MLB fined 140 players for mask violations in 2021. Every appeal was denied, irking some players

Major League Baseball this season issued about 240 fines to about 140 players for failure to properly wear a face mask, people with knowledge of the process said. Although players routinely appealed the fines to the commissioner’s office, none have been overturned in a hearing, irking some players and their agents. In some instances, players have argued that their mask was down because they were taking a drink of water, but MLB has not been swayed. (Some fines, though, have been rescinded prior to hearings.)

Players were to receive a warning for at least a first violation, while subsequent violations brought a fine of $1,000, then $2,500, then $5,000. The general ability to issue discipline was agreed to by both MLB and the Players Association. MLB and the MLBPA declined comment.

The appeals process is the same that’s employed for on-field violations of more routine sorts, such as intentionally throwing at an opposing player. If the fine is up to $1,000, MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations, Michael Hill, handles the appeal. For fines above $1,000, MLB’s John McHale, a special assistant to the commissioner, hears the case. Ultimately, the league office has sole discretion as to whether to reduce a penalty.

“We’re talking about tens of thousands, maybe $100,000 that are at stake here for players,” a player agent said. “The appeal’s heard by the guy who issued the fine.”...

In June, MLB dropped face-mask requirements for players who have been vaccinated, leaving the fines for the unvaccinated players.

“It essentially amounts to a bit of a witch hunt for unvaccinated players,” said the agent, who said he is a proponent of players getting the vaccine.