Another Black Eye For Baseball

A story broke this morning in the Cape Cod Times about a trademark dispute between Major League Baseball Properties and the Cape Cod Baseball League. MLB is threatening to withhold their $100,000 yearly donation to the Cape League if the six teams named after Major League teams don't agree to purchase their uniforms from MLB "approved vendors" rather than local businesses, which would cost the teams much more money. They also want the teams to pay an 11% royalty on all merchandise sold with the teams name on it, which also must be purchased from their vendors. Non MLB made items like coffee cups and teddy bears can not be sold. The Cape League is a volunteer organization; there are no paid positions. In addition to the Major League donation, all other revenue is generated from a small admission fee, raffles, merchandise sales, and clinics. No teams make much of a profit. The six teams involvoled are The Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, Chatham A's, Bourne Braves, Hyannis Mets, Harwich Mariners, and the Orleans Cardinals. Also, the Mariners have had their name longer than the Seattle Mariners.

The Cape League has two choices; it can cave in to MLB and pay their ransom, or it can change the names of their six teams, forfiet the $100,000 donation, and keep making and selling their own merchandise. There are currently over 200 formers Cape League players in the Major Leagues, and the games usually attract a large number of scouts who get to sit right behind home plate. If we cut our ties to MLB, that privilage will probably end. The story has been picked up by the Associated Press, The Boston Globe, and hopefully ESPN, so maybe the bad publicity will cause MLB to back off. I'll keep you updated.