***Due to the weather event in July 2024, this program as well as all scheduled programs for this were cancelled. It has now being rescheduled.

Join us as we hear from Doug Gladstone, the author of the book, A Bitter Cup of Coffee: How MLB & The Players Association Threw 874 Retirees a Curve (Extra Innings Edition). He will be sharing the true story of the men who aren't receiving MLB pensions for their time in the game because they played less than four years, including numerous men from Texas.  Today's ballplayer only needs 43 days on an MLB roster to qualify for a pension, which can earn him $275,000 in retirement. Regrettably, the men who played before 1980 only receive $718.75 for every 43 games they were on an active MLB roster.  He will be in conversation with former MLB pitchers David Clyde and Scipio Spinks, both from the Houston Area. 

This event will take place at the Julia Ideson Building Auditorium on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:00am. 

This event is free and open to the public.  Parking in the library garage will be free of charge.

About Doug Gladstone

Freelance author Doug Gladstone has been instrumental in shedding light on the plight of baseball players who fell through the pension cracks. His book, A Bitter Cup of Coffee, delves into the challenges faced by the “gap players” – those who had less than four years of Major League service through 1979 and were left without pensions. Recently, there has been progress in restoring some of their rights. MLB and the Players Association now provide stipends to the affected men of up to $11,500 annually, depending on quarters of service. However, this doesn't include health insurance coverage or designated benificiary payments for spouses or loved ones after a player's passing.

Gladstone’s advocacy has been crucial. He encouraged fans to email decision-makers, urging them to recognize these overlooked players. While progress has been made, there’s still work to be done. If you’re passionate about this cause, consider reaching out to the league and the union to continue advocating for these retired players. Let's honor their contributions and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.

 Mr. Gladstone's work serves as a reminder that every player's contribution matters, regardless of the length of their career.

About the MLB Pitchers

David Clyde. The first overall pick in the 1973 amateur draft, Mr. Clyde was only one week removed from his high school graduation when he first took the mound for the Texas Rangers that same season. A resident of Humble, Mr. Clyde's once promising career was derailed by shoulder problems and misuse; he is considered by many to be the savior of the Rangers franchise because of the attendance boost his being on the roster brought to the club at the time.

Scipio Spinks.  A flamethrowing pitcher who once combined with another future Major Leaguer to fan 37 batters in a Class A Northern League contest, Mr. Spinks' best season was not with the club that drafted him, namely, the Houston Astros, who he was a September callup for in 1969, but with the St. Louis Cardinals, whom he won five games for in 1972. A resident of Sugar Land, Mr. Spinks now coaches the baseball squad at the University of Houston - Downtown.