Tensions ran high leading up to the Aug. 30th Major League Baseball contract renegotiation. Owners and players came to an agreement without a work stoppage.
This potential strike could have been the ninth work stoppage in 30 years. “I think there are a lot of people,” baseball commissioner, Bud Selig said, “who believed they wouldn’t live long enough to see these two parties come together and make a deal without missing one game.”
The new contract will last until 2006, when hopefully a new contract will again be reached without a stoppage.
The contract includes revenue sharing and luxury taxes. Owners hope this will balance competition and reduce the climbing of players’ salaries.
In the course of the next four years, about one billion dollars could be transferred to the low and middle-revenue teams. For example, revenue will be taken from the New York Yankees and given to teams such as the Milwaukee Brewers.
The average salary for baseball players is 2.4 million dollars. With the economy in the state it is in, a strike would have seriously harmed public relations for baseball.
“With the first anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks coming up,” said fan Chris Phillips, “it seems ridiculous to worry about whether or not the already-rich baseball players are getting enough money.”
Fans all over the country echoed this sentiment. Many threatened to give up baseball, America’s favorite pastime, if the players were to strike.
“Maybe this can bring stability to the game,” said Donald Fehr, union head of the player’s association, “and bring the focus back where it should be, on the field.”
This deal seems to cast new light on upcoming negotiations. With the settlement behind them, and four years ahead, players, owners, and fans are optimistic about the future.
Tom Glavine said simply, “Baseball won. The fans won.”