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1975 – In a decision announced on December 23, 1975, arbitrator Peter Seitz ruled that pitchers Dave McNally and Andy Messersmith were free agents because the reserve clause could not bind them to a team forever. Several court appeals were rejected, forcing the owners into collective bargaining on the issue. Take a moment to read “The Demise of the Reserve Clause” by Stew Thornley.
Arbitrator Seitz Sets the Players Free
The Twins acquire second baseman Bob Randall from the Dodgers and part ways with outfielder Danny Walton.
