Players say Baras making good on bounced checks
Too little, too late?
By Elli Wohlgelernter
Despite having paid off almost all its debt to its players, the Israel Baseball League still faces massive financial problems, sparking growing rumors that the second season is about to be canceled.
"It makes sense," says Michael Rollhaus, general manager of the league champion Bet Shemesh Blue Sox, and one of the major investors in the league. "There are no fields to play on, as Gezer and Baptist Village were not paid this past year. So if there would be a second season, they would have to be paid for last year, and the league would have to pay for next year in advance. There is also no Tel Aviv field, as that has been torn down."
While the league conducted tryouts for next season in Massachusetts during the last week of the 2007 season, it is unclear if there will be a second season. There has been no news from the IBL on the league's future, and their Web site has not been updated since August 31.
Sucks
Nate Fish, third baseman for the Tel Aviv Lightning (below right), said it would be sad if the league were to close after one season, but that he's happy to have been a part of it.
"It sucks that Israelis will be deprived of a great game that they might have loved," Fish said. "In the end though, no big deal either way-- there are more important things. I do give Larry [Baras, founder of the IBL] credit, though. Besides running a half-assed operation, he tried something most people wouldn't, and gave us all a memorable experience."Some players are still angry at the league for the way they were treated both during the season, and since the season ended on August 19. Most of the players have been paid, though some are still owed some money. Jesse Michel, catcher for the Ra'anana Express, said his salary has been paid, but the league still owes him money that the bank charged for a bounced league check.
We call IBL headquarters in Boston for comment
"Of course no one wants to owe people money, but unfortunately this is where we are right now," he said. "There isn't much I can do about it but wait patiently. And I know this is not the way that they want to run their business, and am confident that as soon as they have the financial means, I will get paid.Lousy
"Of course people are upset, and were upset, and trying to get answers. But ultimately, what can you do? The league goofed financially, and both sides are feeling the brunt of those mistakes. I'm confident that the league is doing everything it can to make things right."
Scott Cantor, a pitcher for the Petah Tikva Pioneers who was the oldest player in the league at 51, said he too has been paid his salary in full, but is also owed money that the bank charged for the IBL's bounced check.
But Cantor said the money issue was just an example of the systemic problem of the whole running of the league, and the treatment of its players.
"I felt disappointed with the money situation, mainly that the league that I am involved with is so bush league in many respects," Cantor (left) said. "And I'm open to the possibility that these types of shortcomings are not unusual. But they hurt themselves more then anything else, with sub-standard fields, bounced checks, lousy nutrition, ill tempered managers, and serious communication problems with the players, coaches and managers. All these add up to either less then good player performances, or turning people off to a wonderful concept and a great game."Rebuffed
Cantor said he has tried to reach out to the league to help, but has been rebuffed.
"Personally, I have offered thru e-mails to speak with management about the Pioneers, and about the league. I have reached out on the pay issue, and have requested info on next season. No response. I feel sad and hurt. I emptied my insides for that team last season, 'cause that's what I do, and I struggle with the lack of any direct communication from the league including not getting a response to my emails.
"We formed a community around this league, and the mistake being made is leaving the league's greatest strength out of the loop. Everyone or almost everyone wants nothing but success for this thing, and those in charge act as if it's just them. Re-grouping may be a really good idea."
No one should be surprised about mismanagement of the IBL. Before it cancels its second season (and hopefully it will so others don't lose money) there should be a full accounting of where the money went.
ReplyDeleteThere is a fine line between PR spin and deception. At some point that line was crossed in mischaracterizing the resources of the IBL and how it was being bankrolled by the founder. The JNF, a non profit organization, allocated its limited monies to the league when it could have been used elsewhere. Vendors still have yet to be paid. What a sad note to end on...
Hey Elli and everyone,
ReplyDeleteGimme a break, Pro Ball , hmmm? Scott Cantor, hmmmm? Jesse Michel, hmmm? Hate to tell you guys it was a great season, non pros were given a shot , had a lot of beers (where did the get the money?)(went to a lot of night clubs) instead of eating hot dogs and all that nutritionous food in the states they ate Shnitzels (when in rome...)
Israel is a tough country and full of "ganafs" who sometimes take advantage of the pure idealists like over pricing and many other things but with all do respect what all of these players went through our athletes (olympic) go through all the time. Our Olympians always wait for their money and mostly spend more than they make , they eat shnitzels and they are a bit more professional than the "pros" who showed up here for the IBL League.
So, stop crying , get into shape all of you who are dying to come back (and there are many and then some) and yeah BTW gezer is ready to start renovating (although they want cash upfront)and the BV are ready to move on to next season.
Oh, yeah and i wonder what uniform rollhouse will be wearing this season, i remember seeing him jumping up and down when bet shemesh won as if he won the World Series. Maybe he should wear a polka dot uniform in pink and continue crying like a baby girl.
get with it and all pray that you all get another chance in playing in israel because nobody would even p@@## in your direction anywhere else. Chance of a F#$$@@$% lifetime and you still whine about shnitzels and "beer and girl money" that you were making.
YO!
ReplyDeleteTV ripped the IBL off. Field Developers Ripped the IBL off.
Gezer tried to make a bundle on this (and we heard they want to continue)
BV people who made the deal of a lifetime (and we heard they want to continue)
some bad decisions and mistakes in not having on the ground people in time put this in the position they are in right now
However, we all want them back and with a bit more support from all of us it might just happen again and again and again.....
the kids are all waiting to Lopez, Feingold, De la Santos and others.
So let's stop complaining (i doubt anyone from the US could have done better, we eat all of you alive) and support the next season even if there is no sportek field, which by the way was the stupidity of the Tel Aviv Municipality and not the IBL.
Glad you guys had a good time playing ball. However to suggest that all the problems the IBL encountered were the result of being "ripped off" is unbelievably naive. The IBL exists because investors, not all of whom are wealthy, took money from their own pockets with the expectation that those running the IBL had some notion of what they were doing. The IBL is intended to be a profit making venture. If this was some other business, I don't believe peoople would be so forgiving. If you really want the IBL to continue why don't you put your own money behind it and get some more from your friends and family. Then, when the finances ares are mismanaged you may feel differently.
ReplyDeleteThe silence from the IBL deafening.
ReplyDeleteSay what you will about the food, the accomodation, the venues, the money and related issues regarding payment and all other weakly managed enterprises. But do not be mislead about the talent that we witnessed over the past season. By majority, there were inexperienced players at the professional level and the IBL allowed such individuals to gain experience and hopefully market themselves to other professional affiliates. I must say, witnessing the kind of presence that Eladio Rodriguez, Gregg Raymundo and Jason Rees brought to the game was as good as anywhere. The league must be commended on its efforts to provide opportunity for those who without it, would have none. Rees would be another Australian, overlooked by geographic distance and Eladio would be another Latin player who was released too young and not given time to mature. I am thankful that both of them can live out their dreams and it began with one swing in the Promised Land and we were all a part of it.
ReplyDeleteHey Crotin,
ReplyDeleteyou were always a great enthusiastic player and could have been one of the true leaders of this IBL venture. Especially f=after the words you just have written. I wish they will give you anoher shot, if you want one, and this time even if the umps are not as good as they should be and you strike out (when not getting a great hit as you did so often dutring the season) you just walk off until your next at bat. the kids from Shnieder hospital saw a different Crotin who could show passion while having a cancer child sign his hat and not the other way around.
Nobody suggested that "all" the problems were because of being ripped off. If those investors thought for a minute that sports in israel is a profitable one then it is they who are naive. profit in an sraeli market is so rare and for this to make a profit it will need a lot of work , support and patience, what we do not really have in israel and actually in our religon.
ReplyDeleteyou do not realize how many people have put not only their own money into this but their hard work. And they believe with a continuing effort with realistic outlook that this will take at least 10 years to get it through the israeli heads .
Are you in or are you out? That is the question and not crying all day of how things were "bloched" but how we can fix it for the next year and the next and the next ......
Elli,
ReplyDeleteYour articles are enjoyed by all the IBL players whether they admit it or not. Most won't talk to you because they are worried about the league finding out and not getting resigned.
-Raanana IBL Player
IBL players know me as ruby, and i still have yet to be paid money owed to me. its ridiculous and those in charge are taking advantage of the fact that we cant realistically take action against this. any business where work is done wouldnt be run where players arent paid their money due months and months late. the way information isnt being shared with those affected is inconsiderate as well. i would be much less upset if i was being kept up to date with the steps people are taking to resolve the issue
ReplyDeleteThe biggest problem players have right now, is that some of us have yet to be paid the money owed to us, along w/bank fees caused by bank fees.
ReplyDeleteSome of the players needed/need the money as they were recent college grads and did not have a job yet.
Another problem is miscommunication from the league and league reps. The only thing we ever hear from the league is "we are working on it". As all the players know, thats Martin Berger's "go to" response.
We would just like to know what is going on and be paid. Some people are not so eager to speak up because they are afraid they will not be asked to come back IF there is a league next year.
If the IBL can not pay the pittance that these players are owed, including bank overdrafts because of bad checks issued by the IBL, then there should not be a second season.
ReplyDeleteWhat surprises me is the lack of outrage from those associated with the IBL that the players have not been paid. The poor communication is clearly due to a lack of money and a desire not to directly deal with the players on so embarrassing an issue. The players are being taken advantage of. What every happended to business ethics?
I played with the league myself, and am still owed most of my salary. What I would like to see is Larry Baras step up, take some responsibility and pay us our money out of his own pocket. Apparently he's the inventor of the "holeless" bagel and has plenty of money to cover the dues that this league encurred.
ReplyDeleteHas any one actually talked directly to Larry Baras to find out what is going on?
ReplyDeleteLet's set the record straight here folks...there is a significant amount of outrage amongst the participants in the inaugurual season of the IBL who have not been paid...right now it is quiet outrage because, guess what, from those team managers, yes, managers and coaches to the players to the personnel of the league who have not yet been paid, you have one of the greatest groups of guys ever assembled...they love the game, care about each other and want baseball to take hold in Israel...so, whether they are biting their tongues because they are afraid that they won't be asked back (imagine that, publicly demanding what you are owed causing you to be black-listed, but it would happen with this league's apparently insecure, self-interested leadership) and the group cares about baseball taking hold in Israel and realizes that potential investors to potential Israeli vendors (no-one can sanely believe that the original vendors who are owed 1000s of $$$ will ever do biz with the current leadership ever again) will be scared away by the scandal that publicity of the ineptitude/opaqueness and obfuscation by the top of the league would cause.
ReplyDeleteBaseball can and will be big in Israel. Anyone who was tuned in to what was going on this summer could feel it. But when the leadership doesn't:
-do its homework
-ignores the native population and caters ONLY to American tourists and transplants
-fails to meaningfully publicize its product (they didn't even advertise in the hotel the managers were staying in!)
-fails to secure adequate funding to pay it's most basic debts (leaving everyone along the way disgruntled at the least and pissed off beyond repair at the most)
-fails to understand the dietary needs of athletes playing in 98 degree heat every day (and for the record, Mr. Berger, the food at the Kfar SUCKED; you can't have a whole league losing 8-10 pounds per player and lining up to get a shot at the john b/c they all have the runs) and make sure those needs were accomodated
-provides sub-par accomodations (if they weren't sub-par, why did Mr. Baras's son flee the Kfar after 3 days while the other young men who were his peers working in the league stayed? Don't b.s. us with the spin that he needed to stay closer to Gezer to do his job...he's a really nice young man, but he could have traveled with the teams and, guess what, unfortunately the consensus was that there wasn't very much for him to do from game to game)
-bounces the last paycheck a SECOND time after assuring players that the money would be in the bank and then it wasn't...
-persuades a manager who had payment by wire transfer in his contract to accept a check for his last payment because the wire transfer fees were too high, promising the manager that his check would clear...and it BOUNCED...
....and the list goes on...what you then have is a recipe for disaster. Well, welcome to the current state of affairs for the IBL. No communication from the top, rumors that they are trying to raise $ by marketing the teams in some capacity to raise $ to both help retire their significant debts and fund the league going forward (remember the rumor during the season that they had secured funding to run the league for the next several years...where'd that start? apparently a bunch of b.s., too); but how much transparency are they having with any potential investors? can they get away with being as opaque with potential investors as they have with the people who put their blood, sweat and tears into Year 1 and are now creditors of the league? There is no way that a nominally savvy investor is going to pour 100s of 1000s of $ into an entity with a financial history that is not being disclosed to them.
And what do the league's key advisors and its commissioner have to say...they cannot be happy with the state of affairs of the league. Dan Duquette did some great work...word is he is responsible for the signings of Bergstrom, Benson, Rees and Rodriguez. But will he try to sell this league to other talented young players when he knows that they may well have similar issues next summer? where the league is (rumored to be) offering, if they can offer anything, $500 less per player to play next summer? Will these guys even offer their services to this group for the future?
Now, contrary to some of the posts, Israelis do not always eat Americans alive in business arrangements (and that post says alot about the writer, doesn' t it). It simply matters how you go about your business, who you partner up with to get the job done right and dotting your i's and crossing your t's before you get on that last international flight to start the season. Now there are other rumors that, if true, may mean that Mr. Baras cannot set foot on Israeli soil due to the significant debts he has in Israel. That would be unfortunate given his attachment to the country, but perhaps is fitting for the time being given the havoc his seemingly irresponsible approach to starting a professional sports league has wreaked on a broad swath of people and businesses (this was not supposed to be a Sunday morning softball league set-up).
So, that said, baseball is still meant for Israel...we, the players, managers and personnel of the league know it; we have contact with fans in Israel; we want to go back; we've had 2 players signed by independent minor league teams and 2 signed by the Yankees to go to spring training in February...we're the real deal. So, all of you folks reading these posts who truly care about baseball taking hold in Israel, all of you smart-ass Israeli critics out there and all of you Baras/Berger apologists (these groups may have some cross over), what do you all think needs to be done to make season 2 a reality? Which of you IBLers want to go back in some capacity? Who would you play for? Fans, what do you want to see? Speak up...you never know.
Thanks from many of us. That was an incredibly well-informed posting and clearly from an IBL insider. It shows that one can still believe in the IBL but objectively recognize all its shortcomings—of which there are many.
ReplyDeleteI’d like to provide some more background information that may round out the picture of what may be going on. Larry Baras was (and is) in debt prior to launching the IBL. I believe he is sincere in stating that it was his love for Israel and baseball that created this idea. However, I think it was even more than that. In hindsight it sounds a bit crazy, but I believe that he was hoping to raise enough investor money to help with other debts.
The reality is I’m not sure how much potential investors actually know. This blog and especially the last posting is the only source of deep problem, other than a few articles that Elli has produced.
My prediction is that at some point Larry will step down, claiming health problems or family issues, to disentangle himself form this unfortunate mess
If it is true that Baras being in debt before the league it is very clear that he embezzled funds meant for the IBL. All investors should demand to see where the mone was spent.
ReplyDeleteWho says Larry was in debt before the IBL started? How much debt? The big question is "Why is Larry so secretive?"
ReplyDeletehey everyone take it easy on the boys in the office.....they provided a great experience for a lot of ball players. All othere stuff aside we played BASEBALL IN ISRAEL for a whole summer guys it was magic!!!!
ReplyDeleteJason, that is exactly the point. It was magic but without players and vendors being paid , how can season #2 occur. Nobody knows how much $$ was raised or where it went . Without answers people naturally assume that Larry stole the money. When he comes clean than everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. I wonder if even the Commissioner, Dan Kurtzer knows the finances. I bet you he doesn't.
ReplyDeleteIf you are owed money (player,coach or vendor) please sign in
ReplyDeleteHopefully, with your name and the amount and what the league has told you.That should get things moving in the right direction.
Scott Cantor is a great player especially for a 51 year old.
ReplyDeleteHe is the envy of every middle aged man.
Jesse Michel is a good young kid. He has allot of potential. Why are they being berated?
If they were not "PRO" material , why did Martin Berger pick them?
There is little to no chance that, as of this moment, Dan Kurtzer knows any particulars at all about the league's financials, from debts to concrete deals that are, supposedly, about to be or actually are in place that will help pay debts and fund the future of the league. Friends, it is getting to the place soon where the powers that be must, as they say at some weddings, speak now or forever hold your peace.
ReplyDeleteDan Kurtzer is one of the finest man I have ever met. I am sure he is upset that he got involved in the IBL .
ReplyDeleteIf Mr Kurtzer does not know anything and he is the commissioner ,what are the chances that anybody will ever know anything without a lawsuit?
Everything will be resolved these guys are business men and understand all the concerns you guys are goin through and they want to see ball there again I know it man they will make it rigfht and then move on. Hopefully eveyone can get paid get on the same page and then work for the commom goal of making baseball a staple in Israel. Remeber the PIONEERS of our country did not reap all the benefits of putting something together....hang in there boys it will work out!!
ReplyDeleteJason,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see your enthusiasm but do you know something we don't?
Really, seriously, Jason, it would be great if we all could feel the way you do, so tell us what it is that you know and we don't that makes you so sure of these guys. It will certainly go along way towards making your brothers in baseball feel a lot better about things, since everyone else seems too think that theirs no way that the leadership can get out from under the large debts they still have.
ReplyDeletefellas, I think everyone here is right, we're just mixing apples and pears. In this case, business and pleasure. There's no question that we had a great summer overall, despite the bullshit we went through, because we got to play a game called baseball in a country called Israel. Which, when you think about it, is a crazy idea altogether, but one that we will no doubt remember the rest of our lives. On that we can pretty much all agree. That's the pleasure.
ReplyDeletethen there's the business. We were hired as professional athletes to do a job, as noted: "(this was not supposed to be a Sunday morning softball league set-up)", which we all did professionally. there were no "dog days of august," nobody dogging it, as far as i saw - anyone see anything different? - by any of us. We showed up every day to do the job 100% we were hired to do. That job requires a day's pay for a day's work, as hired professionals, regardless of the good intentions of the league organizers. and it is not bitching and moaning, nor dismissive of the good times and great opportunity we had playing ball, to demand - quietly or publicly - that we do get paid. The fact that so many here – me included – are fearful of saying so publicly because we fear not being rehired is truly a sad reflection on the whole situation, also as noted: "(imagine that, publicly demanding what you are owed causing you to be black-listed, but it would happen with this league's apparently insecure, self-interested leadership)."
how much longer should we wait?
Don't wait. Just say how much you are owed and what bull**** the IBL is telling you. You can still be anonymous!
ReplyDeleteThat long post was a real eye opener. Mystery solved. We now know why Larry left the championship game early. The creditors were chasing him and if he did not fly back that night his passport would have been confiscated and he would have been put in jail where he belongs.
ReplyDeleteSeems like Larry has problems in Boston as well He was served Sept 24th by a Natalie Blacher for $275,000 Details to File
ReplyDeletehttp://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-madce/case_no-1:2007cv11787/case_id-111722/
ReplyDeleteWhat is this about? Seems like he and his business were sued by this woman...maybe she got an Unholey Bagel with a hole in it? Seriously, people/businesses get sued...this likely means very little in connection with the League and its management; that said, it's worth looking into to see what the claims by this lady are against him...
ReplyDeleteListen guys,
ReplyDeleteI have been working out with Ruby and we had a chance to read the current postings and I am not sure I can support the nature of what is being discussed at this point. The element at hand is that players have been improperly compensated and that management has to find a way to remedy the problem.
Schnitzel- mania, dysentery and other food-induced explosiveness, sleeping on a postage stamp comforted by a 1” mattress, hitting off a legal associate on a Sunday who tosses headshots, then trying to understand a 1st baseman/Missionary who refuses to do wrong but will pull off a hidden ball trick to steal an out, a called ball four without a toss and seeing enough of your under-endowed roommates (exception to M.N) to name a few are now a figment of our extraordinary, Israeli-imaginations. Let’s concentrate on now.
I personally feel bad for all of you because you have been robbed of the professional experience in that a professional service renders proper payment, regardless if you are a scrub, or a stud, you have given the league your very best and you deserve what you are owed. The principle of fair business has indeed been tainted, the crumbling of the IBL has begun its eroded path and instead of coming up with any solutions, we’re finding ways to conjure blasphemy against a person who I know is moral and compassionate. I have no answers, I have no conspiracy theories, but none of you can have such conclusions either.
During the season, I had the pleasure of talking with Larry on a one-to-one basis following a questionable ejection and subject to behavioral counseling for fear of retaliation. Basically I told him that I would not seek physical revenge on anyone who attempted to induce my anger for the sake of a PR disaster and the sanctity of where we lived. I even paid a fine to the JNF out of respect for Larry (ejection payments were not listed in the contract)…maybe should have split it with you guys now that this has happened. But I promised Larry because he is worthy of a promise. I am glad too because some of you would have had a shortened season and that is for damn sure (hope to see ya next year affiliated planners of the bean ball…your good teammates are my better friends). Anyway, I saw the man in the eye and realized his purpose, ironically, the ideal of a business exploitation was not really communicated, or interpreted at all. Larry wanted to bring something we love to Israel plain and simple and it was not entirely thought through. We all know that Baras and Berger probably couldn’t play a twenty foot game of catch together, but we can’t discredit their efforts in attempting to come up with this thing and we are going to see its demise if we don’t focus. I personally saw the anxiousness in Baras, his wife wanted to leave because of the tension, daughter couldn’t handle seeing him the way he was and flew home, abandoned by a much needed baseball consultant and left with relatively little help. The plan was rushed, but the thought of embezzlement, coercion or fraud cannot be the case guys. His legal pursuit may be a result of the borrowed money that he is trying to make good on with payment to us.
The question is not what is Larry going to do, or what you perceive of his allegedly felonious behaviour…The question is… so what do you do? Some of you working guys, and non-student guys are probably going to make it through for a little while, so give it some time. However, reveal your names and demand answers as to what they are planning. I think that is fair and should happen. How can you care about an anonymous person? I don’t. If you fear that your opinion will prevent you from the possibility of returning, you may not even have the opportunity following a league foreclosure. You should have a right to know how and when you will expect payment, but expect delays as we have in the past. If you are American, and starving and don’t wear teal and black, come to Buffalo and sleep on my couch until you get a job. Just clean-up a little around here, use a plunger and such.
For those who want to go back for more follies, contact the families and kids that you have affected. They have more of a voice than you do. It is surprising how loud a ten-year old’s frustration can be on deaf ears. The people of Israel really haven’t been involved in this fiasco and I am not sure why…they are the market and they can make demands. We can’t…we absorb money and they (the fans) produce capital for us and produce capital for the IBL business associates. I communicate with the families that had taken me in and I am sure they would be willing to generate interest in bringing back the league and making things right for the first time. See what you come up with and I wish you guys health and wealth.
Oh yeah, and for the guy chopping up Jesse, Cantor and other affiliated “non-pro’s” like myself…I am glad that the IBL gave you a golden shower too. Write your name down and grow a pair. I might respect you more.
RC
Ryan, You say that his legal suit is because he is trying to pay us. Perhaps , he took the IBL money and is defending his bagel lawsuit.
ReplyDeleteis ryan saying it's ok to steal from the bagels to pay for baseball? is that any better or any different than stealing from baseball to pay for bagels? our issue is whether baras can pay what he owes us, and if not, then another leadership group should take over the ibl to set the ship right, both regarding the past season and to save the upcoming season. investors won't trust baras now no matter what the story, so it's time he turn it over to new management.
ReplyDeleteObviously, either way it's wrong. But I think (or hope) that we can all agree that it is one's actions and behavior that count in the end, not intentions.
ReplyDeleteInstead of speculating, it seems best that the advisors or Kurtzner bring in an auditor to review the financial status of the IBl. It is surprising that a financial person has not be involved from the beginning (I am only guessing that is the case). The auditor should be an objective third party with spotless credentials who can document all the money that has come into the IBL and been dispursed. A work out plan can be developed to pay back all the debts. No organization of this size with access to money from investors and parters should be without such a person. If there is a reluctance to do this or delays in doing this, then it is time for speculation.
oy gevalt! look at the new posting on tabloidbaby.com.
ReplyDeletesecurities fraud?!!!
Hey lets take it easy. Nothing has been proofed. Larry has a great lawyer who is the pres of the IBL, a great publicist , a great commissioner , and just a great team behind him including Bud Selig with his daughter.Time will show that he is a saint.
ReplyDeletetime will show that he is a saint? tongue in cheek? too much polysubstance abuse? borderline retarded? come on now, open your eyes; oh, and now this: the house of cards is tumbling down...dan kurtzer resigned today b/c of larry's unwillingness to share important financial information; for much the same reasons, so did much of his advisory board; the investment bank that was hawking the franchises to potential investors (who were to help get Mr. Baras out of the apparently significant debt he created) by letter to Mr. Baras canceled their agreement based on the disclosure of the lawsuit filed in Massachussetts Federal Court; those deals that Mr. Berger has continually assured you are closing or did close...ain't closing and didn't close...the $$$ we've been promised probably haven't been printed yet...time for all of us who are owed money to write to Mr. Baras at his IBL address and formally demand payment within 30 days of salaries owed plus banking fees imposed due to bad checks or else inform him that we intend to band together and file a class action to recover our monies...a claim for $500 might not be worth it, but banded together, a group claim for $40G in salaries plus banking fees might well be the way to go...it ain't simply where there's smoke there's fire anymore boys n girls...we may be young, but we're not all that gullible, are we?
ReplyDeleteThanks for opening my eyes.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that Larry screwed players ,vendors , investors and advisers. I am just wondering how long Martin Berger is going to stand next to him. I guess Larry is not a saint after all. Yes, I am borderline retarded.
Hey , after the IBL is kaput , u can still sue for back wages if you want your pay. Larry can not hide behind the corporation. Time is of the essence as there may be a long list.
ReplyDeleteTO RYAN CROTEN:
ReplyDeleteOBVIOUSLY YOU'RE MORE INTELIGENT AND ARTICULATE OFF THE FIELD THAN YOU WERE ON THE FIELD! YOU ALMOST SOUND LOGICAL IN YOUR POSTINGS, EVEN THOUGH I DON'T AGREE WITH MUCH OF WHAT YOU HAVE SAID! THOUGH YOU WERE A FINE PLAYER,YOU WERE AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE LEAGUE, AN EMBARRASSMENT TO YOUR TEAM, AND AN EMBARRASSMENT TO YOURSELF, FOR MUCH OF THE SEASON!
YOUR BEHAVIOR LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED! ONLY YOUR MANAGER (MR. FERARRA) KEPT YOU FROM BEING SENT HOME,EARLY! YOU MAY THINK IT IS OK TO THREATEN UMPIRES WITH BATS, AND VERBALLY ASSAULT THEM USING "FOUL-LANGUAGE" MUCH OF THE TIME, BUT MOST OF US CIVIL PEOPLE, DO-NOT! I HOPE THAT NOW THAT THE DUST HAS SETTLED ON THE FIRST IBL SEASON, YOU CAN LOOK-BACK AND SAY "WAS THAT REALLY ME BEHAVING LIKE THAT"? YOU CAN THEN SAY YOU HAVE COME A LONG WAY AS A GENTLEMAN AND A HUMAN BEING! THANKS FOR THE ENJOYMENT IN WATCHING YOU HIT A BASEBALL, BUT NO-THANKS TO WITNESSING YOUR BAD BEHAVIOR!