Baseball's Michael Weiner to Speak at National Press Club, April 11

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Mar 09, 2012, 11:07 ET

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michael Weiner, executive director and general counsel of Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), will speak at a National Press Club Luncheon, April 11. As the new season begins, Mr. Weiner will "throw the first pitch" by discussing what he believes shapes the future of America's favorite pastime: collective bargaining. Weiner will be joined by six-time All-Star player Bobby Bonilla, and MLBPA's new Director of Player Relations and former first baseman Tony Clark.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)

The MLBPA is the collective bargaining representative for all current players, and under Weiner's leadership, the union led the charge on negotiations to establish the newest Collective Bargaining Agreement. The five-year deal was announced late last year and is equal to the longest agreement in history. It ensures that play will continue uninterrupted through the 2016 season. It also has increased the players' minimum salary: $480,000 in 2012. The average salary in 2011 was over $3 million. MLBPA also works on protocol for drug testing. The testing program's procedures and confidentiality were questioned recently in the case of a player whose suspension was overturned. Weiner says he has confidence in MLB's drug-testing system.

The Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session, ending at 2 p.m. Advance reservations should be made through (202) 662-7501 or [email protected]. The cost of luncheon admission is $19 for National Press Club members, $30 for their guests, and $37 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type BASEBALL in the subject line and send to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of event.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event.

About the National Press Club: the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,400 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

SOURCE National Press Club