Dick Moss, Baseball’s Free Agency Pioneer, Dies at 93: How He Revolutionized MLB Economics

Dick Moss, Influential Baseball Lawyer, Dies at 93

Dick Moss, a prominent lawyer who played a pivotal role in establishing free agency in Major League Baseball, has died at the age of 93. The Major League Baseball Players Association announced that Moss passed away at an assisted-living residence in Santa Monica, California, after several years of declining health.

Moss’s career in baseball began in 1967 when he was hired as general counsel by union executive director Marvin Miller. His most significant contribution came in 1975 when he argued a landmark case involving pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally. Arbitrator Peter Seitz’s decision in this case struck down the reserve clause, which had allowed teams to control players through perpetual contract renewals.

The impact of Seitz’s ruling was profound. It limited teams to a single one-year renewal, effectively paving the way for free agency across North American sports. In baseball, this led to a dramatic increase in player salaries and league revenues. The average MLB salary rose from $45,000 in 1975 to $4.5 million in 2023, while league revenues surged from $163 million to over $11 billion during the same period.

David Cone, a former pitcher and Moss client, praised his impact on the industry, highlighting the significant financial gains for players that resulted from Moss’s work.

Born in Pittsburgh on July 30, 1931, Moss held degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard Law School. After serving in the Army and working in various legal roles, he joined the baseball union in 1967. There, he negotiated the first collective bargaining agreement in 1968, which raised minimum salaries and introduced grievance and salary arbitration.

Moss’s legal victories extended beyond the Messersmith-McNally case. He won an arbitration case for Catfish Hunter, creating the first real free agent in baseball. His arguments in subsequent cases led to Seitz’s landmark decision being upheld in higher courts.

In 1977, Moss left the union to become an agent. His clients included Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan, Jack Morris, and Gary Carter. He negotiated the first $1 million annual salary for Ryan in 1979 and later exposed owners’ collusive activities in 1987.

Moss is survived by his third wife, Carol Freis, and daughter Nancy Moss Ephron. Another daughter, Betsy, predeceased him.