Bitter Cup Baseball
By any measure, these former ballplayers have demonstrated a legacy and responsibility built on equity, loyalty and fair play.
Welcome to Bitter Cup Baseball, where we celebrate the legacy and responsibility to the pre-1980, non-vested MLB ballplayers who do not receive pension or benefits.
More than 500 of these men have more that the 43 days of service time that has been the minimum vesting since the 1980 season to qualify for the MLBPA pension. Another 150+ have less than 43 days but and not eligilble for health benefits.
The new 2022-2027 stipend is $718.75 annually for every 43 days on an active roster, up to a maximum of $11,500 per year. This amount is roughly 15% of the current MLBPA pension. In contrast, a vested MLB retiree with 43 days of service time post-1980 would receive a pension worth approximately $5,600 annually and can designate a beneficiary. The death benefit is 50% of the pension for the beneficiary’s lifetime. Unfortunately, the stipend for eligible MLB retirees from 1947-1979 does not include a death benefit.
This stipend is pre-tax money for all eligible MLB retirees from 1947-1979 with 43 days but less than 4 years of service time.
Your Support Matters: Most of the media overlooks this story, but your voice, social media presence, and talents can help spread the word. Join us in advocating for these former players and ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Big thank you to The Knee Jerks podcast and Nick Milanovich, Greg Eno and Al Beaton. Appreciate the opportunity to talk about the 500+ pre-1980 MLB players without a pension.
Check out the conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dYTxBHX9oA&t=23s
Former pitcher, Gary Neibauer, wants MLB and MLBPA to take care of all its former players
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/former-pitcher-wants-league-take-care-all-former-players
Card by @wthballs
The story is this: In the 1980 MLBPA CBA agreement, players from 1947-79, who were not vested, were cut of out receiving pension and benefits under the new agreement which significantly lowered service time requirements. It gets a little complicated from there; however, there are over 500 still alive who would have been pension eligible had they been on the roster for a single game after April 1, 1980. Both MLB and the MLBPA can correct this.
The Bitter Cup List Spreadsheet
Multiple tab spreadsheet with player data for the following:
- More than 43 days and less than 4 years MLB service time.
- Less than 43 days of MLB service time.
- By MLB teams with impacted former players.
- Deceased since this sheet started in 2022.
Link to Spreadsheet: Bitter Cup List
Player profiles on Instagram and Twitter