Baseball Players Salaries: A Case Study

In 1881, Chicago White Stockings owner Albert Spalding said “Salaries must come down or the interest of the public must be increased in some way. If one or the other does not happen, bankruptcy stares every team in the face" (Baseball Quotes SI). This obviously did not happen and teams are still flourishing, but even in 1881 when the top salary was $1,500 individuals were complaining about players’ salaries. We’ve all heard complaints and stories of the outrageous amounts of money professional athletes are getting paid, and for most citizens it is disgraceful. Some of the most sought after players are earning over 20 million dollars per season, while the middle class back home cannot even fathom that kind of income. The argument that
A single, popular player can substantially increase the revenue to the team. Comparable to a single movie star that can make or break the box office in a production, the same can happen with a baseball player. Aside to having a superstar, teams can also attract large crowds with an abundance of players without writing the massive contracts and be successful. The baseball industry, like many other entertainment industries, is significantly different from a typical organization in regards to customers. Baseball has to attract consumers with figureheads, idols, or favorites in the industry whereas a typical industry can frequently put any number of employees out on the work floor and get the job done. Baseball is a skilled job where only a slight few in the world can perform, making it difficult for a baseball organization to relate to a traditional organization in regards to salaries and revenue. Major League Baseball salaries have always been a heated topic when discussing income inequality in American society. However, with the source of the income and data shown, the players at large earn what they are given by bringing in fans. We live in a consumerist society where everyone is buying to be happy, purchasing a ticket to a game or buying your favorite players’ jersey is
If an individual in society has very little wealth, he will more likely than not be less successful than someone that has more income. Wealth and education are the key factors in regards to income gaps in society according to Dr. Chris Whitt, and there is not a sign of slowing down. (Dr. Chris Whitt Lecture 10/15/2013) If an individual does not have wealth growing up, they are less likely to receive higher education, therefore higher income. Same goes with baseball organizations in the way that if you do not have revenue or wealth to the company, you cannot afford the best players and management, therefore you will continue to not bring in fans. The wealth gap in society and in baseball is a cycle that very few can overachieve. It is unfair, however, this is the way society is and baseball is no