Black History: Former Atlanta Braves player and Garden City resident fights for MLB pension

As Black History Month unfolds, the stories of perseverance and resilience take center stage, including those of former athletes who paved the way for future generations. One such figure is a former Atlanta Braves player and Garden City, Georgia, resident, who continues to fight for the pension he and many other pre-1980 Major League Baseball (MLB) players never received

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For decades, thousands of retired MLB players who played before 1980 have been left without full pension benefits due to a change in league policies. This includes many Black players who endured racial barriers while striving to compete at the highest level of baseball. Among them is [Player’s Name], a former Braves outfielder who played during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a time when opportunities for Black athletes were still met with significant obstacles.

 

“We played the game with passion, and we paved the way for the modern-day players,” said [Player’s Name]. “But many of us never got what we rightfully earned. It’s a fight for fairness.”

In 1980, the MLB and the players’ union (MLBPA) reached a collective bargaining agreement that granted pension benefits to players with at least 43 days of service time. However, those who played before this agreement, including [Player’s Name] and hundreds of others, were left without pensions, despite contributing to the game’s growth and success.

Recognizing this injustice, [Player’s Name] has joined forces with other former MLB players, advocating for change. Their efforts have included petitions, media campaigns, and direct appeals to MLB leadership, seeking financial recognition for their service to the sport.

The struggle has gained attention from activists, sports historians, and former players, who argue that these athletes helped integrate baseball and lay the foundation for today’s multi-billion-dollar industry. Some lawmakers have even called on MLB to correct what they consider a historical wrong.

In recent years, MLB has made some efforts to address the issue, including a modest annual stipend for pre-1980 players who lack pensions. However, many argue that these payments fall short of what these players deserve.

As Black History Month highlights the contributions of trailblazers in sports and beyond, [Player’s Name] hopes to shed light on the plight of pre-1980 MLB players. “This isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about righting a wrong for all those who came before and after us.”

With ongoing pressure and increasing public awareness, advocates believe there is still hope for long-overdue justice. As the fight continues, former players like [Player’s Name] remain determined to ensure their legacy is recognized—not just in the history books, but in the fairness of the game they helped shape.