by Thom W. Conroy

Created on: January 19, 2011

In any financial system that thrives upon capitalism the motivating force that determines the pricing structure of the commodity at hand is simple supply and demand economics. This theory is applied evenly and without deviation across the board in determining salaries of participants, and the wages paid to professional baseball players are no exception. While to a baseball fan that lives their life on moderate financial means earned through considerable personal effort a big league baseball player's salary may be excessive, it is in direct proportion to the value that society as a whole considers equitable compensation for possessing a rare skill.

Before reaching a conclusion if baseball players are paid too much one must first take a deeper look into what it involves to become a professional athlete, including the personal sacrifices that are necessary to enable any measure of success. While participation in sports begins as a child as a fun activity, it quickly becomes obvious to a prospective professional baseball player that sports is a business in every sense motivated by a business model that is driven by profit. Those that are unable to perform on a consistently superior level are removed from the professional ranks unceremoniously, without regard for the individual that has worked tirelessly for years honing the skills that generate profit for sports-based corporate entities.

Prior to becoming a sports celebrity a baseball player with aspirations for fame must pay their dues, usually consisting of years spent in small rural towns in the minor league circuit. Fast food, less than stellar living conditions and frequent 15 hours trips on uncomfortable and crowded team buses are the norm, and on average these conditions  are endured for anywhere from three to five years before reaching the big leagues if at all. In the meantime, the youth of each player is gambled on the hopes of carving out a career in a highly competitive and unforgiving industry. Time spent away from loved ones, forgoing the pursuit of a higher education and dedicating oneself in totality while chasing a dream that may never come to fruition is the lot of a baseball player chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Even for those fortunate few that make it to the big leagues there is no guarantee of success or longevity. Every career is a single serious injury away from an abrupt conclusion often leaving an uneducated and unskilled young man to fend for himself, unprepared for life in the "real world".

Are baseball players paid too much? No they are not if considering the hundreds of players whose lives are negatively impacted for every athlete-millionaire created. The payday that is the reward for professional athletes should reflect the work and sacrifice it requires to achieve success.

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