John Avlon : Marvin Miller , who died Tuesday , brought free market competition to baseball . He was a pioneer in the use of analytics and he helped bring about major changes in how teams are run. When Miller became head of players ' union , the average player 's salary was $ 7,000 . Avlon : Players could n't leave teams , which Miller fought , calling it a form of slavery . Avlon : He made it possible for players to be free agents , but he never got in the Hall of Fame .
John Avlon : Marvin Miller , who died Tuesday , brought free market competition to baseball . Avlon : When Miller became head of players ' union , the average player 's salary was $ 7,000 . Avlon : Players could n't leave teams , which Miller fought , calling it a form of slavery . Avlon : He made it possible for players to be free agents , but he never got in the Hall of Fame .