Michael Weiner, MLBPA Executive Director, Passes Away at 51
By Mike Cardillo
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.
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 (@JUST_JUP) 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 (@JimBowdenGM) 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
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
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.