Perhaps one of the most important men in MLB history to never wear a uniform was Marvin Miller. He was the Executive Director of the MLB Players Association from 1966 to 1982 and was largely responsible for it becoming the strong union it is today; probably the strongest one of all the major North American sports. The benefits that MLB players are entitled to now exist largely because of what Miller did during his time as head of the MLBPA.

Before the MLBPA, players had no agents; no free agency. They would simply sign a contract, play a season and then negotiate a contract with a team owner based on past performance. Miller negotiated the league’s first Collective Bargaining Agreement and immediately the players saw an increase in their pay. Four-figure deals immediately became five. From there, well, we’ve all seen the nine-figure contracts some players are making in the modern era.

Miller saw the MLBPA through three strikes and two lockouts; all of which lead to further increases in pay for the players. He also spearheaded the players’ rights to arbitration hearings, giving them an even greater chance to prove their worth – at least in their own opinion – and earn even more money for themselves. The players took advantage of this new option and salaries rose even higher and faster than ever before.

Some would say that one-year contracts and no CBA would be better for baseball, considering the overpaid, underperforming athletes of today. But that’s not the way life works. Everybody is trying to get more money out of their employers. It’s just more prominent in the world of professional sports. Miller was the lead figure that strengthened the players’ position against the owners and they forever will owe him a huge debt and a great deal of respect.