Photos of Post-Game Meals Provided By Oakland A’s Affiliate Show Dire Conditions in Minor League Baseball
Players in the Oakland A’s organization shared these photos of their recent post-game meals.
— Advocates for Minor Leaguers (@MiLBAdvocates) June 1, 2021
No employer would serve these meals to employees they care about. Why are the A’s serving them to their future Major Leaguers? pic.twitter.com/cIFqiPg6iX
After a viral tweet, the MiLB and the Oakland A’s are under scrutiny for providing their athletes at the lower levels with substandard accommodations.
The Advocates for Minor Leaguers shared side-by-side photos on Tuesday, June 1, of two meals provided to players by a minor league affiliate of the Oakland A’s.
A’s President Dave Kaval apologized on Twitter, mentioning the outside vendor providing those meals has been relieved.
This was totally unacceptable. When we found out several weeks ago we terminated the third party vendor. We apologize to our players, staff, and coaches. We will redouble our efforts to provide the best options for our team at every level. https://t.co/yPzVWiCx1D
— Dave Kaval (@DaveKaval) June 2, 2021
It should be made clear the MLB took over the minor league this year and promised better travel arrangements and meals. But as seen in the photos, it was evident there are still issues. Former major leaguers have expressed their frustration with the matter.
I got friends in prison that eat better than this. And before the non athletes say “suck it up, you’re in the minors” these guys are ATHLETES!! Athletes require proper fuel. This ain’t it. Not asking for Ruth Chris but damn!! https://t.co/SGcDKcf38V
— 10 (@SimplyAJ10) June 2, 2021
Four days earlier, the Advocates for Minor Leagues shared that an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs told its players to find lodging on their own because the team hotel sold out.
Per multiple sources, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were told they'd be "on their own" in finding a place to sleep tonight because the team hotel is sold out.
— Advocates for Minor Leaguers (@MiLBAdvocates) May 31, 2021
According to one source, at least a dozen players are planning to spend the night in the locker room.
Hours later, the affiliate did manage to provide housing for all of the players.
All players deserve fair and reasonable treatment between the minor and major leagues. The MLB has not lived up to its promise and performed the necessary steps to bridge the gap between levels. Because of the pandemic, the minor league season has already been truncated, reducing opportunities for players.
“I appreciate Mr. Kaval’s prompt acknowledgment that these meals are unacceptable and his promise to do better going forward,” Advocates for Minor Leaguers executive director Harry Marino said to ESPN.
“Unfortunately, this is far from an isolated incident in Minor League baseball,” Marion said. “Each and every day, I hear directly from players about the myriad ways in which they are being mistreated. While players are too scared to speak publicly, for fear of retaliation, their stories need to be heard.”
Image via MiLB Advocates
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Photos of Post-Game Meals Provided By Oakland A’s Affiliate Show Dire Conditions in Minor League Baseball
Players in the Oakland A’s organization shared these photos of their recent post-game meals.
— Advocates for Minor Leaguers (@MiLBAdvocates) June 1, 2021
No employer would serve these meals to employees they care about. Why are the A’s serving them to their future Major Leaguers? pic.twitter.com/cIFqiPg6iX
After a viral tweet, the MiLB and the Oakland A’s are under scrutiny for providing their athletes at the lower levels with substandard accommodations.
The Advocates for Minor Leaguers shared side-by-side photos on Tuesday, June 1, of two meals provided to players by a minor league affiliate of the Oakland A’s.
A’s President Dave Kaval apologized on Twitter, mentioning the outside vendor providing those meals has been relieved.
This was totally unacceptable. When we found out several weeks ago we terminated the third party vendor. We apologize to our players, staff, and coaches. We will redouble our efforts to provide the best options for our team at every level. https://t.co/yPzVWiCx1D
— Dave Kaval (@DaveKaval) June 2, 2021
It should be made clear the MLB took over the minor league this year and promised better travel arrangements and meals. But as seen in the photos, it was evident there are still issues. Former major leaguers have expressed their frustration with the matter.
I got friends in prison that eat better than this. And before the non athletes say “suck it up, you’re in the minors” these guys are ATHLETES!! Athletes require proper fuel. This ain’t it. Not asking for Ruth Chris but damn!! https://t.co/SGcDKcf38V
— 10 (@SimplyAJ10) June 2, 2021
Four days earlier, the Advocates for Minor Leagues shared that an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs told its players to find lodging on their own because the team hotel sold out.
Per multiple sources, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were told they'd be "on their own" in finding a place to sleep tonight because the team hotel is sold out.
— Advocates for Minor Leaguers (@MiLBAdvocates) May 31, 2021
According to one source, at least a dozen players are planning to spend the night in the locker room.
Hours later, the affiliate did manage to provide housing for all of the players.
All players deserve fair and reasonable treatment between the minor and major leagues. The MLB has not lived up to its promise and performed the necessary steps to bridge the gap between levels. Because of the pandemic, the minor league season has already been truncated, reducing opportunities for players.
“I appreciate Mr. Kaval’s prompt acknowledgment that these meals are unacceptable and his promise to do better going forward,” Advocates for Minor Leaguers executive director Harry Marino said to ESPN.
“Unfortunately, this is far from an isolated incident in Minor League baseball,” Marion said. “Each and every day, I hear directly from players about the myriad ways in which they are being mistreated. While players are too scared to speak publicly, for fear of retaliation, their stories need to be heard.”
Image via MiLB Advocates