As MLB lockout continues, Gerrit Cole says players united to ‘protect integrity of game’
One member of the MLBPA says it appears they are united to “protect the integrity of the game” as the lockout between the players and owners lingers on.
As we inch closer to what should be the happiest time of year when players gather for spring training in Florida and Arizona, players and owners are still talking amongst themselves in hopes of hammering out some sort of resolution for a 2022 season to happen.
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole tweeted Wednesday it was refreshing to see one side seemingly unified.
I was at our PA meeting in AZ and it was exciting to see solidarity this high. We had 100+ players show up and are united to protect the integrity of the game.
— Gerrit Cole (@GerritCole45) February 9, 2022
Unification behind the integrity of the game we love sounds great. Many fans responded to this tweet wondering what exactly Cole meant by “integrity of the game.”
I have zero issue with the players fighting for everything they can get but please don’t insult us with the phrase protecting the integrity of the game
— John Nucero (@j_nucero) February 9, 2022
i'm on the players side but let's be honest with each other and admit that this isn't about protecting the integrity of the game
— no need for confortation ✧･ﾟ (@tarallels) February 9, 2022
Lol integrity of the game.. If you believed that you'd push for a salary cap and floor with full league revenue sharing. Anything else is just trying to get yours, fans be damned
— Brian Zultowski (@Zebug13) February 9, 2022
Some fans responded by rehashing allegations of cheating by Cole.
Be careful, this is a sticky situation.
— Tubby Maguire (@mrayeway) February 9, 2022
Let’s talk about all of the pitchers doctoring the ball for extra spin rate. Is that part of the games integrity?
— tickfawstg (@APJ4Dad) February 9, 2022
Many appreciated the union for fighting their cause.
I stand with the @MLBPA fight the good fight. THE PLAYERS make the game what it is both as entertainment and a money making venture. Take your share (not you as you are taken care of) of what you help build and maintain. Thx 4 standing up for 1-3 yr players
— 👑 2020 👑 El culichi fan 🔥 7️⃣ (@SpartanMatt8497) February 9, 2022
Most are just ready for baseball!
Where is the concern for fans? So many looked forward to Spring Training trips or Opening Day games. To players and owners: If your fight over money drives us away and damages the game, how is it worth it? Billionaires and millionaires squabble, while the fans suffer. Play ball!
— Richard Bonnin (@richbonnin) February 9, 2022
MLB owners are meeting in Florida this week. Hopefully, we see some effort toward overall unification for baseball to return this summer.