Coscarart v. Major League Baseball: No Field of Dreams

This note explores a less glamorous aspect of baseball\u27s golden past: the sport\u27s forgotten and financially neglected players. Due to the structure of Major League Baseball\u27s retirement compensation system, a certain group of former players--some of whom were stars in their day--were entitled to no retirement benefits at all from the sports which they helped make great. Focusing on an action brought by one of these former players against Major League Baseball (MLB), the note explores both the statutory and common law right of publicity claims that these ex-players may have against MLB for the uncompensated exploitation of the players\u27 celebrity. Concluding that a successful right of publicity action by these players against MLB would be difficult, the author nonetheless urges MLB to come to a reasonable settlement with these retired and financially needy men in recognition of their contribution to baseball\u27s modern day wealth and popularity