MLPA hires expert negotiator Marvin Miller. He invokes federal labor laws and eventually produces formal labor contracts (“basic agreements”) that boost pension benefits and salaries.
Miller wins players (average pay: $25,000) the right to use agents in salary negotiations.
After 13-day strike, players get binding arbitration in salary disputes.
Landmark arbitration panel decision makes free agents of pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally. Reserve Clause is effectively circumvented and free agency is established.
After owners stage abortive lockout, players agree to first basic contract providing for free-agent re-entry draft.
Baseball’s gross revenues are $500 million – 30 percent from TV – and average salary is $185,000. Strike is avoided as free-agent-compensation issue is sent to player-management committee for study.
Owners implement their compensation plan. Players stage 50-day strike.
Average salary rises above $300,000. Two-day walkout ends when players get sweetened pension fund in exchange for extending arbitration eligibility period to three years. Owners drop perennial call for salary cap.
Owners are found guilty of collusion when they boycott 1985-86 free-agent markets and are ordered to pay affected players $10.5 million.
Owners ink $1.85 billion TV deals.
Commissioner Fay Vincent forced to resign by owners unhappy with his notion that the commissioner should intervene in labor negotiations.
