Doug Gladstone discusses MLB pension issues at upcoming Houston library event

Doug Gladstone, author of "A Bitter Cup of Coffee: How MLB & The Players Association Threw 874 Retirees a Curve (Extra Innings Edition)," will be visiting the Julia Ideson Building Auditorium on March 28, 2025. The event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am and is open to the public without charge. Parking in the library garage will also be free.

Gladstone's book highlights the challenges faced by baseball players who played less than four years before 1980 and do not receive full pensions. These players only receive $718.75 for every 43 games they were on an active MLB roster, compared to today's players who need just 43 days on a roster to qualify for a pension that can earn them $275,000 in retirement.

During the event, Gladstone will discuss these issues alongside former MLB pitchers David Clyde and Scipio Spinks, both from the Houston area. Clyde was the first overall pick in the 1973 amateur draft and had his career affected by shoulder problems. Spinks is known for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals and now coaches at the University of Houston - Downtown.

Gladstone has been advocating for better recognition and benefits for these "gap players." While some progress has been made with stipends provided by MLB and the Players Association, there are still no health insurance or beneficiary payments included.

The event aims to raise awareness about this issue and encourage continued advocacy for these retired players' rights.

Information from this article can be found here.