New York, NY (Sports Network) - The Major League Baseball Players Association named Dave Prouty as its new general counsel on Wednesday, replacing ailing executive director Michael Weiner in that role.

Prouty had served as the MLBPA's chief labor counsel since 2008 and will become only the fourth general counsel in the union's 47 years of existence. The 54-year-old had a 22-year stint with UNITE HIRE, an international union representing the textile and restaurant industry, prior to joining the Players Association.

Weiner, who will remain the union's executive director, is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor diagnosed in August.

"I am confident that Dave will excel in his new role and that the players will continue to receive the high level of legal representation they have come to expect from their union," said Weiner in a statement. "The experience gained while serving as General Counsel for UNITE HERE prior to joining the MLBPA will serve Dave well in his new role."

Weiner had been the union's general counsel since 2004 and replaced current National Hockey League head Donald Fehr as executive director in 2009. Fehr was also the MLBPA's general counsel for 28 years from 1977-2004.

The Sports Network