Undaunted, determined, she typed in "MLB Complaints" and found The Consumerist, along a number, 212-485-3182, we posted for Jim Gallagher, a high-ranking MLB.com employee who, if reached, has magical properties.

"I called, he picked up the phone after 2 rings," writes Loretta. "I explained, he started laughing, asked for my name and e-mail address, said he would make sure I got my refund." She says she will let us know in 10 days if it goes through or not.

The Consumerist: Helping people help themselves when companies won't.

Loretta's full email, for source-document posterity, after the jump...

Loretta writes:

"I found your site, by typing in MLB complaints. Mine was a similar complaint. We moved from PA to FL last August. I wanted to follow the Phillies. I signed up at the end of the season for $9.99 or $19.99, I don't remember exactly what it was. I had no intention of renewing. In May, I was checking my April Visa statement and there was a $79.95 charge from MLB.com. I immediately called the customer-service number and was told the 10-day grace period was up. Well, sure it was. I didn't receive my bill until well after the charge was applied. I was told they would put in for a refund. It would take 10 to 14 days. I called back 4 times, told the same thing, still no refund. Finally, the last time I called, they told me I wasn't eligible since the grace period was up. I have a whole back-and-forth e-mail string, still the same story. Finally, I found your site and Jim Gallagher's number. I called, he picked up the phone after 2 rings. I explained, he started laughing, asked for my name and e-mail address, said he would make sure I got my refund. I will check back with you in 10 days and let you know if it went through. Thanks for the tip. Loretta S."

Previously: 'I Love Baseball but Hate MLB.com'

People looking to cancel their MLB.com subscription should take note of this comment from Brian in the AdPulp comments area, after the jump...

UPDATE: Ignore this post. Jennifer writes in to say the (212)485-3182 number we provided for Jim Gallagher will get your problem fixed in under ten minutes.

Call the 866-800-1275 number. No choice to holding forever. Just find something to do at your computer for a couple of hours and wait for someone to pick up which they will eventually do. They open at 6am Pacific so call as early as possible. Once you get someone on the phone tell them you want to cancel and go through the procedure. Once they are done they will tell you a cancellation notice will be emailed to you in 24-48 hours. This is BS. I asked my rep - Eric C badge #3560 (nice guy by the way - just overworked because of understaffing) to send an email just saying we talked so I have something in writing. To my surprise he said he can actually do the cancellation immediately but are told to say 24-48 hours? I don't know why they try to say 24-48 hours but don't let them off the hook. Stay on the phone with them until you get your cancellation confirmed via email. Once you have the email ask for a name and employee or badge number. Make a note of that as well. This should work. Obviously keep an eye on your credit card statement but you will have evidence if needed.

Previously: 'I Love Baseball but Hate MLB.com'

Or being automatically debited for a new subscription after they had already decided not to renew.

When they try to call in and get it resolved, the customer service line is always busy and/or hangs up on them. What's the deal?

A lot of people over at Ad Pulp have struck out with MLB.com as well.
UPDATE: Deadspin's got complaints, too.

If these allegations are true, they are illegal billing practices.

If you feel you've been victimized by MLB.com, file a complaint with the Beter Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.

Here's the owner'sa guy who will resolve your billing complaint's a contact info, not found on their website:

MLB Advanced Media, L.P.
75 Ninth Avenue
5th Floor
New York, New York 10011
jim.gallagher@mlb.com
Phone Number: (212)485-3182