Tony Clark resigned as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association on Tuesday after an internal investigation uncovered an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was hired by the union in 2023, according to multiple reports.
The 53-year-old former All-Star first baseman had led the MLBPA since 2013, overseeing labor negotiations that included a 99-day lockout in 2021-22. His departure comes less than a year before the current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, leaving the union without a permanent leader amid ongoing federal probes into its financial practices.
Clark’s sister-in-law, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, joined the MLBPA staff in 2023. The relationship was discovered during an internal probe, prompting his resignation, sources told ESPN and other outlets. The union has not issued an official statement on the matter, and Clark could not immediately be reached for comment.
The news sent shockwaves through the baseball community, with players and fans expressing a mix of surprise and criticism on social media. On X, formerly known as Twitter, reactions ranged from calls for accountability to concerns about the union’s future stability.
One user posted: “What a way to go out: Tony Clark resigns after getting exposed for an affair with his sister-in-law (union hire, of course). Nepotism + incest-adjacent betrayal = perfect end for a union boss who’s failed players for years. Good riddance, you disgraceful fraud.”
Another wrote: “Tony Clark resigns after banging his sister-in-law who he got a cushy union job for? Peak MLBPA corruption: nepotism, power abuse, and family betrayal all in one. This clown led the players’ union into lockouts and now exits in disgrace.”
A third reaction highlighted the timing: “Wow, I had assumed Tony Clark was resigning from his role as head of the MLBPA because of labor strife, impending lockout, and all of that. I did NOT anticipate it was because he was found to have had an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, also an MLBPA employee.”
“Hold up… MLBPA boss Tony Clark resigned after he had an inappropriate relationship with his sister in law who he hired?!?!” another user exclaimed.
The MLBPA, which represents more than 1,200 active players, now faces uncertainty as it prepares for CBA talks that could shape the sport’s economic landscape. Deputy executive director Bruce Meyer is expected to assume interim duties, though no timeline for a permanent replacement has been announced.
Clark, who played 15 seasons in the majors with teams including the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees, transitioned to union leadership after retiring in 2009. His tenure included successes like expanded playoffs but was marred by criticisms over player compensation and labor disputes.
The federal investigation into the union’s finances remains ongoing, with no charges filed as of Tuesday. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred declined to comment on the resignation, citing it as an internal union matter.
