Committee said in a statement. “As a professional baseball player, it takes hours of training, practice, and preparation throughout the year, which we have never been properly compensated for.

“We are excited about today's ruling, which is an important step towards holding Major League Baseball accountable for its past abuse of underage players.”

Major League Baseball did not immediately comment on the ruling.

The lawsuit was filed by first baseman and outfielder Aaron Cena, selected by the Florida Marlins in the 10th round of the 2009 draft. Senna, who retired in 2013.

Cena joined in the condemnation of two other retired players selected in the lower rounds: Michael Liberto from Kansas City and Oliver Odell from San Francisco.

The plaintiffs claimed that they estimated to work between 50 and 60 hours per week, in violation of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and state minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.