Miller : Miller , who died 1975 , brought free market competition to baseball . Avlon : When Miller became head of players ' union , the average player 's salary was $ 7,000 . Avlon : But the real tribute is all around us ; in countless ways the national pastime has been transformed through the efforts of a man whose name you might not have heard before Tuesday night : Marvin Miller , R.I.P . Players could n't leave teams , which the Hall of Fame fought , calling it a form of slavery . Avlon : He made it possible for players to be free agents , but he never got in Miller .
Miller : Miller , who died 1975 , 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 the Hall of Fame fought , calling it a form of slavery . Avlon : He made it possible for players to be free agents , but he never got in Miller .