Graduation Semester and Year

2005

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Economics

Department

Economics

First Advisor

Craig A. Depken II

Abstract

One of the most frequently studied areas in professional baseball is the Reserve Clause. Originally introduced in 1879 by the National League, the Reserve Clause indefinitely tied a player's services to his current team and was implemented in an attempt to prevent baseball salaries from increasing and reduce team expenses. However, it was also used to control player mobility as well. While the majority of economic research on the Reserve Clause focuses on the post-Reserve Clause era, this paper analyzes the Reserve Clause during its infancy in the 1880s, a period when professional baseball was just beginning, and its impact on baseball salaries. This study illustrates that the Reserve Clause did not have a significant impact on baseball salaries during the beginning of professional baseball, despite team owners' intentions.

Disciplines

Economics | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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Economics Commons

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