Major League Baseball Players Association outgoing Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, today issued the following statement regarding the National Hockey League Players Association.

In a season marked by extraordinary performances on and off the field, Major League baseball players today bestowed their highest honors on two players – St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is Player of the Year and Detroit Tigers centerfielder Curtis Granderson is the Marvin Miller Man of the Year.

Major League baseball players in each league cast votes to determine this season’s "best of the best," and the 2009 Players Choice Award winner for American League Outstanding Player is Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer and the National League Outstanding Player is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.

Members and staff of the Major League Baseball Players Association were saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Miller, the wife of founding Executive Director Marvin Miller, on Tuesday, October 27. She was 90.

Zack Greinke of the Kansas City Royals and Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals are Major League Baseball’s kings of the hill, according to their peers. Today, the Major League Baseball Players Association and ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic announced the winners of the 2009 Players Choice Awards for each league’s Outstanding Pitcher during the third in a series of five daily broadcast segments highlighting the on-field performances and community leadership of Major League players.

Perseverance and dedication took center stage today as Major League baseball players named St. Louis Cardinals’ starting pitcher Chris Carpenter and Toronto Blue Jays’ second baseman Aaron Hill this season's top comeback players. Today, the Major League Baseball Players Association and ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic announced the winners of the 2009 Players Choice Awards for each league’s Comeback Player during the second of a series of daily broadcast segments highlighting the on-field performances and community leadership of Major League players.

In a season full of outstanding rookie performances, standouts Gordon Beckham and J.A. Happ were voted by their peers as tops in Major League Baseball’s 2009 freshman class. Today, the Major League Baseball Players Association and ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic announced the winners of the 2009 Players Choice Awards for each league’s Outstanding Rookie during the first of a series of segments to be broadcast exclusively this week on the Mike & Mike in the Morning show (6 am – 10 am ET).

The 2009 Players Choice Awards will be announced exclusively next week in five daily segments of ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike in the Morning show.

The Upper Deck Company, in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), is very excited to announce its partnership to launch the first-of-its kind “National Packtime” sampling promotion on Saturday, March 6, 2010. The centerpiece of the promotion is a one-day event that will provide fans with free packs of baseball cards. Exclusive packs of “National Packtime” baseball cards will be distributed via Upper Deck’s network of baseball card specialty shops.

300 Atlanta-area youth to join former Major League baseball players, including Chris Chambliss, Brian Jordan, Charlie Leibrandt and Steve Rogers at Players Trust’s CITY CLINICS program, Saturday, Oct. 10, in Atlanta.

On Saturday, the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s City Clinics program makes its fifth stop on its 10-city tour, when former Florida Marlins and World Series champs, Cliff Floyd, Lenny Harris and Charles Johnson host 300 South Florida-area youth in a free baseball skills clinic. Through their City Clinics program, Major Leaguers are teaching baseball and important life skills to 3,000 disadvantaged children from inner-cities across the United States.

MLBPA Executive Director Don Fehr announced today that the membership of the Major League Baseball Players Association has voted overwhelmingly (1,055 to 4) to endorse the Executive Board’s recommendation that Michael Weiner become the MLBPA’s next Executive Director. "I congratulate Michael on securing this extraordinary vote of confidence," said Fehr.

Thousands of baseball fans participated in an Internet poll on www.MLBPLAYERS.com between Sept. 4 and 13, to determine which six players, one from each division, inspire others to higher levels of achievement by their on-field performances and contributions to their communities. From this list of 30 players, Mike Lowell (Boston Red Sox) was tabbed to represent the AL East, Curtis Granderson (Detroit Tigers) the AL Central, Torii Hunter (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) the AL West, Shane Victorino (Philadelphia Phillies) the NL East, Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals) the NL Central and Barry Zito (San Francisco Giants) the NL West.

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) will donate up to one million tickets to people who serve their country and community, as well as under-served youth, through the launch of a new program called MLB & Players GIVE BACK starting today on September 11 -- a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Beginning Friday, fans voting online will help select the Major League Baseball player whose on-field performance and contributions to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement. Fan-voting for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award will be conducted on www.MLBPLAYERS.com, the official website of Major League baseball players, through Sunday, Sept. 13.

Don Fehr writes, "Today the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, sitting en banc, ruled in favor of the Players Association in the litigation regarding the government's seizure of the 2003 testing records."

The Major League Baseball Players Association today issued a statement in response to the International Olympic Committee Executive Board’s decision regarding additional sports in the 2016 Olympics.

Major League Baseball Players Association General Counsel, Michael Weiner, today issued the following statement regarding 2003 testing.

Prior to today’s game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pirates players will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from the All of Us Care Program, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Pennsylvania.

Prior to today’s game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Royals players Willie Bloomquist, Bruce Chen, David DeJesus, Zack Greinke, Luke Hochevar, Mike Jacobs and Jamey Wright will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from the Concord Fortress of Hope Church in Kansas City, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Missouri.

Major League baseball players Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins team up in an Internet video-short premiering today on www.funnyordie.com to promote the Major League Baseball Players Trust and inspire volunteerism. "Fantasy Camp,” the fourth in a series of humorous video-shorts starring Major Leaguers, features the Philadelphia Phillies first baseman and shortstop providing an exclusive and outrageous inside-look at what it takes to be a Major League ballplayer.

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Donald M. Fehr issued the following statement in response to today’s report in The New York Times. “Today The New York Times, once again, reports what it asserts to be information contained in documents under court seal. And precisely for that reason, the Players Association will not, indeed cannot, comment on whether the information is accurate. But there should be no mistake. The leaking of information under a court seal is a crime. The active pursuit of information that may not lawfully be disclosed because it is under court seal is a crime. That its informants, according to the Times, are lawyers is both shocking and sad. That the Times is pursuing and publishing what it openly declares to be information which may not be legally disclosed is equally sad.

Tuesday, during a Citi Field press conference, Mets players Daniel Murphy, Bobby Parnell, J.J. Putz, Omir Santos and Gary Sheffield unveiled The Players Choice Signature Series ™ featuring jerseys, T-shirts and caps they designed exclusively for their fans, with each product expressing the personalities and attitudes of the individual players who designed them.

Tuesday, the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s City Clinics program makes its third stop on its 10-city tour, when Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim players Brian Fuentes, Torii Hunter, Howie Kendrick and Gary Matthews, Jr., host 300 area youth in a free baseball skills clinic.

Prior to today’s game at Nationals Park in Washington, Nationals players Adam Dunn, John Lannan, Wil Nieves, Ron Villone, Josh Willingham and Jordan Zimmermann will provide everlasting memories to children from the Loudon Transitional Housing Program and Eastern Avenue Apartments, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Washington.

During a teleconference held on Tuesday, July 7, the MLBPA Executive Board made a preliminary decision to name Michael Weiner, currently MLBPA General Counsel, as the Association’s next Executive Director, replacing Donald Fehr, who announced his resignation on June 22.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Minnesota Twins players Joe Mauer and Nick Punto will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor eight high school students serving as Captains of the Minnesota Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

Prior to today’s game at US Cellular Field in Chicago, White Sox players Brian Anderson, Josh Fields, Gavin Floyd, AJ Pierzynski, Jim Thome, and Dewayne Wise will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Youth mentoring program located in Chicago, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Illinois.

After twenty years in the baseball card market, The Upper Deck Company has been granted a new trading card license agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association. “We are thrilled to renew our commitment to the baseball card market and look forward to working closely with the Players Association to further grow the category,” said Upper Deck CEO Richard McWilliam.

Prior to tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Toronto, Blue Jays players Shawn Camp, Aaron Hill, John McDonald, Alex Rios, Marco Scutaro, and Vernon Wells will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from the Make a Wish Foundation as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program rolls into Ontario.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Mariners players Miguel Batista, Russell Branyan, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Brandon Morrow will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 13 Seattle-area high school students serving as Captains of the Seattle Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

Donald Fehr announced today his intention to step down as Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a position he has held since December, 1983.

The biggest and most significant moments of MLBPA Executive Director Don Fehr's tenure. Fehr announced Monday his plans to step down from that post.

Major League Baseball players presented $150,000 in grants from the Major League Baseball Players Trust to five Volunteers of America programs that further the organization’s mission to strengthen communities and build better lives for those in need.

Prior to today’s game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Diamondbacks players Tony Clark, Dan Haren, Felipe Lopez, Augie Ojeda and Chris Young will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from the Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Arizona.

Prior to today’s game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., Rays players Carl Crawford, Matt Garza, Gabe Kapler, Evan Longoria and BJ Upton will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from the Wilbert Davis Boys & Girls Club, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Sunshine State.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Tampa Bay Rays players, Gabe Kapler and Carlos Pena will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor seven high school students serving as Captains of the Tampa Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

Major League baseball players will begin teaching baseball and important life skills to 3,000 disadvantaged children from inner-cities across the United States, when they launch their first in a series of 10 City Clinics in Phoenix, Ariz., on Wednesday, June 10, it was announced today by the Major League Baseball Players Trust.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, New York Mets relief pitcher, J.J. Putz, will represent all Major Leaguers when he honors 14 high school students serving as Captains of the New York Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

Prior to today’s game at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Astros players Geoff Blum, Michael Bourn, LaTroy Hawkins and Russ Ortiz will provide everlasting memories to 50 parents and children from Crockett Elementary, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Houston.

Prior to today’s game at Turner Field in Atlanta, Braves players Garret Anderson, Jeff Francoeur, Derek Lowe, Brian McCann, Peter Moylan, David Ross and Javier Vazquez will provide everlasting memories to 40 children from the Charles R. Drew Charter School and the Gresham Park Baseball and Softball Association, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Atlanta.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, eight high school students serving as Captains of the Boston Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers, will receive certificates of achievement signed by Boston Action Team players, Mark Kotsay, David Ortiz and Jason Varitek.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Washington Nationals players Joel Hanrahan, Julian Tavarez and Ryan Zimmerman will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 12 high school students serving as Captains of the Washington D.C. Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Cleveland Indians players Josh Barfield, Jamey Carroll, Ben Francisco and Ryan Garko will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 10 high school students serving as Captains of the Cleveland Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

Prior to today’s game at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Indians players Mark DeRosa, Ben Francisco, Ryan Garko, Masa Kobayashi, Jensen Lewis, Kelly Shoppach, Grady Sizemore and Kerry Wood will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from St. Luke's Catholic Church as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program rolls into Cleveland.

"The Commissioner's Office announced today that Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. That suspension was issued pursuant to Section 8.G.2 of the Program. Manny, after consultation with the Players Association and his personal representatives, waived his right to challenge that suspension..."

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Boston Red Sox players David Ortiz and Jason Varitek will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 40 high school students serving as Captains of the Maine Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Colorado Rockies players Ryan Spilborghs and Huston Street will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 21 high school students serving as Captains of the Denver Action Team®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

Prior to today’s game at Coors Field in Denver, Rockies players Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis, Glendon Rusch, Seth Smith and Yorvit Torrealba will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from Loyola Elementary School as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Colorado.

Prior to today’s game at Comerica Park in Detroit, Tigers players Josh Anderson, Edwin Jackson, Gerald Laird, Placido Polanco and Justin Verlander will provide everlasting memories to a group of children from University Prep Academy’s elementary school as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program rolls into Detroit.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Cincinnati Reds players Mike Lincoln, Nick Masset and David Weathers will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 12 high school students serving as Captains of the Cincinnati and Indianapolis Action Teams®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Cincinnati Reds players Mike Lincoln, Nick Masset and David Weathers will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 12 high school students serving as Captains of the Cincinnati and Indianapolis Action Teams®, part of the national service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

Today, Cincinnati Reds players Mike Lincoln, Nick Masset and Dave Weathers joined forces with local high school volunteers from the Cincinnati Action Team to spruce up the landscape at Volunteers of America’s Antioch Manor, a residence serving 36 disabled, low-income adults.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman, Albert Pujols, will receive two prestigious Players Choice Awards as the 2008 Player of the Year and NL Outstanding Player. Selected in a secret ballot of Major League players, Albert will receive the Players Choice Awards in recognition of his inspiring and record-setting 2008 season.

Major League baseball players will award $1,000 college scholarships to 23 outstanding high school students in recognition of their dedication to community service and tireless efforts to encourage others to get involved with causes they believe in, it was announced today by the Major League Baseball Players Trust. Each scholarship recipient is a member of the Action Team national youth volunteer program created and administered by the Major League Baseball Players Trust and Volunteers of America.

“We were shaken and deeply saddened when we learned about the terrible accident that claimed the lives of Nick Adenhart and others. Just hours before the accident, Nick demonstrated his passion for baseball and his prospects for a very bright future when he pitched six scoreless innings for the Angels. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick’s family, his teammates, the Angels organization and his many friends and fans; It is very painful to lose a son, a teammate and a friend under these circumstances, and we also extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the other victims of the crash.”

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, today announced that former Major League pitchers Rick Helling and Mike Myers are joining the Association's staff. Helling and Myers join former Major Leaguers Bobby Bonilla, Phil Bradley, Stan Javier and Steve Rogers as special assistants to the Executive Director.

During an on-field ceremony prior to this evening’s World Baseball Classic game between Puerto Rico and Netherlands, Team Puerto Rico players Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez and J.C. Romero will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 10 San Juan-area high school students serving as Captains of the Puerto Rico Action Team®, a service-learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) will distribute more than $15 million in proceeds from the 2009 World Baseball Classic to the participating federations and the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), it was announced today. The prize pool for the participating teams will be $14 million, which is nearly double the $7.8 million that was awarded after the inaugural event. In addition, the IBAF, the worldwide governing body for the sport of baseball, will receive over $1 million to invest in game development globally.

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, today issued the following statement in response to questions raised concerning recent reports about the 2003 testing program: Read Statement >

“Information and documents relating to the results of the 2003 MLB testing program are both confidential and under seal by court orders. We are prohibited from confirming or denying any allegation about the test results of any particular player(s) by the collective bargaining agreement and by court orders. Anyone with knowledge of such documents who discloses their contents may be in violation of those court orders."

"Some press stories have stated that the Association advised players that the particular supplement J.C. took was safe. Others have suggested that the Association knew, in advance of the positive tests, that this supplement contained a banned substance. Neither is accurate. The Association knew nothing about the particular supplements involved here prior to learning of these positive results."

"Sergio Mitre and J.C. Romero were suspended for fifty games each by the Commissioner because they tested positive during the 2008 regular season for a Performance Enhancing Substance. Those suspensions were upheld by a neutral third-party arbitrator after hearing. We strongly disagree with the Commissioner’s discipline and with the arbitrator’s decision."

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association jointly announced today that they have adopted the nine recommendations made by the Safety and Health Advisory Committee, which investigated the sport’s broken bat incidents. The recommendations will be in effect for the 2009 season.

Ticket strips for Round One of the 2009 World Baseball Classic will go on sale to the public on Monday, November 17, World Baseball Classic Inc. (WBCI) announced today. WBCI, the tournament’s organizing entity, has also announced the complete Official 2009 Tournament Schedule, set to begin in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, March 5, 2009.

The World Series may mean another thrilling baseball season is coming to an end, but for Action Teams of high school students and Major Leaguers on a mission to impact the lives of those in need, it also means the beginning of another exciting season of volunteering.

In a season marked by extraordinary performances on and off the field, Major League baseball players today bestowed their highest honors on two players —- St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, the players’ choice as Player of the Year and Texas Rangers short stop Michael Young, as the Marvin Miller Man of the Year. The Major League Baseball Players Trust will honor Young and Pujols, the top Players Choice Award winners, with donations of $50,000 each to the charities of their choice. The Awards announcement was made today on Yahoo! Sports in the finale of an innovative, five-part Internet series highlighting the on-field performances and community leadership of Major Leaguers.

Perseverance and dedication took center stage today as Major League baseball players named Cleveland Indians pitcher Cliff Lee and New York Mets outfielder Fernando Tatis this season's top comeback players. The Major League Baseball Players Trust and Yahoo! Sports today announced the American League and National League winners of the 2008 Players Choice Awards for Comeback Player in an Internet webisode highlighting the on-field performances and community leadership of Major League players. The 2008 Players Choice Awards, presented by Playstation ®, benefit the Major League Baseball Players Trust. Additional support for the Players Choice Awards is provided by The Topps Company and The Upper Deck Company.

Major League baseball players in each league cast votes to determine this season’s "best of the best," and the 2008 Players Choice Award winner for National League Outstanding Player is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and the American League Outstanding Player is Texas Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton. The announcement was made today on Yahoo! Sports in the second of a series of Internet specials featuring up-close interviews with Players Choice Award winners and their outstanding performances during the 2008 season, both on and off the field. [See remaining webcast schedule below.] The 2008 Players Choice Awards, presented by Playstation®, benefit the Major League Baseball Players Trust. Additional support for the Players Choice Awards is provided by The Topps Company and The Upper Deck Company.

Major League baseball players in each league cast votes to determine this season’s "best of the best," and the 2008 Players Choice Award winner for National League Outstanding Player is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and the American League Outstanding Player is Texas Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton. The announcement was made today on Yahoo! Sports in the second of a series of Internet specials featuring up-close interviews with Players Choice Award winners and their outstanding performances during the 2008 season, both on and off the field. [See remaining webcast schedule below.] The 2008 Players Choice Awards, presented by Playstation ®, benefit the Major League Baseball Players Trust. Additional support for the Players Choice Awards is provided by The Topps Company and The Upper Deck Company.

San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum and Cleveland’s Cliff Lee are the best pitchers of 2008, according to their peers. The announcement of the 2008 Players Choice Award winners for Outstanding Pitcher in the National League and American League was made today on Yahoo! Sports in the first of a series of Internet specials highlighting outstanding performances of Major League baseball players during the 2008 season, both on an off the field. The 2008 Players Choice Awards, presented by Playstation ®, benefit the Major League Baseball Players Trust. Additional support for the Players Choice Awards is provided by The Topps Company and The Upper Deck Company.

Major League baseball players have chosen finalists for their highest honors -– the Players Choice Awards -- in which the players themselves recognize excellence on and off the field.

World Baseball Classic, Inc., has reached agreements with ESPN and MLB Network for shared broadcast rights for the 2009 World Baseball Classic, it was announced today. The World Baseball Classic, the world’s premier international baseball tournament, will feature the world’s best players representing 16 countries and territories, and will be played in seven different venues in five nations and territories from March 5-23.

The Major League Baseball Players Association announced today that Michael Amin has joined the staff as Category Director — Interactive Games, Internet and Business Partnerships. In his new role, he is responsible for development of the Players Association's video game, Internet and mobile businesses as well as selling and servicing national sponsorship programs.

It may have been said that there is no crying in baseball, but it has never been said that laughing isn’t allowed. With that in mind, Major League baseball players and writers from Funny or Die are joining forces on behalf of the Major League Baseball Players Trust to produce a series of humorous videos designed to elicit laughs and inspire volunteerism.

The Major League Baseball Players Association announced today it has resolved two related grievances recently filed against the Office of the Commissioner. One challenged the unilateral decision of the Commissioner's Office to extend the August 15, 2008 signing deadline for drafted players and the other challenged the Commissioner's directive that removed Eric Hosmer from the field pending resolution of the first grievance.

Thousands of baseball fans participated in an Internet poll on MLBPLAYERS.com between September 8 and 14, to determine which six players, one from each division, inspire others to higher levels of achievement by their on-field performances and contributions to their communities. From this list of 30 players, Derek Jeter (NY Yankees) was tabbed to represent the AL East, Justin Morneau (Minnesota Twins) the AL Central, Michael Young (Texas Rangers) the AL West, Carlos Delgado (NY Mets) the NL East, Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals) the NL Central and Barry Zito (San Francisco Giants) the NL West.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association jointly announced today the following update from the Safety and Health Advisory Committee. The Committee is charged with considering issues of player and fan safety, including those associated with broken bats.

Fans voting online this week will help select the Major League baseball player whose on-field performance and contributions to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement. Fan-voting for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award will be conducted on www.MLBPLAYERS.com, the official website of Major League baseball players, through Sunday, Sept. 14.

"...Within hours after this year's August 15 midnight deadline passed, the Players Association learned from several sources that the Commissioner's Office had extended the deadline for negotiating and reporting signings with drafted players. This was done without notice to or consultation with the Players Association, despite a firm deadline having been established through collective bargaining...."

The Major League Baseball Players Association announced today it has reached an agreement with the Clubs to implement instant replay with respect to home run calls for the duration of 2008, including the playoffs and the World Series.

Tonight, 40 underprivileged Philadelphia-area children will receive the thrill of a lifetime when they attend the Philadelphia Phillies’ game as personal guests of players Pat Burrell, Greg Dobbs, Chad Durbin, Cole Hamels, Geoff Jenkins, Brad Lidge, Jamie Moyer and Jayson Werth, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program makes its annual visit to Citizens Bank Park.

Fehr writes in part: "I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of Gene Upshaw’s untimely death. I knew Gene for more than 30 years. He was an extraordinary player, perhaps the equal of anyone to ever play guard in the NFL. After his long career as a player, he dedicated his efforts to tirelessly working to improve the salaries, benefits and working conditions of generations of NFL players. We talked often about common issues, and I will miss those conversations."

Tonight, 40 underprivileged Oakland-area children will receive the thrill of a lifetime when they attend the Oakland Athletics’ game as personal guests of players Emil Brown, Bobby Crosby, Jack Cust, Rajai Davis, Justin Duchscherer and Mark Ellis, when the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program makes its annual visit to the McAfee Coliseum.

Prior to tonight’s game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota Twins players Boof Bonser, Jesse Crain, Adam Everett, Joe Nathan, Justin Morneau and Delmon Young will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits the Twin Cities.

Prior to tonight’s game at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado Rockies players Garrett Atkins, Jeff Baker, Aaron Cook, Matt Holliday, Glendon Rusch, Willy Taveras and Yorvit Torrealba will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Colorado.

A group of White Sox players provide everlasting memories to a group of children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust's "Buses for Baseball" program visits Chicago

Prior to tonight's game at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Astros players Geoff Blum, Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, Mark Loretta, Brian Moehler and Dave Newhan will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Houston.

Prior to Monday night’s game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pirates players will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits the Steel City.

Prior to Friday's game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Royals players Brian Bannister, John Buck, Joey Gathright, Mark Grudzielanek, Luke Hochevar and Mark Teahen will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust's “Buses for Baseball” program visits Missouri.

Prior to Wednesday's game at Shea Stadium, New York Mets players Marlon Anderson, Endy Chavez, Ryan Church, Damion Easley, Pedro Feliciano, Oliver Perez and David Wright will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Queens.

Avid baseball card collector Tyler Wolf, 13, of Imperial, Calif., will be traveling to New York City next week for a baseball lover’s thrill of a lifetime, courtesy of the Major League Baseball Players Association, The Topps Company, The Upper Deck Company and a lucky uncle who won the “Be the MVP in NYC” baseball card sweepstakes.

Prior to tonight’s game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Blue Jays players Shawn Camp, John McDonald, Alex Rios, BJ Ryan, Marco Scutaro, Vernon Wells, Brad Wilkerson and Gregg Zaun will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Canada.

Prior to tonight's Brewers game at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Brewers players Russell Branyan, Mike Cameron, Craig Counsell, Bill Hall, Gabe Kapler and Salomon Torres will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Milwaukee.

Prior to tonight’s game at Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees players Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Joba Chamberlain, LaTroy Hawkins, Derek Jeter, and Chad Moeller will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits the Bronx.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Minnesota Twins players Joe Mauer and Nick Punto will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor Twin Cities-area high school students serving as Captains of the Minnesota Action Team, a service learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

The Safety and Health Advisory Committee held its first meeting today via conference call in New York. The committee is charged with considering issues of player and fan safety, including those associated with broken bats. Members of the committee expressed their concerns over those issues and concurred that they require prompt consideration and action.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Cincinnati Reds players Ken Griffey Jr., David Ross and Javier Valentin will honor six Indianapolis-area high school students serving as Captains of the Indianapolis Action Team, part of a service-learning program.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, San Francisco Giants players will honor 18 Bay-area high school students serving as Captains of the Oakland and San Francisco Action Teams, part of a service-learning program.

Prior to tonight’s game at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Giants players will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Bay Area.

Prior to tonight’s game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Orioles players will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Baltimore.

Prior to tonight’s game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Cardinals players will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Gateway City.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Boston Red Sox players Alex Cora, Jason Varitek and David Ortiz will honor five Boston-area high school students serving as Captains of the Boston Action Team, part of a service-learning program.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Texas Rangers players Eddie Guardado and Michael Young will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor eight Dallas/Ft. Worth-area high school students serving as Captains of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Action Team.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Seattle Mariners players Miguel Batista and Brandon Morrow will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor six Seattle-area high school students serving as Captains of the Seattle Action Team.

Philadelphia Phillies players Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, J.C. Romero and Shane Victorino will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 18 Delaware Valley-area high school students serving as Captains of the Philadelphia Action Team.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced today that both parties have ratified the amendments to the Joint Drug Agreement that were announced last month.

Josh Fogg, Ken Griffey Jr., David Ross and Javier Valentin recognize student leaders in national program to encourage youth volunteerism.

Atlanta Braves players Jeff Francoeur, Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrens, Mark Kotsay, Brian McCann, Will Ohman, Martin Prado and Mark Teixeira provide everlasting memories to a group of visiting children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alabama.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Houston Astros players Hunter Pence and Chris Sampson will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 10 Houston-area high school students serving as Captains of the Houston Action Team.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Colorado Rockies players Brian Fuentes and Ryan Spilborghs will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 12 Denver-area high school students serving as Captains of the Denver Action Team.

Major League baseball players today honored the outstanding achievements of a number of high school students serving as Action Team Captains by awarding them $1,000 college scholarships -– recognizing their commitment to community involvement and their efforts to help the players inspire and train the next generation of volunteers.

A's relief pitcher Andrew Brown and Huston Street and Tigers starting pitcher Nate Robertson are scheduled to meet with students in separate venues on Tuesday as part of the MLBPA's Action Teams initiative. Oakland release  |  Detroit release

During an on-field ceremony prior to Monday night's game at Shea Stadium, New York Mets players Carlos Delgado and Brian Schneider will present certificates of achievement to local high school students who are members of the New York Action Team.

"What we have done is taken a program which we believe is the best in professional sports and made it even stronger," said MLBPA Executive Director Don Fehr, whose statement continues in this release.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association have agreed on modifications to the Joint Drug Agreement that respond to the recommendations made by Senator George Mitchell in his December 2007 report. The modifications will become effective after ratification by the 30 Clubs and the players, and will be in place for the remaining term of the Joint Drug Agreement, through December 2011.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Boston Red Sox second baseman, Dustin Pedroia, will receive a prestigious Players Choice Award as the 2007 AL Outstanding Rookie. Dustin’s teammate, Kevin Youkilis, a member of the MLBPA’s Executive Board, will represent his American League peers in presenting Dustin with this award.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman, Carlos Pena, will receive a prestigious Players Choice Award as the 2007 AL Comeback Player. Carlos’ teammate, James Shields, will represent his American League peers in presenting Carlos with this award.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Washington Nationals first baseman, Dmitri Young, will be presented with a prestigious Players Choice Award for 2007 NL Comeback Player. Dmitri’s teammate, Ryan Zimmerman, a member of the MLBPA’s Executive Board, will represent all National League players in presenting Dmitri with this award.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Yankees third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, will be honored as the 2007 Player of the Year and AL Outstanding Player. Alex’s teammates, LaTroy Hawkins, a member of the MLBPA’s Executive Board and a Players Trust Representative, and Ross Ohlendorf, will represent their Major League peers in presenting Alex with these awards.

In a pre-game ceremony this afternoon, Brewers outfielder, Ryan Braun, and first baseman, Prince Fielder, will be honored as the 2007 NL Outstanding Rookie and NL Outstanding Player, respectively. Their teammate, and MLBPA Executive Board member, Dave Bush, will represent his National League peers in presenting Ryan and Prince with their awards.

The entire opening round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic will be hosted outside the 50 United States, it was announced Monday at a World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) press conference in Tokyo. The second edition of the World Baseball Classic will be staged next March in Tokyo, Japan; Mexico City, Mexico; Toronto, Canada; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The host venues for Round Two, as well as the Semi-Finals and Final, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, today announced the hiring of staff lawyers, David M. Prouty and Emily Cabrera.

Major League baseball players today announced that the Major League Baseball Players Trust has awarded a $40,000 grant to the nonprofit medical relief organization, Medicines for Humanity, to acquire and distribute life-saving medicines for victims of Tropical Storm Noel in the Santo Domingo and Barahona provinces of the Dominican Republic.

Before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball concluded the 2008 Rookie Career Development Program (RCDP) on Sunday in Virginia.

The following statement was issued today by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, regarding the Mitchell Report.

There will be a Major League Baseball Players Association news conference with Donald M. Fehr, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007 at approximately 6:00 p.m. ET.

The following statement was issued today by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, regarding the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee election results.

The following statement was issued today by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, after learning that a federal grand jury has indicted Barry Bonds for perjury and obstruction of justice.

The World Series Champion Boston Red Sox will face the Oakland Athletics in Tokyo, Japan to open the 2008 Major League Baseball Championship Season, Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) announced today.

Over the past few days, press reports coming out of the General Managers' meetings relating to the sharing of information between clubs as to their plans regarding players potentially raise serious questions concerning the fairness and integrity of the free agent market.

In a season marked by extraordinary performances on and off the field, Major League baseball players today bestowed their highest honors on two players -- New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is Player of the Year and Minnesota Twins center fielder Torii Hunter is the Marvin Miller Man of the Year.

Perseverance and dedication took center stage today as Major League baseball players named Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pena and Washington Nationals first baseman Dmitri Young the season's top comeback players.

In a freshman class full of impressive young talent, Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun and Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia were voted tops in the Class of ’07 by their peers.

Major League baseball players in each league cast votes for the "best of the best," and the 2007 Players Choice Award winners for Outstanding Player are Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder in the National League and New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in the American League.

San Diego’s Jake Peavy and Cleveland’s C.C. Sabathia are the best pitchers of 2007, according to their peers.

Yahoo! Sports and the Major League Baseball Players Trust today begin a series of Internet specials highlighting outstanding performances of Major League baseball players during the 2007 season, both on and off the field.

Major League baseball players in both leagues have selected finalists for the highest of honors –- the Players Choice Awards, in which the players themselves recognize excellence on and off the field.

Volunteers of America and the Major League Baseball Players Trust today launched a school-year of nationwide volunteerism for high school students across the United States.

Thousands of baseball fans participated in an Internet poll on MLBPLAYERS.com between September 4 and 10, to determine which six players, one from each division, inspire others to higher levels of achievement by their on-field performances and contributions to their communities.

Fans voting on-line this week will help select the Major League baseball player whose on-field performance and contributions to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement.

A group of VIPs will arrive at Safeco Field today as personal guests of J.J. Putz and other Seattle Mariners players, and the Western Washington Action Team, the youth volunteer corps administered by the Major League Baseball Players Trust and Volunteers of America.

The following statement was issued tonight by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, after Barry Bonds hit his 756th home run.

Fifty children from the Volunteers of America-run Lakecrest Village apartments’ “Can Do” drug prevention program will receive a memorable behind-the-scenes peak into the life of a Major Leaguer, when they visit Minute Maid Park as the personal guests of Chris Burke, Mike Lamb, Mark Loretta, Luke Scott and Woody Williams.

Fifty children from Milwaukee’s Holton Youth Center will receive a memorable behind-the-scenes peak into the life of a Major Leaguer, when they visit Miller Park as the personal guests of Dave Bush, Chris Capuano, Craig Counsell, Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy and Geoff Jenkins.

Minnesota Twins players Joe Mauer and Lew Ford will join high school students from the Minnesota Action Team youth volunteer corps tonight when they host a pre-game event at 5:00 p.m. at the Metrodome to kick-off Operation Backpack 2007.

Philadelphia Phillies players Antonio Alfonseca, Michael Bourn, Adam Eaton, Geoff Geary, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Jamie Moyer, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the City of Brotherly Love.

New York Yankees players Melky Cabrera, Miguel Cairo, Robinson Cano, Johnny Damon, Mike Myers, and Ron Villone will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Bronx.

Cincinnati Reds players Adam Dunn, Alex Gonzalez, Ken Griffey, Jr., Aaron Harang, Scott Hatteberg, Kyle Lohse, Brandon Phillips, David Ross, Javier Valentin, and David Weathers will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Queen City.

Florida Marlins players will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program heads down to south Florida.

Major League baseball players today announced grants totaling $70,000 from the Major League Baseball Players Trust to Volunteers of America programs benefiting at-risk youth and developmentally disabled adults in communities throughout the United States.

Jason Giambi issued the following statement regarding his decision to meet with Senator George Mitchell.

Red Sox players Alex Cora, David Ortiz, and Jason Varitek will present certificates of achievement to local high school students who are members of the Boston Action Team youth volunteer corps.

Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox teamed up with Volunteers of America and high school student leaders from the Boston Action Team youth volunteer corps to highlight the need for meaningful summer volunteer activities for Boston youth.

Two Grand Prize winners will get to rub elbows with Major League Baseball's biggest stars on the field at Yankee Stadium.

New York Mets players Moises Alou, Endy Chavez, Carlos Delgado, Damion Easley, Shawn Green, David Newhan, Scott Schoeneweis and David Wright will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors in to Queens.

Following an article that appeared in USA Today on May 18, the Commissioner initiated a disciplinary investigation of Jason Giambi during which he was interviewed by representatives of the Commissioner.

St. Louis Cardinals players Chris Duncan, David Eckstein, Tyler Johnson, Braden Looper, Albert Pujols and Preston Wilson will host a group of teens and adults with Down Syndrome through the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program.

Phillies players Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino will present certificates of achievement to local high school students who are members of the Delaware Valley Action Team youth volunteer corps.

Baltimore Orioles players Jay Gibbons, Adam Loewen, Melvin Mora, Corey Patterson and Brian Roberts will help provide a memorable trip to the ballpark for several children from Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center and Sinai Hospital when the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors in to Baltimore’s Camden Yards.

Giants players Matt Morris and Randy Winn will join A’s players Eric Chavez and Huston Street in presenting certificates of achievement to local high school students who are members of Bay Area Action Teams.

LaTroy Hawkins and Zach McClellan of the Colorado Rockies teamed up with high school students from the Denver Action Team youth volunteer corps to highlight the plight of the homeless in Denver.

Jimmy Rollins joined high school students from Volunteers of America Delaware Valley's Action Team youth volunteer corps at a storybook luncheon in Camden for homeless children and neighborhood youth in the Morgan Village and Newton Creek communities.

In a pre-game ceremony, Tigers pitcher, Justin Verlander, will be honored as 2006 American League Outstanding Rookie.

Major League baseball players continued their efforts to rebuild lives in the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Region today, by contributing funds to purchase baseball and softball equipment for 10 New Orleans schools.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Cardinals pitcher, Chris Carpenter, was honored as 2006 NL Outstanding Pitcher, while teammate, Albert Pujols, was honored as 2006 Marvin Miller Man of the Year.

In a pre-game ceremony this afternoon, Phillies first baseman, Ryan Howard, was honored as 2006 Player of the Year and NL Outstanding Player.

In a pre-game ceremony tonight, Twins pitcher, Johan Santana, was honored as 2006 American League Outstanding Pitcher.

In a pre-game ceremony, Blue Jays designated hitter, Frank Thomas, was honored as 2006 American League Comeback Player.

In a pre-game ceremony this afternoon, Dodgers first baseman, Nomar Garciaparra, was honored as 2006 National League Comeback Player.

Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla was recognized for his incredible rookie season, when he was presented a prestigious Players Choice Award for being named by his peers as the 2006 National League Outstanding Rookie.

Jermaine Dye was recognized for his incredible 2006 season, when he was presented a prestigious Players Choice Award for being named by his peers as the 2006 American League Outstanding Player.

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr issued a statement regarding the passing of Bowie Kuhn.

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr issued a statement regarding the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee election results.

The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition, an award-winning monthly publication and Web site for high school students, has partnered with the Major League Baseball Players Trust to support its landmark Action Team community service program for high school students.

Marlon Anderson, Chris Capuano, LaTroy Hawkins, and Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Don Fehr came to New Orleans today to help build homes and rebuild lives in the Gulf region.