First reported by The Athletic, Major League Baseball is setting up a third-party anonymous hotline for reporting incidents of harassment and will mandate that team executives go through “anti-harassment and discrimination training” during spring training. Previously, only players were mandated to undergo this training.
The introduction of the hotline comes on the heels of New York Mets general manager Jared Porter and Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway being accused of sending lewd text messages to female reporters. Porter was fired and Callaway, who denied the accusations, has been suspended pending the results of an investigation.
“… MLB and its Clubs will continue to strive to create environments in which individuals feel accepted; and when they do not, they feel comfortable speaking up without fear of recrimination, retaliation, or ostracism,” reads the MLB’s harassment policy, which was recently updated. “Because it is imperative that we are made aware of inappropriate conduct so that it may be addressed and remedied, MLB and its Clubs will provide multiple avenues for any individual to make a complaint, with an option to remain anonymous. All MLB and Club employees will be held accountable for inappropriate conduct, regardless of an individual’s seniority, rank, or stature.”
The number for what they’re calling the “Speak Up” hotline is 1-844-993-0562.
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In other baseball news, MLB and the players’ association came to an agreement on upgraded health protocols to deal with the coronavirus pandemic in advance of the 2021 season.
As part of the deal, players, on-field staff and non-playing personnel who come to the ballpark must wear electronic tracing wristbands from the outset of spring training and will face discipline for violations. Players are encouraged to get vaccinated for COVID-19 but are not required to do so.
Teams will report to spring training next week, with pitchers and catchers starting workouts on February 17 and full-squad workouts starting the following week on the 22nd.
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