"...Within hours after this year's August 15 midnight deadline passed, the Players Association learned from several sources that the Commissioner's Office had extended the deadline for negotiating and reporting signings with drafted players. This was done without notice to or consultation with the Players Association, despite a firm deadline having been established through collective bargaining...."

The Major League Baseball Players Association announced today it has reached an agreement with the Clubs to implement instant replay with respect to home run calls for the duration of 2008, including the playoffs and the World Series.

Tonight, 40 underprivileged Philadelphia-area children will receive the thrill of a lifetime when they attend the Philadelphia Phillies’ game as personal guests of players Pat Burrell, Greg Dobbs, Chad Durbin, Cole Hamels, Geoff Jenkins, Brad Lidge, Jamie Moyer and Jayson Werth, as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program makes its annual visit to Citizens Bank Park.

Fehr writes in part: "I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of Gene Upshaw’s untimely death. I knew Gene for more than 30 years. He was an extraordinary player, perhaps the equal of anyone to ever play guard in the NFL. After his long career as a player, he dedicated his efforts to tirelessly working to improve the salaries, benefits and working conditions of generations of NFL players. We talked often about common issues, and I will miss those conversations."

Tonight, 40 underprivileged Oakland-area children will receive the thrill of a lifetime when they attend the Oakland Athletics’ game as personal guests of players Emil Brown, Bobby Crosby, Jack Cust, Rajai Davis, Justin Duchscherer and Mark Ellis, when the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program makes its annual visit to the McAfee Coliseum.

Prior to tonight’s game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota Twins players Boof Bonser, Jesse Crain, Adam Everett, Joe Nathan, Justin Morneau and Delmon Young will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits the Twin Cities.

Prior to tonight’s game at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado Rockies players Garrett Atkins, Jeff Baker, Aaron Cook, Matt Holliday, Glendon Rusch, Willy Taveras and Yorvit Torrealba will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Colorado.

A group of White Sox players provide everlasting memories to a group of children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust's "Buses for Baseball" program visits Chicago

Prior to tonight's game at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Astros players Geoff Blum, Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, Mark Loretta, Brian Moehler and Dave Newhan will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Houston.

Prior to Monday night’s game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pirates players will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits the Steel City.

Prior to Friday's game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Royals players Brian Bannister, John Buck, Joey Gathright, Mark Grudzielanek, Luke Hochevar and Mark Teahen will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust's “Buses for Baseball” program visits Missouri.

Prior to Wednesday's game at Shea Stadium, New York Mets players Marlon Anderson, Endy Chavez, Ryan Church, Damion Easley, Pedro Feliciano, Oliver Perez and David Wright will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Queens.

Avid baseball card collector Tyler Wolf, 13, of Imperial, Calif., will be traveling to New York City next week for a baseball lover’s thrill of a lifetime, courtesy of the Major League Baseball Players Association, The Topps Company, The Upper Deck Company and a lucky uncle who won the “Be the MVP in NYC” baseball card sweepstakes.

Prior to tonight’s game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Blue Jays players Shawn Camp, John McDonald, Alex Rios, BJ Ryan, Marco Scutaro, Vernon Wells, Brad Wilkerson and Gregg Zaun will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Canada.

Prior to tonight's Brewers game at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Brewers players Russell Branyan, Mike Cameron, Craig Counsell, Bill Hall, Gabe Kapler and Salomon Torres will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits Milwaukee.

Prior to tonight’s game at Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees players Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Joba Chamberlain, LaTroy Hawkins, Derek Jeter, and Chad Moeller will provide everlasting memories to a group of underprivileged children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program visits the Bronx.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Minnesota Twins players Joe Mauer and Nick Punto will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor Twin Cities-area high school students serving as Captains of the Minnesota Action Team, a service learning program in which Major League players and high school students are inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers.

The Safety and Health Advisory Committee held its first meeting today via conference call in New York. The committee is charged with considering issues of player and fan safety, including those associated with broken bats. Members of the committee expressed their concerns over those issues and concurred that they require prompt consideration and action.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Cincinnati Reds players Ken Griffey Jr., David Ross and Javier Valentin will honor six Indianapolis-area high school students serving as Captains of the Indianapolis Action Team, part of a service-learning program.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, San Francisco Giants players will honor 18 Bay-area high school students serving as Captains of the Oakland and San Francisco Action Teams, part of a service-learning program.

Prior to tonight’s game at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Giants players will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Bay Area.

Prior to tonight’s game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Orioles players will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into Baltimore.

Prior to tonight’s game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Cardinals players will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Gateway City.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Boston Red Sox players Alex Cora, Jason Varitek and David Ortiz will honor five Boston-area high school students serving as Captains of the Boston Action Team, part of a service-learning program.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Texas Rangers players Eddie Guardado and Michael Young will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor eight Dallas/Ft. Worth-area high school students serving as Captains of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Action Team.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Seattle Mariners players Miguel Batista and Brandon Morrow will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor six Seattle-area high school students serving as Captains of the Seattle Action Team.

Philadelphia Phillies players Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, J.C. Romero and Shane Victorino will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 18 Delaware Valley-area high school students serving as Captains of the Philadelphia Action Team.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced today that both parties have ratified the amendments to the Joint Drug Agreement that were announced last month.

Josh Fogg, Ken Griffey Jr., David Ross and Javier Valentin recognize student leaders in national program to encourage youth volunteerism.

Atlanta Braves players Jeff Francoeur, Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrens, Mark Kotsay, Brian McCann, Will Ohman, Martin Prado and Mark Teixeira provide everlasting memories to a group of visiting children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alabama.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Houston Astros players Hunter Pence and Chris Sampson will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 10 Houston-area high school students serving as Captains of the Houston Action Team.

During an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game, Colorado Rockies players Brian Fuentes and Ryan Spilborghs will represent all Major Leaguers when they honor 12 Denver-area high school students serving as Captains of the Denver Action Team.

Major League baseball players today honored the outstanding achievements of a number of high school students serving as Action Team Captains by awarding them $1,000 college scholarships -– recognizing their commitment to community involvement and their efforts to help the players inspire and train the next generation of volunteers.

A's relief pitcher Andrew Brown and Huston Street and Tigers starting pitcher Nate Robertson are scheduled to meet with students in separate venues on Tuesday as part of the MLBPA's Action Teams initiative. Oakland release  |  Detroit release

During an on-field ceremony prior to Monday night's game at Shea Stadium, New York Mets players Carlos Delgado and Brian Schneider will present certificates of achievement to local high school students who are members of the New York Action Team.

"What we have done is taken a program which we believe is the best in professional sports and made it even stronger," said MLBPA Executive Director Don Fehr, whose statement continues in this release.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association have agreed on modifications to the Joint Drug Agreement that respond to the recommendations made by Senator George Mitchell in his December 2007 report. The modifications will become effective after ratification by the 30 Clubs and the players, and will be in place for the remaining term of the Joint Drug Agreement, through December 2011.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Boston Red Sox second baseman, Dustin Pedroia, will receive a prestigious Players Choice Award as the 2007 AL Outstanding Rookie. Dustin’s teammate, Kevin Youkilis, a member of the MLBPA’s Executive Board, will represent his American League peers in presenting Dustin with this award.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman, Carlos Pena, will receive a prestigious Players Choice Award as the 2007 AL Comeback Player. Carlos’ teammate, James Shields, will represent his American League peers in presenting Carlos with this award.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Washington Nationals first baseman, Dmitri Young, will be presented with a prestigious Players Choice Award for 2007 NL Comeback Player. Dmitri’s teammate, Ryan Zimmerman, a member of the MLBPA’s Executive Board, will represent all National League players in presenting Dmitri with this award.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Yankees third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, will be honored as the 2007 Player of the Year and AL Outstanding Player. Alex’s teammates, LaTroy Hawkins, a member of the MLBPA’s Executive Board and a Players Trust Representative, and Ross Ohlendorf, will represent their Major League peers in presenting Alex with these awards.

In a pre-game ceremony this afternoon, Brewers outfielder, Ryan Braun, and first baseman, Prince Fielder, will be honored as the 2007 NL Outstanding Rookie and NL Outstanding Player, respectively. Their teammate, and MLBPA Executive Board member, Dave Bush, will represent his National League peers in presenting Ryan and Prince with their awards.

The entire opening round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic will be hosted outside the 50 United States, it was announced Monday at a World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) press conference in Tokyo. The second edition of the World Baseball Classic will be staged next March in Tokyo, Japan; Mexico City, Mexico; Toronto, Canada; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The host venues for Round Two, as well as the Semi-Finals and Final, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, today announced the hiring of staff lawyers, David M. Prouty and Emily Cabrera.

Major League baseball players today announced that the Major League Baseball Players Trust has awarded a $40,000 grant to the nonprofit medical relief organization, Medicines for Humanity, to acquire and distribute life-saving medicines for victims of Tropical Storm Noel in the Santo Domingo and Barahona provinces of the Dominican Republic.

Before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball concluded the 2008 Rookie Career Development Program (RCDP) on Sunday in Virginia.

The following statement was issued today by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, regarding the Mitchell Report.

There will be a Major League Baseball Players Association news conference with Donald M. Fehr, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007 at approximately 6:00 p.m. ET.

The following statement was issued today by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, regarding the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee election results.

The following statement was issued today by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, after learning that a federal grand jury has indicted Barry Bonds for perjury and obstruction of justice.

The World Series Champion Boston Red Sox will face the Oakland Athletics in Tokyo, Japan to open the 2008 Major League Baseball Championship Season, Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) announced today.

Over the past few days, press reports coming out of the General Managers' meetings relating to the sharing of information between clubs as to their plans regarding players potentially raise serious questions concerning the fairness and integrity of the free agent market.

In a season marked by extraordinary performances on and off the field, Major League baseball players today bestowed their highest honors on two players -- New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is Player of the Year and Minnesota Twins center fielder Torii Hunter is the Marvin Miller Man of the Year.

Perseverance and dedication took center stage today as Major League baseball players named Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pena and Washington Nationals first baseman Dmitri Young the season's top comeback players.

In a freshman class full of impressive young talent, Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun and Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia were voted tops in the Class of ’07 by their peers.

Major League baseball players in each league cast votes for the "best of the best," and the 2007 Players Choice Award winners for Outstanding Player are Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder in the National League and New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in the American League.

San Diego’s Jake Peavy and Cleveland’s C.C. Sabathia are the best pitchers of 2007, according to their peers.

Yahoo! Sports and the Major League Baseball Players Trust today begin a series of Internet specials highlighting outstanding performances of Major League baseball players during the 2007 season, both on and off the field.

Major League baseball players in both leagues have selected finalists for the highest of honors –- the Players Choice Awards, in which the players themselves recognize excellence on and off the field.

Volunteers of America and the Major League Baseball Players Trust today launched a school-year of nationwide volunteerism for high school students across the United States.

Thousands of baseball fans participated in an Internet poll on MLBPLAYERS.com between September 4 and 10, to determine which six players, one from each division, inspire others to higher levels of achievement by their on-field performances and contributions to their communities.

Fans voting on-line this week will help select the Major League baseball player whose on-field performance and contributions to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement.

A group of VIPs will arrive at Safeco Field today as personal guests of J.J. Putz and other Seattle Mariners players, and the Western Washington Action Team, the youth volunteer corps administered by the Major League Baseball Players Trust and Volunteers of America.

The following statement was issued tonight by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, after Barry Bonds hit his 756th home run.

Fifty children from the Volunteers of America-run Lakecrest Village apartments’ “Can Do” drug prevention program will receive a memorable behind-the-scenes peak into the life of a Major Leaguer, when they visit Minute Maid Park as the personal guests of Chris Burke, Mike Lamb, Mark Loretta, Luke Scott and Woody Williams.

Fifty children from Milwaukee’s Holton Youth Center will receive a memorable behind-the-scenes peak into the life of a Major Leaguer, when they visit Miller Park as the personal guests of Dave Bush, Chris Capuano, Craig Counsell, Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy and Geoff Jenkins.

Minnesota Twins players Joe Mauer and Lew Ford will join high school students from the Minnesota Action Team youth volunteer corps tonight when they host a pre-game event at 5:00 p.m. at the Metrodome to kick-off Operation Backpack 2007.

Philadelphia Phillies players Antonio Alfonseca, Michael Bourn, Adam Eaton, Geoff Geary, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Jamie Moyer, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the City of Brotherly Love.

New York Yankees players Melky Cabrera, Miguel Cairo, Robinson Cano, Johnny Damon, Mike Myers, and Ron Villone will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Bronx.

Cincinnati Reds players Adam Dunn, Alex Gonzalez, Ken Griffey, Jr., Aaron Harang, Scott Hatteberg, Kyle Lohse, Brandon Phillips, David Ross, Javier Valentin, and David Weathers will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors into the Queen City.

Florida Marlins players will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program heads down to south Florida.

Major League baseball players today announced grants totaling $70,000 from the Major League Baseball Players Trust to Volunteers of America programs benefiting at-risk youth and developmentally disabled adults in communities throughout the United States.

Jason Giambi issued the following statement regarding his decision to meet with Senator George Mitchell.

Red Sox players Alex Cora, David Ortiz, and Jason Varitek will present certificates of achievement to local high school students who are members of the Boston Action Team youth volunteer corps.

Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox teamed up with Volunteers of America and high school student leaders from the Boston Action Team youth volunteer corps to highlight the need for meaningful summer volunteer activities for Boston youth.

Two Grand Prize winners will get to rub elbows with Major League Baseball's biggest stars on the field at Yankee Stadium.

New York Mets players Moises Alou, Endy Chavez, Carlos Delgado, Damion Easley, Shawn Green, David Newhan, Scott Schoeneweis and David Wright will provide everlasting memories to a group of local children as the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors in to Queens.

Following an article that appeared in USA Today on May 18, the Commissioner initiated a disciplinary investigation of Jason Giambi during which he was interviewed by representatives of the Commissioner.

St. Louis Cardinals players Chris Duncan, David Eckstein, Tyler Johnson, Braden Looper, Albert Pujols and Preston Wilson will host a group of teens and adults with Down Syndrome through the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program.

Phillies players Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino will present certificates of achievement to local high school students who are members of the Delaware Valley Action Team youth volunteer corps.

Baltimore Orioles players Jay Gibbons, Adam Loewen, Melvin Mora, Corey Patterson and Brian Roberts will help provide a memorable trip to the ballpark for several children from Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center and Sinai Hospital when the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s “Buses for Baseball” program motors in to Baltimore’s Camden Yards.

Giants players Matt Morris and Randy Winn will join A’s players Eric Chavez and Huston Street in presenting certificates of achievement to local high school students who are members of Bay Area Action Teams.

LaTroy Hawkins and Zach McClellan of the Colorado Rockies teamed up with high school students from the Denver Action Team youth volunteer corps to highlight the plight of the homeless in Denver.

Jimmy Rollins joined high school students from Volunteers of America Delaware Valley's Action Team youth volunteer corps at a storybook luncheon in Camden for homeless children and neighborhood youth in the Morgan Village and Newton Creek communities.

In a pre-game ceremony, Tigers pitcher, Justin Verlander, will be honored as 2006 American League Outstanding Rookie.

Major League baseball players continued their efforts to rebuild lives in the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Region today, by contributing funds to purchase baseball and softball equipment for 10 New Orleans schools.

In a pre-game ceremony this evening, Cardinals pitcher, Chris Carpenter, was honored as 2006 NL Outstanding Pitcher, while teammate, Albert Pujols, was honored as 2006 Marvin Miller Man of the Year.

In a pre-game ceremony this afternoon, Phillies first baseman, Ryan Howard, was honored as 2006 Player of the Year and NL Outstanding Player.

In a pre-game ceremony tonight, Twins pitcher, Johan Santana, was honored as 2006 American League Outstanding Pitcher.

In a pre-game ceremony, Blue Jays designated hitter, Frank Thomas, was honored as 2006 American League Comeback Player.

In a pre-game ceremony this afternoon, Dodgers first baseman, Nomar Garciaparra, was honored as 2006 National League Comeback Player.

Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla was recognized for his incredible rookie season, when he was presented a prestigious Players Choice Award for being named by his peers as the 2006 National League Outstanding Rookie.

Jermaine Dye was recognized for his incredible 2006 season, when he was presented a prestigious Players Choice Award for being named by his peers as the 2006 American League Outstanding Player.

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr issued a statement regarding the passing of Bowie Kuhn.

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr issued a statement regarding the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee election results.

The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition, an award-winning monthly publication and Web site for high school students, has partnered with the Major League Baseball Players Trust to support its landmark Action Team community service program for high school students.

Marlon Anderson, Chris Capuano, LaTroy Hawkins, and Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Don Fehr came to New Orleans today to help build homes and rebuild lives in the Gulf region.