Former Marlins Coach Claims Age Discrimination After Team “Cleaned House”

by Legal Desk | Dec 20, 2025 · 7:58 am | Jupiter News

Former Marlins Coach Claims Age Discrimination After Team “Cleaned House”

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2026 · 4:17 pm

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JUPITER, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — A former Miami Marlins employee has filed a civil complaint in Palm Beach County Circuit Court alleging age discrimination under Florida law following his termination from the organization in late 2024.

The lawsuit, Jeffrey Schwarz v. Marlins Teamco LLC, was filed December 18, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, under Case No. 502025CA013170XXXAMB. The complaint seeks damages in excess of $50,000, as well as equitable relief.

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According to the complaint, Jeffrey Schwarz, a Palm Beach County resident, was employed by Marlins Teamco LLC as a Rehabilitation Pitching Coach. Schwarz alleges his primary duties were performed in Jupiter, Florida, at the organization’s minor league training facility at Roger Dean Stadium.

The lawsuit states that Schwarz had a long career in professional baseball, beginning as a player drafted in 1982, followed by stints as a coach. He alleges he spent approximately 17 years working on and off with the Marlins organization in various coaching roles, including Pitching Coordinator and Rehabilitation Pitching Coach. Schwarz claims he returned to the organization in July 2022 to serve in his most recent role.

According to the filing, Schwarz was part of the Marlins’ Player Development division, which oversees both major and minor league coaching staff. Coaching positions within that division are typically seasonal, with renewals decided at the end of each baseball season.

The complaint alleges that on or about October 2024, Schwarz was informed by the Marlins’ Director of Player Development that he would not be retained for the upcoming season and that his employment would end on October 31, 2024, the final day of his contract. Schwarz alleges no specific reason was given for the termination other than that the organization was “cleaning house.”

At the time his employment ended, Schwarz was 59 years old, according to the complaint. He alleges that approximately 11 coaching personnel within the Player Development division were terminated or not renewed during the same period and that all were within what the complaint describes as the protected age category under Florida law. The lawsuit further alleges that many of those individuals were replaced by younger personnel or reassigned at lower levels.

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The complaint outlines that Schwarz filed an administrative charge alleging age discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations around November 20, 2024. The EEOC issued a Notice of Right to Sue on September 22, 2025. The complaint states that more than 180 days passed without a determination from the state agency, allowing Schwarz to proceed with a civil action under Chapter 760 of the Florida Statutes.

Schwarz brings one count under the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992, alleging age-based discrimination in violation of Florida Statute §760. The lawsuit claims the alleged conduct resulted in lost wages, benefits, and other damages, and seeks compensatory damages, back pay, potential reinstatement or front pay, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees.

Marlins Teamco LLC is identified in the complaint as a Florida corporation and an employer subject to the Florida Civil Rights Act.

Schwarz is represented by Thompson & Thomas, P.A., of West Palm Beach. The defendant has not yet filed a response in the case. The allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court.

The original document, as filed with the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, can be viewed here.

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