Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has stated his desire to repair his tattered relationship with the league's players following the contentious owner-imposed lockout over the winter. The first step down that path to reconciliation appears to have been taken by Manfred -- and it involves headphones.
According to Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic, players were greeted on Opening Day with gift boxes that contained Bose headphones and a letter from Manfred. Here's what the letter reads, according to the image Nesbitt provided:
"As we get ready to start a new season, I wanted to take a moment to send a note of appreciation. Being a Major Leaguer is an extraordinary accomplishment that beyond your remarkable talent shows your dedication to this great game. Along with our clubs, I'm committed to working together with all players to grow the sport. I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and by working together, I know we can bring the game to new heights.
"Please accept this gift as a small gesture of my appreciation for the hard work that comes with being a Major Leaguer and your respect for our incredible fans. Thank you for everything you do in a game that has such a rich history and deep meaning to our fans in the U.S. and around the world. Wishing you the best of luck for a successful season."
The distrust between the league's players and Manfred and the franchise owners has become a regular talking point over the last several years. It reached a crescendo during the lockout, that stretched 99 days and caused the regular season to be pushed back a week.
It's unclear what step Manfred will take next, or if he'll succeed in his attempt to rebuild the bridge between the commissioner's office and clubhouses around the sport, but, if nothing else, at least the players can enjoy their fancy headphones.
