Major League Baseball Big News.....

Yesterday Major League Baseball (MLB) made a big announcement. First they congratulated Ryan Braun (of the Milwaukee Brewers) for winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award. The first Brewer to win since "Rockin" Robin Yount!

Then they announced a new 5 year collective bargaining agreement with the Players Association...........so no strike (good luck with that NBA). Within the new agreement MLB took steps to prevent smokeless tobacco products from getting on the field. There were five new "rules" involving smokeless tobacco:

1) Players can no longer bring tobacco PRODUCTS onto the field, in their pockets or on their person.

2) Players can no longer use tobacco products during televised interviews, during autograph signings, or at any event where fans will be present.

3) MLB and the Players Association will partner with The Partnership at drugfree.org on a national public service announcement campaign that will feature notable players.

4) The Players Association will create a Tobacco Cessation Center for the players, providing resources and assistance to educate players and help them quit. Players will also now receive oral cancer screenings as part of their annual physicals.

These are progressive steps that keep players' health in minds and allow young fans to see their heroes being tobacco free. Great news.....and thanks to MLB for making "the right call"!!