Dick Moss, the lawyer known for his pivotal role in the arbitration case that led to the creation of free agency for baseball players, has died at the age of 93. His passing occurred at an assisted-living residence in Santa Monica, California, where he had been residing due to declining health.
Moss, hired as the general counsel for the Major League Baseball Players Association in 1967, made history by arguing the landmark 1975 case involving pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally. This case resulted in arbitrator Peter Seitz striking down the long-standing reserve clause, which had allowed teams to control players by unilaterally renewing contracts indefinitely.
Following Seitz's decision, the landscape of professional sports changed dramatically, with baseball players gaining the right to free agency. This decision not only impacted baseball but also set a precedent for other sports leagues in North America.
Under Moss's guidance, the average Major League Baseball salary skyrocketed from under $45,000 in 1975 to $4.5 million by 2023, marking a significant increase in player earnings. Concurrently, MLB's revenues surged from $163 million in 1975 to over $11 billion in 2023, reflecting the financial impact of Moss's legal victories.
Throughout his career, Moss played a key role in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, raising minimum salaries, and advocating for player rights. His work extended beyond baseball, influencing free agency rights in the NBA in 1976 and the NFL in 1993.
After leaving the union in 1977, Moss became a prominent sports agent, representing notable players such as Nolan Ryan, Jack Morris, and Gary Carter. He was instrumental in securing groundbreaking contracts, including Ryan's historic $1 million annual salary in 1979.
Moss's legacy also includes his efforts to expose owners' collusive practices and his involvement in high-profile arbitration cases, such as overturning player suspensions and advocating for fair treatment of athletes.
He is survived by his third wife, Carol Freis, and a daughter from his second marriage, Nancy Moss Ephron. Moss's contributions to the sports industry have left a lasting impact on player rights and compensation, shaping the landscape of professional athletics for generations to come.
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