As modern day managers aim to optimize organizational success as well as that of individual employees, they are faced with addressing the family obligations of those employees with more frequency than ever before. On initial examination, the structure and culture of baseball seem to support a separationist framework, where work and family lives are considered to be separate spheres. However, recent changes in management and in player accommodations reflect some of the integrationist perspectives that seek to include family-friendly policies and work structures. This study investigates the individual, social, and structural factors that influence the perceptions of work-family conflict in professional baseball players and the implications of those perceptions on their baseball careers, their family choices, and on the management of professional baseball. Nine professional baseball players from the same nationally competitive NCAA Division I college program participated in semi-structured interviews exploring these issues. Results indicated that in spite of individual differences and perceived options, baseball strongly supports a separationist mentality, which influences both career and life choices of the players. In discussing their lifestyle as baseball players and their own dreams and goals, the athletes indicated that although the lifestyle was taxing and stressful, making the major leagues was usually worth the sacrifice, at least early in their careers. The three main areas of support and strain reported by the athletes were their family of origin, their spouse/fiancé and children, and baseball management. Across all athletes, family of origin was identified as supportive, but the players had mixed perceptions regarding the role of their own families and of baseball management. The participants in this study confirmed that baseball does indeed promote a separationist view of work and family. Additionally, the players, all highly talented and well-educated athletes with other career options, revealed the degree to which the separationist culture is engrained. They made essentially no mention of the possibility that the structure and culture of baseball could be altered to make integration of work and family possible. The athletes simply accepted the traditional culture of baseball. Although wholesale structural changes in baseball management might be unlikely, the athletes suggested a number of adjustments such as provisions of phone cards, less off-season training, improved housing, and additional travel accommodations for families that management could employ to better support athletes with families.Keyword(s): gender issues, sport management