When a company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, that company's creditors have the right to appear in the bankruptcy case to advocate for their interests. These creditors often band together to form official committees, which represent the collective interests of the creditors. Companies going through the bankruptcy process often seek the support of official committees in order to successfully reorganize. However, the baseball Dodgers appear to be opposed to a rather unconventional committee.

Ever since the Dodgers' moved from Brooklyn to Southern California in 1958, the Sinatra family has been season ticket holders. Before his death in 1998, Frank Sinatra was an avid Dodgers fan, who could be found visiting the team's clubhouse. In fact, one of the assets listed in the Dodgers' bankruptcy filings is a sketch of Frank Sinatra and longtime Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. Now, Sinatra's children are among a group of season ticket holders who would like to have a stake in the bankruptcy case.

According to news reports, the group of season ticket owners would like to advocate the cause of Dodger fans who feel that many of the team's problems have been caused by Frank McCourt.

Thankfully, it is highly unusual for a group of season ticket holders to try to intervene in a bankruptcy proceeding. The Dodgers' bankruptcy, although an interesting case, is not what most people can expect out of a business bankruptcy or a personal bankruptcy. It is true that every bankruptcy has the potential to be complicated, and it is important to work with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. But, most people filing for Chapter 7, Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy won't have a bankruptcy quite as complicated as the Dodgers' bankruptcy.

Sources: Los Angeles Times, "Dodgers bankruptcy: Frank McCourt vs. Frank Sinatra?," Bill Shaikin, Aug. 16, 2011

Thomson Reuters News and Insight, "Sinatra estate steps to plate in LA Dodgers Ch. 11," Tom Hals, Aug. 16, 2011