Quote:
Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange
Even in the 1950s being a pro major league ballplayer was well-paid, relatively speaking. Back then, the average major league player's salary was three times that of the average non-agricultural salary; and ballplayers only worked for six months.
The reason MLB players' salaries have surged is because baseball's revenue has surged, and the artificial wage restraint imposed by the reserve clause was removed. MLB's revenue rose into the 1950s with the advent of television, but salaries of players did not keep pace. The extra money instead went to signing bonuses for amateur players, where there was fierce competition to sign such free agent talent. MLB tried various rules to curb this competition, none of which really worked. It took the creation of the amateur draft to finally stop the rise in signing bonuses. (And even then, that only lasted until the early 1990s, when, even in spite of the draft, signing bonuses again began a quick rise.)
Players would not be earning those salaries if the revenue the sport generates couldn't support it.
|
It always amazes me that the same people who will criticize an athletes salary will willingly go to a lousy movie where the star or stars make $20-$50 million for 3-6 months work. Where is the outrage?
__________________
Cheers
RichW
If you’re looking for a good cause to donate money to please consider a Donation to Parkinson’s Canada. It may help me have a better future and if not me, someone else. Thanks.
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition …There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.” Frank Wilhoit
|