The Marlins and the major league players’ union come to an understanding in which the team agrees to increase its payroll, an agreement which will end in 2012 when Florida’s new ballpark is scheduled to open. The small amount that the club spends on paying its players violates the revenue-sharing provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

A devastating earthquake hits the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, located a few hundred miles off the coast of Florida. Major League Baseball quickly pledges $1 million to UNICEF to help with the relief effort. Teams like the New York Yankees and players such as Miguel Tejada also pledge their support. While Haiti is not a traditional source of players, unlike its neighbor to the east the Dominican Republic, there were 13 Haitian-born players in the minor leagues in 2009 and efforts are now directed to ascertain their well-being.