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.