About Us

Major League Baseball

Leadership Profile

Industry focus: Professional sports
First professional league established: 1871 
Annual revenue: $6.6 billion
National reach: 30 teams in 26 cities

America's #1 pastime

Winning a test of endurance

Whether it's pitching a shutout or playing a 162-game season, baseball is a game of endurance. The institution itself has expanded, evolved and endured as America's #1 pastime for more than 150 years. During that time, Baker Hostetler's strong relationship with Major League Baseball has endured as well.

A century at bat

Our association with baseball dates back almost as far as the game itself. After years of personal and professional involvement with the Cleveland Baseball Company, Joe Hostetler was elected club secretary and later appointed legal counsel to the American League. Baker Hostetler lawyers drew up the League's charter and served as its General Counsel until the American and National Leagues ceased to exist as distinct legal entities in January 2000. Since then, we've been Major League Baseball's Washington, D.C., counsel.

Over the last century, Baker Hostetler has been a key player in MLB's lineup. We've defended the long-standing antitrust exemption that limits franchise shifts, encouraging fan loyalty and bringing the civic and economic benefits of MLB to diverse communities. And we've represented the league in resolving complex disputes with the players' and umpires' unions.

The 21st inning

Today, Baker Hostetler helps Major League Baseball address uniquely 21st century issues. With foreign-born players making up 40 percent of professional baseball, the Major League ball clubs have counted on us to successfully navigate complex immigration laws. We've also helped Major League Baseball as Congress has exercised its oversight powers to examine the role of steroids in sports.