NEW YORK -- Former major league All-Star Tony Clark was promoted Tuesday to deputy executive director of the baseball players union, giving ailing head Michael Weiner a No. 2 official who would take over if his health worsens. The 41-year-old Clark joined the union staff as director of player relations in March 2010 following a 15-year big league career. Easily recognizable at 6-foot-8, Clark assisted in collective bargaining the following year and was most recently director of player services. "Michael is my mentor," Clark said in a telephone interview. "He was and is the guy that I lean on for advice personally and professionally. In coming on board, all I had wanted to be was an extension of him in whatever capacity I could be. Thats not going to change." Weiner took over from Donald Fehr in December 2009 to become the fourth head of the union since 1966. Weiner said last August that he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and said last week his symptoms increased in June. He must use a wheelchair and cannot move his right side or right arm. "Tonys rise within the union will come as no surprise to those who know him," Weiner said in a statement. "It was clear from the moment Tony joined the MLBPA that his on-field experience and passion for the fraternity of players would make him a tremendous advocate for all who play the game." Clarks appointment was approved 26-0 by the unions executive board, which will address the situation during its annual meeting in December at La Jolla, Calif. If Weiner cant serve between now and the board meeting, Clark would become interim executive director. "I came aboard a few years ago in large part because Michael shared with me what his vision was and is for the players association going forward," Clark said. "In my role as director of player services, in my role now as deputy executive director, that vision and my excitement in being a part of it doesnt change."Fake Shoes Black Friday . The Lightning are 2-0 so far on a four-game road trip, giving the club five straight wins as the guest and improving Tampas away record this season to 11-8-2. Discount Shoes Black Friday . "It doesnt get any better than that," Giambi said. "Im speechless." The Indians are roaring toward October. Giambi belted a two-run, pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a shocking 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, keeping the Indians up with the lead pack in the AL wild-card race. https://www.cheapshoesblackfriday.com/ . That gave fans outside Joe Louis Arena another chance to ask for autographs from the 19-year-old whose stardom in the NHL has arrived earlier than most expected. Shoes Black Friday Deals 2020 . -- Matt Ryan needed one of the best games of his career to lead the Falcons and their depleted offence out of their three-game losing streak last week. Wholesale Shoes Black Friday Free Shipping . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots tight end?Rob Gronkowskis injured hamstring is serious enough that he?wouldnt guarantee that he will play in Sunday nights season-opening game against the Arizona Cardinals.Yeah, it boils to a coaching decision, the medical team, and myself. Well all get together and collaborate and see where Im at, Gronkowski said Thursday.Gronkowski has been a limited participant in practice this week and when asked if he was 100 percent, he answered, No, Im not. Since that one time during practices versus the Bears [Aug. 15], Ive just been week-to-week with a little hammy thing. So its just been week-to-week, day-by-day, but Im feeling good.Gronkowski added that he cant put a percentage on it, but just feeling better every day.Elected a Patriots captain for the first time in his career this week, Gronkowski said he wants to be oout there so bad to help the offense as Jimmy Garoppolo starts in place of Tom Brady, who is serving a four-game NFL suspension.ddddddddddddThere was a travel bag in front of Gronkowskis locker, which could be viewed as an indication that he is scheduled to travel. The team departs for Arizona Friday.Gronkowskis injury occurred when he pulled up while attempting to catch a pass from Brady along the sideline in a practice with the Bears on Aug. 15. Gronkowski walked off under his own power that day and returned to practice on a limited basis Aug. 24, but didnt play in either of the final two preseason games.The Patriots kept four tight ends on their initial 53-man roster -- Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, Clay Harbor and AJ Derby. ' ' '