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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

‘Unreasonable in All Aspects’

MEMPHIS (CN) - A youth baseball employee's noncompete agreement is "unnecessary and illegal" because "there is absolutely nothing unique, novel, or secret about scheduling baseball games," the former employee claims in court.

Joseph Platt sued Gameday Baseball LLC in Shelby County Chancery Court, seeking nullification of the noncompete agreement he signed just before he was fired.

Gameday Baseball, of Collierville, organizes youth baseball in Shelby County, whose seat is Memphis.

"Very shortly before his termination of employment he was requested to sign a 'covenant not to compete' agreement with respect to any future employment he might have. The agreement is vague and undated," Platt says in the lawsuit.

"As implemented and proposed the agreement is overly burdensome and restrictive, is in restraint of trade, is over-reaching, and should be declared by this court to be unnecessary and illegal. In fact, it should be declared a nullity."

Platt says he has "worked in sports and in baseball for much of his adult life" and needs a new job. He says he "is likely to be considered for positions in the baseball community, however, most effective job placements would be in violation of the illegal and illegally obtained 'covenant not to compete.'"

He adds: "The plaintiff has a right to support himself and his family."

Platt, who worked for the league since it began in 2005, claims he was replaced by a younger person. He also alleges age discrimination

"Plaintiff's job for the defendant was coordinating and managing youth baseball events. He obtained and received no specialized knowledge in undertaking those duties and was privy to absolutely no trade secrets. Plaintiff avers that at the time he was requested to sign the undated document the decision had already been made to terminate his position," the complaint states.

"The agreement is unreasonable in all aspects and serves no legitimate business purpose or motive. There is absolutely nothing unique, novel, or secret about scheduling baseball games."

Platt is represented by Ted Jones with of Jones & Garrett.

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