As Major League Baseball and the Players Association remain at odds over an economic plan and health and safety protocols in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a subplot to the tension is pay for Minor League players and uncertainty they are facing.
The widely held expectation is the 2020 MiLB season will be cancelled in its entirety. Minor League affiliates were already facing the prospects of contraction, and droves of players have been released or are on the verge of being cut by respective organizations.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have not gone down that path, instead joining a list of teams who are going to continue paying Minor League players beyond the initial May 31 commitment date. Meanwhile, those within the Dodgers organization are receiving an additional $1,000 each from David Price.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Price specifically asked the Dodgers that they not publicize his generous act:
David Price asked the Dodgers not to publicize Price’s $1,000 June gift to every Dodgers minor leaguer (non 40 man guys) and the team honored his request. But one of the happy recipients announced it. Glad he did. @DAVIDprice24 is a mensch!
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 29, 2020
While Price did not seek public notoriety for his contribution, the news quickly spread, and earned him praise from Dodgers teammates Ross Stripling, Walker Buehler and Justin Turner.
DP doing some awesome things! https://t.co/J9NhvDdv4r
— Ross Stripling (@RossStripling) May 29, 2020
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) May 29, 2020
“Slow Clap” Awesome stuff @DAVIDprice24 !!! Haven’t played a game for the @Dodgers yet, not sure if you ever even met one of the those kids, but your generosity will never be forgotten by them!!! 💪🏽(wish they had a left arm) https://t.co/3Ykj8KN8Ne
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) May 30, 2020
That Price would provide for those in need isn’t much of a shock. Talented as the five-time All-Star is, he’s equally lauded for being kind, generous and positive presence in the clubhouse.
“Obviously the success he’s had is evident and everybody knows about that, but he was as good of a teammate as I’ve ever seen,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said when Price and Mookie Betts were officially introduced at Dodger Stadium.
“The impact he has in the clubhouse was as significant as I’ve seen, so he was a huge part of the culture and success we had with the Rays. What he does on the mound every fifth day is obvious and evident, but as we continue to look to supplement and add to this core group, what David brings goes beyond every fifth day.”
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