Did you know the gates of free agency in Major League Baseball swung open not with a bang, but with a lockout? Join host Matt on this episode of the Pastball Podcast as we journey back to 1976, a pivotal year in baseball history. Uncover the gripping story of MLB's first-ever owner-initiated lockout, a direct response to players challenging the iron grip of the reserve clause.

We'll delve into the groundbreaking efforts of figures like Curt Flood and Marvin Miller, trace the seismic 1975 ruling that paved the way for free agency with Andy Messersmith, and explore the owners' desperate attempt to slam the door shut. Discover how their lockout ultimately failed, ushering in an era of unprecedented player power.

Hear how superstars like Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter cashed in on groundbreaking contracts, forever altering the financial landscape of the game. This isn't just about dollars and cents; it's the story of a movement, a moment when players stood up and declared their worth beyond the diamond.

Tune in to understand the forgotten showdown of 1976 – the lockout that unexpectedly opened the gates to modern MLB.

Step back in time with Past Ball Podcast host Matt to September 1, 1971, a monumental day in baseball history. In Episode 135, we delve into the story of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the first Major League Baseball team to field a starting lineup comprised entirely of Black and Latino players. Discover the significance of Rennie Stennett, Gene Clines, the legendary Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Manny Sanguillén, Dave Cash, Al Oliver, Jackie Hernández, and the formidable Dock Ellis taking the field together.

Explore the social context of a nation grappling with racial division and how this seemingly unplanned act by manager Danny Murtaugh resonated far beyond the baseball diamond. We'll recount the Pirates' victory that night against the Phillies and their subsequent World Series triumph just a month later, underscoring the powerful message this diverse and talented team sent to the world: that talent knows no color. Join us as we honor this historic lineup and the enduring legacy of a team that demonstrated the potent combination of diversity and dominance in America's pastime. Tune in for a powerful and unforgettable chapter from baseball's rich history.

Relive the moment a single, catastrophic blown call in the 1985 World Series between the Royals and Cardinals didn't just cost St. Louis a game, but arguably the championship. Join Matt as we delve into the chaos of Game 6, the uproar over umpire Don Denkinger's safe call on Jorge Orta, and the devastating ripple effect that altered the series, impacted a franchise, and ultimately shifted how Major League Baseball viewed the integrity of the game. This is more than just a bad call; it's a story of heartbreak, controversy, and the slow march towards instant replay.