Wander Franco Abandoned by the Tampa Bay Rays Major League baseball team from the beginning!

Getty Images, Kevin Sabitius, Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays, April, 2023

Photo: AP, Mark Lyons, Pete Rose being led into court by a U.S. Federal Marshall, 1990

Photo: St. Louis Cardinals/MLB. 1956-1971. Curt Flood stood up for principle and equal rights, His protest and lawsuit eventually changed the MLB reserve clause (depressing wages and limiting players to one team) by bringing free agency to future major league baseball players starting in 1976. Flood was blackballed by MLB and retired in 1972.

by Brian Patrick Moore

Letter-to-the Editor, Tampa Bay Times, in response to article, "Inside the clubhouse, Franco not a popular topic," by Marc Topkin, Writer

Wander Franco may not have been popular inside the Tampa Bay Rays baseball clubhouse, but it should not have had any bearing on how he has been abandoned by the Rays organization and thrown to the wolves.

For his teammates to say the topic is not talked about, is delicate, and they do not want to say anymore, reflects a fear of retaliation, of being black-listed for any statements, personal troubles or mistakes they also have or might make.

For the Rays organization to suspend Franco from playing major league baseball for the last 23 months (now without pay) and simultaneously consoling the young female accuser of sexual abuse, has sent a clear message from the beginning that they believe Wander Franco is guilty. 

They have destroyed a young 21-year old’s reputation, and in doing so, have jeopardized his physical and mental health as well.  As a responsible employer, they have abdicated their duties to protect the safety of all employees, especially if ultimately found innocent.

The Rays officials have not conducted its own investigation. They will rely on Major League Baseball and wash their own hands of the “problem.”

Major League Baseball has a terrible history of refusing to treat fairly or re-instate accused or convicted baseball players, even when acquitted or forgiven (i.e. Chicago Black Sox scandal, Pete Rose and Curt Flood).

The team players should speak out against such unethical, unfair and heavy-handed organizational treatment.

Teammates have an obligation to stand up for their colleagues, especially when they fear facing similar consequences themselves!