Michael Weiner, MLBPA Executive Director, Passes Away at 51

Michael Weiner, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, passed away Thursday following a 15-month bout with brain cancer. He was 51. Arizona Diamondbackers reliever Brad Zeigler, the team’s player rep, broke the news on Twitter.

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

With his family at his side, Executive Director Michael Weiner died peacefully today following a 15-month battle with brain cancer.—
MLBPA (@MLB_PLAYERS) November 22, 2013

Weiner took over for Donald Feher in December 2009. The baseball community has begun offering its condolences. From players to the media, Weiner was well-respected throughout the entire sport. Tony Clark, who retired in in 2009 after stints with six clubs, will succeed Weiner.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Weiner and his family…we lost a great individual and an awesome leader of our @MLB_PLAYERS #RIP—
Dexter Fowler (@DexterFowler24) November 22, 2013

Sad day for baseball with the passing of @MLB_PLAYERS Michael Weiner. He will be missed…—
Steve Delabar (@SteveDelabar_50) November 22, 2013

Sad day for the baseball world. We lost not only a great man, but a great leader. R.I.P. Michael Weiner—
Justin Upton (@JUP_8TL) November 22, 2013

Michael Weiner was beloved and respected by the @MLB_PLAYERS and #MLB officials greatly respected his brilliance and acumen in negotiations.—
Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 22, 2013

Michael Weiner was a special man,honorable,smart,a leader,kind,loving,witty, & the BEST in the arbitration room; he will be missed..R.I.P—
JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) November 22, 2013

Michael Weiner was the consummate professional. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.—
Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) November 22, 2013

So absolutely saddened by Michael Weiner's passing. Too many times twitter is used for fake condolences but Mike was truly a good man—
Jorge Arangure (@jorgearangure) November 22, 2013

Thoughts and prayer go out to the Weiner family. Michael Weiner was truly an amazing person, and leader of our union. May he rest in peace.—
Jeff Karstens (@karstens27) November 22, 2013

One forum at Harvard Law w/ Michael Weiner and Rob Manfred convinced me of the soul and the future of the game we love. Damn, I'm sad—
Peter Gammons (@pgammo) November 22, 2013

As kind as they come, Michael was so good to me during my MLBPA membership years. He left a lasting impression on all who knew him.—
CJ Nitkowski (@CJNitkowski) November 22, 2013

ESPN the Magazine’s Chris Jones wrote a nice story on Weiner’s determination to keep working, which ran in October. It’s worth giving a read.