| Baseball history, like all history, certainly is ever | | | | In 1976, Major League Baseball (MLB) was changed |
| changing, but some aspects of the game have | | | | forever with the birth of free agency. Since its |
| remained unchanged for well over a half-century. | | | | inception, the owners had held power over all players. |
| There are a few reasons for this - over time the | | | | They could trade anyone at anytime and control, |
| basic rules of the game have for the most part | | | | with relative ease, what individuals would be paid. |
| remained unaltered; the development of essential | | | | Great players, like Babe Ruth, usually commanded |
| skills continues to involve an investment of time and | | | | solid salaries but with free agency players were able |
| personnel by ball clubs; and fans have always flocked | | | | to negotiate their contracts and to go to a team |
| to see money players and exciting teams. | | | | willing to pay their price. |