Judge: MLB violated labor laws with young athletes

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

Therefore, the Major League has violated the minimum wage law in the state of Arizona and must pay a triple compensation.

Federal District Judge Joseph C. Spero ruled that the Major League was fined $1,882,650 for failing to meet California's salary notice requirements in San Francisco.

Spero revealed a decision of 181 pages on Tuesday night in connection with a lawsuit filed eight years ago.He decided that minor league players should pay for the time they spend playing away games in the California League and practicing in Arizona and Florida.

“These are not students enrolled in vocational schools with the understanding that they will serve without pay as part of the hands-on training required to compete and obtain a license,” said Spero.

By denying the consent of many majors in making summary judgments, Spero allowed these claims to continue the process scheduled for June 1.

He said that the laws of the state of Arizona favor the players. Only the amount of compensation must be determined.

“For decades, players from the Minor League have been working for a long time throughout the year in exchange for poverty wages,” said the Young Athlete Lawyer Steering Committee in a statement. “Working as a professional baseball player requires hours of training, practice, and preparation throughout the year.

“I'm excited about today's decision. This is a big step in keeping Major League accountable for the age-old abuse of minor players.”

Major leagues did not immediately comment on the decision.

The lawsuit was filed by Aaron Senne, the first baseman and outfielder to be selected by the Florida Marlins in the 10th round of the 2009 draft; a senator who retired in 2013.

Senne joined the charges of two retired players who were selected in the lower round: Michael Liberto of Kansas City and Oliver Odle of San Francisco.

The plaintiff claims that he violated the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and the state minimum wage and overtime allowance requirements for the estimated service period between 50 and 60 hours.