Commissioner Rob Manfred gives headphones to major league players as a peace offer during lockdown

NEW YORK – Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred gave major league players Bose headphones on Opening Day as a gift of peace after a bitter 99-day lockdown delayed the start of the season. late.

Major League Baseball confirmed that headphones and a letter signed by Manfred were left in each player’s locker as the teams began the season on Thursday and Friday. The gift was first reported by The Athletic.

“Please accept this gift as a small gesture of my appreciation for the hard work of being a Major Leaguer and your respect for our incredible fans.” Manfred writes. “Thank you for everything you do in a game that has so much history and deep meaning to our fans in the US and around the world. Good luck to you all for a great season. successful prize.”

Manfred’s relationship with the players has become increasingly icy since he succeeded Bud Selig as commissioner in 2014.

At the press conference announcing an agreement with the federation to end this year’s winter lockdown, Manfred admitted he had failed in his role as a diplomat with the players and pledged to improve relations. system.

When asked what Manfred could do to fix things this spring, the player told the Associated Press that the commissioner could do more to present himself as the game’s manager. At least one player, The Cardinals of St. Louis Vase Adam Wainwrightsaid he thought the damage was irreparable.

“To be frank, he did nothing for us,” said Wainwright. “I know how that’s going to play out, so Commissioner Manfred, don’t take it personally. That’s just how it looks from the player’s point of view.”