Players' union boss Weiner dies from brain tumor

(Reuters) - Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Michael Weiner died on Thursday after a 15-month battle with brain cancer. Weiner was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in August 2012 but continued to serve in the role he took on in late 2009 when he replaced Don Fehr. The 51-year-old was credited with major benefits accruing to players from the 2011 collective bargaining negotiations, his first while in charge of the union. He had served in the union's counsel's office since 1988. He was also involved in the addition of a second wild card team in each league, the creation of two 15-team leagues, approval of expanded instant replay and the institution of new protocols and procedures with regard to concussions. "First, I want to extend our sincerest, heartfelt condolences to Michael's wife, Diane, and daughters," MLBPA deputy executive director Tony Clark said in a statement. "Words cannot describe the love and affection that the players have for Michael, nor can they describe the level of sadness we feel today. "Not only has the game lost one of its most important and influential leaders in this generation, all involved in the game have lost a true friend." (Reporting by Ben Everill in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)