I know some folks here signed it, so I just wanted to put this here, for those of you who aren't into my particular style of blogging. The MLB sent me a letter responding to our petition a few weeks ago. In the end, we achieved 394 signatures. These were printed out and copies sent to about 10 MLB officials, including two copies to Bud Selig's two office addresses in New York and Wisconsin (we found these online), along with a letter. Another copy was hand-delivered to the bullpen during an Oakland A's game a few weeks ago.

In any event, here is the full text of the letter I received:

Thank you for your August 20, 2009 letter regarding the gladiator helmets that the Mariners’ relief pitchers had on display in the team’s bullpen earlier this season. Major League Baseball appreciates the concern and passion that you and the hundreds offans who signed your petition have shown regarding this issue. That being said, Major League Baseball does not believe that the helmets belong either on the field of play or in any team areas such as the dugout or bullpen during the course of the game. While these helmets may be a symbolic motivator for the Mariners’ players, they serve no baseball-related purpose or function. We have addressed this issue with the Mariners and the Major League Baseball Players Association and made it clear that the gladiator helmets are welcome in the Mariners clubhouse, both at home and on the road, which should allow the helmets to serve their motivational purposes.

Sincerely,

Jimmie Lee Solomon

So, much like the Spartans, we got our asses handed to us, but still, I'd like to thank anyone here who signed it for your support, even if I pretty much knew this was the response we were going to get before we sent it. Wish we could have done more, but we are small, and they are big, and that's just the way things are.