Minor-Leaguers Denied Class Certification

Minor-league baseball players seeking fairer pay were dealt a setback this week when a judge rejected their bid for class certification. Thousands of current and former players signed on to a proposed class action that seeks overtime pay, off-season pay and a minimum wage for ball players. “Most minor-league players earn between $1,100 and $2,150 a month during the five-month, 140-game season,” the 2014 lawsuit states. “The players get no overtime pay or salaries during spring training or for playing in off-season instructional leagues. Many take part-time jobs during the winter months.” But the judge found that the players’ issues were too disparate to be united in one class action. Garrett Broshuis, a former minor league player turned lawyer who represents the players, said an appeal is possible.