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Pittsburgh Pirates’ Seasons Ending in 9

June 19, 2022/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Lane

by Sam Reich Recently I was talking to some people about some of my baseball memories, and I noticed something I had never considered about Pirates history. I became a Pirates fan in 1945. Except for1979, almost every season ending in 9 has been disappointing to say the least. Maybe every season. I particularly recall […]

Former Sports Agent on Salary Arbitrations

June 19, 2022/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Lane

by Sam Reich Baseball as a game and a business has been substantially affected by salary arbitrations, a process by which teams and players resolve salary disputes through an adjudicative process. This is the month when teams and players which have been unable to agree on contract terms exchange their salary figures. Hearings before impartial […]

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Seasons Ending in 9

June 19, 2022/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Lane

Former Sports Agent on Salary Arbitrations

June 19, 2022/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Lane

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ Seasons Ending in 9

June 19, 2022/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Lane

by Sam Reich

Recently I was talking to some people about some of my baseball memories, and I noticed something I had never considered about Pirates history. I became a Pirates fan in 1945. Except for1979, almost every season ending in 9 has been disappointing to say the least. Maybe every season.

I particularly recall 1949, 1959, 1969, 1989 when there were reasons based on the results of the previous season for the team and fans to have pennant aspirations or expectations of strong contention. 1979 was one of our greatest seasons, but I cannot recall anything very favorable about the other post-1945 seasons ending in 9. (Before 1945, 1909 the best.) By the same reasoning, during my seasons of fandom, many seasons ending in 8 very promising for the future.

Not profound observations, but the kinds of trivia sports fans often share.

Sam Reich is a former prosecutor, defense attorney and pioneer sports agent. Sam is the author of “Waiting for Cooperstown,” about baseball greats who deserve enshrinement. This post was reprised from his Facebook page, dated January 9, 2020, by permission.

Former Sports Agent on Salary Arbitrations

June 19, 2022/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Lane

by Sam Reich

Baseball as a game and a business has been substantially affected by salary arbitrations, a process by which teams and players resolve salary disputes through an adjudicative process. This is the month when teams and players which have been unable to agree on contract terms exchange their salary figures. Hearings before impartial arbitrators will be held, if necessary, in February.

Brings back memories of my years of presenting such cases, mainly for players, but twice for teams. Indulge me while I reminisce about some generally challenging and interesting times. My first case in 1979 involved our claim for $42,000 and a dispute over $8,000. Now, the minimum salary is in excess of $500,000

My Brother, Tom, who represented many players, formed an arbitration team of which I was a part. Bill James, the famous statistical pioneer was a consultant during our early years. What an asset he was for our group! How much I learned from him! Our side prevailed in some precedent- setting hearings, such as for Tim Raines and Ruben Sierra.

When I represented teams late in my career, not so fortunate. Ryan Howard set some kind of SA record.

Nolan Arenado is seeking $30M against a team offer of $24M. The discussion will focus on the mid-point of $27M. More or less. There is some precedent at player’s figure, but later settlements regarding free agents such as Machado and Harper may prove to be decisive. Always a hazard for both sides: submitting figures in January; later contracts to be resolved in February.

Excuse the nostalgia. For some, the baseball salary season is as interesting as when the games are played. I prefer the games, but enjoyed my role in the salaries. Great people on both sides; skilled arbitrators. Above all, memories.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Seasons Ending in 9

Former Sports Agent on Salary Arbitrations

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Seasons Ending in 9

Former Sports Agent on Salary Arbitrations

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Seasons Ending in 9

Former Sports Agent on Salary Arbitrations

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