Hear ye, hear ye: Rob Manfred comes in peace.
In an effort to bury the hatchet after the lockout, MLB commissioner Manfred gifted players Bose headphones on Opening Day. In addition, a letter signed by Manfred was left at each player’s locker.
“Please accept this gift as a small gesture of my appreciation for the hard work that comes with being a Major Leaguer and your respect for our incredible fans,” Manfred wrote. “Thank you for everything you do in a game that has such a rich history and deep meaning to our fans in the U.S. and around the world. Wishing you the best of luck for a successful season.”
Manfred’s relationship with the players has grown strained since he took power in 2014, perhaps by the rule changes he’s implemented, perhaps for the shameless cash grabs. Who knows?
“To just put it bluntly, he doesn’t do anything for us,” St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright. “I know how that’s going to read, so Commissioner Manfred, don’t take it personal. That’s just how it looks from a players’ standpoint.”
