    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [March 30, 1995]
    [Pages 432-433]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Major League Baseball Strike
    March 30, 1995

        For the first time in months there is reason for some optimism for
    those of us who are hoping for a 1995 baseball season with real major
    league players.
        The players have agreed to return to work if the district court
    judge issues an injunction. If the judge does grant the injunction, I
    hope the owners decide to let the players play ball.
        In October, in an attempt to assist the parties, we appointed Bill
    Usery as special mediator with the hope that he could bring the owners
    and players together at the bargaining table, where

    [[Page 433]]

    ultimately this dispute must be resolved. He has done his best to get
    that job done and will continue to do so.
        As the owners and players meet in these last few days before the
    scheduled start of the season, I hope they will give it their best shot,
    that they will bargain in good faith and be flexible and willing to
    compromise so that America's baseball fans again have a sport they can
    be proud of.
        Like millions of other fans across the country, I want to see the
    Ripkens, Gwynns, Bonds, Mattinglys, and Cones in uniform on the playing
    field. We're getting down to the wire. Let's hope the owners and players
    see the light for the sake of the fans and bring back Major League
    Baseball.