Here is an article explaining the longest suspensions in Major League Baseball history, based on the provided search results:
The Longest Suspensions in MLB History
Major League Baseball has handed down numerous suspensions over the years for various infractions, ranging from performance-enhancing drug use to on-field incidents and off-field misconduct. While some suspensions have been relatively short, others have been more severe, with players, managers, and team officials receiving lengthy bans or even permanent expulsions from the game. In this article, we will explore the longest suspensions in MLB history.
Permanent Bans
The most severe punishment in MLB is a permanent ban, which effectively ends an individual’s career in professional baseball. Several notable figures have received this ultimate sanction:
1. Pete Rose (1989): The all-time MLB leader in hits was permanently banned from baseball for betting on games while serving as the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. Rose’s ban remains one of the most infamous in baseball history, as he is ineligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame due to this transgression.
2. Chris Correa (2017): The former St. Louis Cardinals scouting director received a permanent ban for hacking into the Houston Astros’ player-personnel database, a case that involved the FBI and the Justice Department.
3. John Coppolella (2017): The former Atlanta Braves general manager was permanently banned for violating rules regarding the signing of international players. As a result, the Braves were forced to release 12 players.
Also Read: The Longest NFL Suspensions for the League’s Most Notorious Players
Lengthy Suspensions
While not permanent, some suspensions have been significant in length, ranging from an entire season to multiple years:
1. Trevor Bauer (2022): The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher received a 324-game suspension (two full seasons) for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, the longest suspension ever handed down under this policy.
2. Alex Rodriguez (2013): The New York Yankees third baseman was initially suspended for 211 games, later reduced to 162 games (an entire season), for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
3. AJ Hinch and Jeff Luhnow (2020): The Houston Astros manager and general manager were suspended through the end of the 2020 World Series for their roles in the team’s sign-stealing scandal.
4. George Steinbrenner (1990-1992): The former owner of the New York Yankees was suspended for two and a half seasons for hiring a gambler to obtain information on a player.
5. Marge Schott (1993, 1996-98): A double whammy for then Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. In 1993 she showed her true colors being suspended for racist comments. As if that wasn’t enough, she received a second far more stern suspension from 1996-98 for publicly supporting Adolph Hitler.
6. John Copolella (2017): Not many in MLB have the distinction of being suspended for life, but John Copolella, a former Braves GM, is one. In 2017 he was suspended for life for having overpaid international player prospects intentionally.
7. Chicago White Sox (1919): The infamous Chicago White Sox. More than 100 years ago, nine players were permanently banned from baseball for having taken bribes to throw the 2019 World Series. Arnold Gandil, Eddie Cicotte, Oscar Felsch, Joe Jackson, Fred McMullin, Charles Risberg, George Weaver and Claude Williams were all throw out of the league for good.
Notable Recent On-Field Incidents
MLB has also issued significant suspensions for on-field incidents, such as fights and altercations:
1. Rougned Odor (2016): The Texas Rangers second baseman received an eight-game suspension for punching José Bautista during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
2. José Ramirez and Tim Anderson (2023): The Cleveland Guardians’ Ramirez was handed two games (initially three) and the Chicago White Sox’s Anderson was given a six-game suspension for an on-field altercation and fistfight.
These lengthy suspensions serve as a reminder of MLB’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game and upholding its rules and policies. While some incidents have been more severe than others, the league has demonstrated its willingness to impose significant penalties when necessary, even if it means sidelining high-profile players, managers, or team officials for extended periods or permanently.
Shohei Ohtani “Gambling Scandal”
As of the latest updates, Shohei Ohtani has not been disciplined by Major League Baseball (MLB) regarding the gambling scandal involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Here are some key points on the situation:
Investigation Status — MLB is investigating Ohtani’s relationship with Mizuhara, who was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers amid allegations of illegal sports betting and theft of $4.5 million from Ohtani’s accounts. Ohtani’s lawyers claim he was a victim of theft and had no knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling activities.
Potential Penalties — According to MLB rules, if Ohtani is found to have bet on baseball games in which he was not involved, he would face a one-year ban. If he bet on games in which he participated, he would face a lifetime ban. However, if the investigation proves he was unaware of the gambling, he might not face any punishment or could receive a lesser penalty, such as a fine.
Current Status — As of now, Ohtani is not facing any discipline, and MLB has not concluded its investigation. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations by both MLB and federal authorities.
Shohei Ohtani has not been disciplined yet, and any potential punishment will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing investigations.
