Classic Baseball Union

In 1992, relations between the players’ union and Major League Baseball are falling apart. A work stoppage in baseball is looking more likely by the day. With the potential of a strike, there is an opportunity for a new league to hit the ground running.

After keeping in touch over the years, the original gentlemen from the 1985 meeting have now rejoined. The group has doubled in size and now twelve meet in an undisclosed location. The subject of the meeting is to determine if they have the ability to get their new league running and functioning in a short amount of time.

Numerous subjects are crossing the meeting table, including which cities are viable locations for franchises, what rules will the new league follow, and how will they mimic the best of MLB while interjecting the best of their own previously discussed ideas. Most important of all, they must determine how to fill the league with talent.

By a majority vote, they rule to not allow any player associated with the MLBPA to participate in the new league. The talent will come from various amateur leagues, the college and high school ranks, as well as minor league players who want to forgo any chance at a Major League Baseball future. While the talent will be significantly poor compared to Major League Baseball, with the exclusion of those players, there is a potential opening to create a strong and loyal fan base.

Many other important items are being determined at this meeting, including revenue sharing and other financial details. The dozen members also determine that this new league will be introduced as the Classic Baseball Union.