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Monday Marked A Unique Anniversary In MLB Free Agency
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Monday Marked A Unique Anniversary In MLB Free Agency

Originally posted on The Cold Wire  |  By Curt Bishop  |  Last updated 1/3/23

MLB free agency isn’t quite what it used to be.

Way back when, players weren’t exactly signing megadeals.

Since the early days of free agency, the cost of contention has risen significantly, and players have been signing more lucrative long-term deals with their respective teams.

But in 1977, Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner, who at the time was considered one of the more hands-on owners in all of baseball, was suspended for tampering and violating free agency rules.

The Braves had signed outfielder Gary Matthews to a five-year deal after he had spent the 1976 season with the San Francisco Giants.

Monday marked the anniversary of Turner’s suspension.

Turner ultimately appealed his suspension and managed to have it reduced slightly.

The Braves owner had begun to court Matthews before the end of the 1976 season, even discussing financial terms with the star outfielder.

Under the free agency rules, club officials were allowed to talk to free agents between the end of the season and the negotiation-rights draft.

However, they were not permitted to discuss financial terms with players.

Turner had made comments to Giants owner Bob Lurie that whatever San Francisco offered Matthews, he and the Braves could offer more.

This all came to a head on January 2 of 1977.

Turner was subsequently suspended for his actions.

The Braves were ultimately allowed to keep Matthews on their roster for the 1977 season.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, karma worked against them, as they finished with a 61-101 record and landed in the cellar of the NL West.

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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