Clark named deputy executive director

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Michael Weiner today announced that director of player services, Tony Clark, has been appointed to the newly created position of deputy executive director. Tony's appointment was confirmed and approved by the MLBPA's executive board, by a vote of 26-0, this afternoon during a conference call.

Clark, a 15-year Major League veteran, joined the MLBPA as director of player relations in March 2010. Since joining the MLBPA, he has been at the forefront of the union's efforts to expand and improve the areas of membership communications and education. Clark also played a major role in the most recent round of collective bargaining as well as the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

"Tony's rise within the union will come as no surprise to those who know him," said Weiner. "It was clear from the moment Tony joined the MLBPA that his on-field experience and passion for the fraternity of players would make him a tremendous advocate for all who play the game. I look forward to working closely with Tony as together we represent the interests of the players."

"I am honored by this appointment and consider it a privilege to be in a position to work more closely with Michael Weiner," stated Clark. "I also look forward to continue working with all our members and the entire union staff, and together we will maintain our standing as one of the best labor organizations in the country."

"Tony has been a mentor, advocate and friend to all Major Leaguers," said Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees outfielder and MLBPA association representative. "Today's appointment reflects the confidence the players have in Tony's ability to represent us on a daily basis. I wish him luck, and I look forward to working with him."

"Since joining the MLBPA staff, Tony has helped increase the level of player engagement in union affairs, and I'm excited to work with him in his new role as deputy executive director," added Jeremy Guthrie, Kansas City Royals pitcher and MLBPA association representative. "Tony has been protecting the rights of players for nearly 15 years, and his collective bargaining experience has provided him with the requisite amount of leadership the position requires. The players are fortunate to have him working on their behalf."

Clark, 41, retired during the 2009 season, after spending 15 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres. Originally drafted by the Tigers in the first round (second overall) of the 1990 First-Year Player Draft, Clark made his big league debut in September 1995 and finished third in 1996 Rookie of the Year voting. Clark, a first baseman, played in 1,559 games, appeared in the 2001 All-Star Game and finished his career with 1,188 hits, 251 home runs and 824 RBIs.

Tony became active in union affairs after attending his first executive board meeting in 1999. From there he became a team player representative, before spending his last seven seasons as an association representative, one of two players to serve in the union's most senior player-leadership position. As a player, Tony was actively involved in the union's collective bargaining negotiations in 2002 and 2006, as well as in negotiations over the Joint Drug Agreement.