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It's been 50 years since a lawyer's decision unlocked free agency in MLB and changed sports forever

Arbitrator Peter Seitz ruled on Tuesday that baseball's reserve clause was invalid, prompting owner backlash and legal challenges, with courts affirming the decision in early 1976.
Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally grieved after renewals after the 1975 season, arguing the player-agreement renewal clause bound them for only one year, while owners resisted change.
Baseball's average salary jumped from $44,676 to about $5 million this year, while Catfish Hunter signed a five-year, about $3.2 million contract and Reggie Jackson and Rollie Fingers were early beneficiaries.
That July 12, players and owners approved a four-year CBA creating one-time free agency after 1976 or 1977 and six seasons of major league service, but labor conflict persisted with nine stoppages since 1972.
Sports were turned upside down 50 years ago Tuesday by a man who never played as a man who never threw or kicked a ball, Peter Seitz, shifted economic stakes measured in billions, prompting decades of bargaining to re-establish equilibrium, union leaders said.

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It's been 50 years since a lawyer's decision unlocked free agency in MLB and changed sports forever

Sports were turned upside down 50 years ago Tuesday by a man who never threw or kicked a ball. A lawyer with expertise in labor relations struck down Major League Baseball’s reserve clause, which had bound players to their teams since the 1870s.

10 hours ago·United States

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