Former Wild Things pitcher sues Frontier League

Alex Kaminsky

Former Wild Things pitcher Alex Kaminsky and ex-Florence Freedom pitcher Casey Henn have sued the Frontier League, claiming the league exploits players by not paying minimum wage and overtime pay. Sometimes the players were not paid for their work, the suit claims. The suit was filed in federal court in Akron, Ohio.

Kaminsky started 10 games for Washington in 2014 and had a 2-5 record and 4.97 ERA before being traded to Joliet.

The lawsuit is very similar to one filed two years ago against against Major League Baseball, alleging minor leaguers make less than required by State of California and federal laws governing minimum wage and overtime.

Minor league teams, especially those in independent baseball, might have the upper hand in these cases because the Fair Labor Standards Act has exemptions for season recreational employees. If those employees works for an organization for seven or fewer months out of the year, then minimum wage and overtime laws do not apply.

Kaminsky and Henn contend they had to get jobs during the offseason even though they had to stay in baseball shape. Kaminsky and Henn claim they each made less than $1,200 a month in the Frontier League when they played for the Lake Erie Crushers and Florence Freedom, respectively.

Here is the link to the story:

http://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/index.ssf/2016/05/lawsuit_says_frontier_league_l_1.html#incart_m-rpt-1