The MLB Lockout is Over. But How Did it Effect the Forgotten Fans and Workers?

Courtesy of NBC Sports

The MLB owners and players association finally reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. Ending the second-longest work stoppage in MLB history on the 99th day of the owners-imposed lockout.

During the lockout, attention was garnered to the players association and the owners. While fans and employees of the MLB sat idly by waiting for the two sides to figure out a way to get back on the field.

It was apparent during the lockout that the players association and the owners could not have been further apart with their wants and needs for a new collective bargaining agreement. The sides argued frivolously over minimum player salaries, expanded playoffs, arbitration practices and a whole other host of issues.

All the while MLB fans were glued to their televisions and phones. Looking for that sought-after notification that the lockout was over, and they could get back enjoying their favorite sport. For many, there was a palpable tension expressed toward the MLB commissioner, Rob Manfred and the owners amid the lockout.

“One of the commissioners’ responsibilities is to maintain the integrity of the game of baseball. Not just to side with owners solely. Manfred refusing to hear his players is one of the sole reasons why this lockout went on for so long. His lack of understanding and commitment to the game leaves the fans without baseball, and why he is truly responsible for this,” said Chicago resident, Matt Donahue.

The lockout left many employees of the league worried about their financial security. Without spring training games and canceled games, these employees wondered if they would face financial hardships due to the contentions between the owners and PA. This left employees with specialized skills concerned with other implications of a continued work stoppage.

“Financially as a day of game employee, if there is no game, I don’t get paid for that day.

It also limits me from getting those reps. Yes, baseball has spring training, but we don't. Opening day is like spring training for us. In baseball, it is just like showtime right away," said Alyssa Bergamini, the Chicago White Sox Emcee.

Major League Baseball employs nearly 25,000 people in and around North America. Hot dog vendors, grounds crew and even the owner of the team would face a drastic change in their income without an MLB season. Some employees even faced the realization of losing their job with the league.

“Working for an organization that relies on MLB spring training games for revenue, means that revenue is lost with each canceled game. Our organization was obviously frustrated as more games were canceled, and it made me worried about my job status as the lockout was going on,” said Nicholas Pleszkun, operations assistant at Camelback Ranch.

Thankfully, there will be an MLB season and employees and fans can get back to the game they love. However, it is yet to be seen how these labor negotiations will affect the MLB's popularity. The lockout left a sour taste in some MLB fans' mouths. Only attendance, viewership and revenue this year will show how sour this taste was for fans and employees of the MLB.

Courtesy of Getty Images

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Alyssa Bergamini: alyssabergamini@gmail.com

Matt Donahue: mattdonahue98@gmail.com

Nicholas Pleszkun: ncpleszkun@gmail.com