Very sad news to pass along this evening, as MLBPA head Michael Weiner passed away today following a 15-month battle with brain cancer. He was 51 years old.
Per the Associated Press, Weiner died at his home in Mansfield Township, New Jersey. He leaves behind a wife and three daughters.
This isn’t unexpected news, as we learned last month that Weiner had anywhere from two to six months to live, but that doesn’t make it any less tragic.
Diamondbacks reliever and union rep Brad Ziegler was the first to pass along word of Weiner’s death this evening:
Lost a great friend today. Michael Weiner's body finally succumbed to cancer. One of the best leaders & men I knew. Prayers for his family.
— Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) November 22, 2013
Weiner took over as head of the player’s union four years ago and helped shape an era of labor peace. He was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in August of 2012, but continued to work to make a difference in the game. And from all accounts, he did it with class and dignity. Former major leaguer Tony Clark will now take over as acting executive director for the player’s union.
This is a sad day for baseball. We send our condolences to Weiner’s family, friends, and colleagues. We’ll add more reaction from around the game throughout the evening.
Weiner to BBWAA in July:" What I work for in each day is beauty, meaning & joy. If I can find beauty, meaning & joy, that’s a good day.”
— Larry Stone (@StoneLarry) November 22, 2013
Michael Weiner was approachable, kind, devoted & a truly extraordinary leader. Opposite of a peacock, we followed because he prepared. RIP
— gabe kapler (@gabekapler) November 22, 2013
Michael Weiner worked even thru his sickness. He didn't look at it as an excuse to quit. He never gave up on us even when at his worst...
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) November 22, 2013
Acting executive director Tony Clark on Michael Weiner: "Not only has the game lost one of its most important and influential leaders (cont)
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 22, 2013
Tony Clark (cont) on Michael Weiner: "... in this generation, all involved in the game have lost a true friend.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 22, 2013
Clark on Michael Weiner: As one of the most beloved and respected members of the baseball community, Michael will be missed by all of us."
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 22, 2013
Please read these wonderful tributes from ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick and FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Here is a statement from MLB commissioner Bud Selig:“All of Major League Baseball mourns the loss of Michael Weiner, a gentleman, a family man, and an extraordinarily talented professional who earned the trust of his membership and his peers throughout the national pastime. Our strong professional relationship was built on a foundation of respect and a shared commitment to finding fair solutions for our industry. I appreciated Michael’s tireless, thoughtful leadership of the Players and his pivotal role in the prosperous state of Baseball today.
“Michael was a courageous human being, and the final year of his remarkable life inspired so many people in our profession. On behalf of Major League Baseball and our 30 Clubs, I extend my deepest condolences to Michael’s wife Diane, their three daughters, his colleagues at the MLBPA and his many friends and admirers throughout the game he served with excellence.”Follow @djshort
