@maxeffgen

SABR Contributor | U of Michigan | Mariners fan 460+ known pre-1980 MLB players w/o pension. Why? This oversight is not benign. https://xitter.cf/t.co/tPt9hIajK5

 Seattle
effgen.us
Joined July 2008
  • Tweets8.1K
  • Following4.7K
  • Followers1.7K
3.5KMedia
Thank you @gmorgenson for bringing this important MLB MLBPA pension story to life. It is not just the pre-1980 players that have issues. Pension, stipend and benefits are all part of the next CBA and these issues have not been mentioned by either side and are almost entirely ignored by the press. Too many are resigned to the opinion of "waiting for us to die."
gretchen morgenson@gmorgensonJul 29
"Waiting for us to die." Ex-MLB stars call out the multi-billion-dollar league on unjust retirement pay. nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fou…

Foul ball: These aging ex-MLB stars say the league is turning its back on them

Those who retired before 1992 don’t receive the same retirement benefits as modern players. And some say they found errors in how their pensions are calculated, costing them thousands.

nbcnews.com
2
4
24
35,407
Roland Hemond appreciation post
Max Effgen
@maxeffgen29 Jul 2025
In all my research, Roland Hemond's name shows up again and again in researching MLB MLBPA pension issues. There may have been no one more helpful to baseball. Roland Hemond was a transformative figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), whose 70-year career left an indelible mark on the sport through his innovative leadership, mentorship, and commitment to its growth. Born on October 26, 1929, in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Hemond’s journey began humbly, sweeping stands at Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium for the minor league Hartford Chiefs in 1951. This entry-level role ignited a lifelong passion, propelling him to become one of baseball’s most respected executives. Hemond’s career spanned seven MLB teams, with significant roles including scouting director for the California Angels (1961–1970), general manager of the Chicago White Sox #WhiteSox (1970–1985) and Baltimore Orioles #Birdland (1988–1995), senior executive vice president of the Arizona Diamondbacks #Dbacks (1996–2000), and special assistant to the Diamondbacks’ president (2007–2020). His ability to build competitive teams was evident in his three MLB Executive of the Year awards (1972, 1983, 1989), reflecting his success with the White Sox and Orioles. Notably, he revitalized the White Sox, leading them to the 1983 American League West title, their first playoff appearance in 24 years, and orchestrated a dramatic 1989 turnaround for the Orioles, nearly winning the AL East after a 107-loss season. Beyond team-building, Hemond’s vision reshaped baseball’s infrastructure. He is credited with founding the Arizona Fall League, a developmental platform for top prospects, showcasing his foresight in player development. As president of the Association of Professional Ball Players of America, he championed financial aid and scholarships for players and scouts, while co-founding the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation to support veteran scouts. These initiatives underscored his commitment to the sport’s broader community, earning him the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his profound impact on baseball’s societal contributions. Hemond’s mentorship was equally impactful. He groomed future executives like Dave Dombrowski, Walt Jocketty, Doug Melvin, and Dan Evans, fostering a legacy of leadership. His personal touch—never forgetting a name and thanking stadium ushers—endeared him to all levels of the baseball world. As Tony La Russa noted, Hemond’s influence was unmatched, blending kindness with strategic acumen. A French-Canadian from a textile mill community, Hemond’s early life shaped his work ethic. After serving in the Coast Guard @uscoastguard (1947–1951), he joined the Boston Braves #BravesCountry, later moving with them to Milwaukee, contributing to their 1957 World Series win. His family, including wife Margo and five children, shared his baseball journey, with son Bob becoming a minor league GM and son Jay appearing in Field of Dreams. Hemond’s legacy endures through awards named in his honor by the White Sox, Baseball America, and the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), where he was a longtime member. His death on December 12, 2021, at age 92, prompted tributes from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and others, celebrating a “baseball lifer” whose innovations and humanity transformed the game. Photo: @ronvesely
1
3
118
3 Reds Bittercuppers. Yes, Pat Darcy gave up the famous Carlton Fisk home run in Game 6 of the 75 World Series. Seattle's Own: Jake Lamb Pitchers as .300+ AVG cheat code Better with early Diamondbacks ⚾️ Immaculate Grid 1304 9/9: Rarity: 3 IMMACULATE! 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩 Play at: sports-reference.com/immacul…
3 Reds Bittercuppers. Yes, Pat Darcy gave up the famous Carlton Fisk home run in Game 6 of the 75 World Series. Seattle's Own: Jake Lamb Pitchers as .300+ AVG cheat code Better with early Diamondbacks #postseason

ALT 3 Reds Bittercuppers. Yes, Pat Darcy gave up the famous Carlton Fisk home run in Game 6 of the 75 World Series. Seattle's Own: Jake Lamb Pitchers as .300+ AVG cheat code Better with early Diamondbacks #postseason

1
5
94
Gil Flores debuted May 8, 1977 and went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple. He was the final out of Dennis Eckersley's May 30, 1977 no-hitter. Flores finishes the year at .278 with 19 doubles and 12 stolen bases in 104 games. Over 13 seasons in the minors (9 at AAA), he had 287 steals. He is traded to the Mets in mid-1978 and see semi-regular action in 1979. Sent to AAA Tidewater and played in the minors until 1984.
Gil Flores debuted May 8, 1977 and went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple. He was the final out of Dennis Eckersley's May 30, 1977 no-hitter. Flores finishes the year at .278 with 19 doubles and 12 stolen bases in 104 games. Over 13 seasons in the minors (9 at AAA), he had 287 steals. He is traded to the Mets in mid-1978 and see semi-regular action in 1979. Sent to AAA Tidewater and played in the minors until 1984. @mlb @mlbpa #postseason @angels @mets

ALT Gil Flores debuted May 8, 1977 and went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple. He was the final out of Dennis Eckersley's May 30, 1977 no-hitter. Flores finishes the year at .278 with 19 doubles and 12 stolen bases in 104 games. Over 13 seasons in the minors (9 at AAA), he had 287 steals. He is traded to the Mets in mid-1978 and see semi-regular action in 1979. Sent to AAA Tidewater and played in the minors until 1984. @mlb @mlbpa #postseason @angels @mets

1
4
161
March 22, 1968. Rick Austin throws a perfect game for Washington State against Gonzaga, one of only four perfect games ever thrown by a pitcher in Pac-12 history. Austin is drafted sixth overall in the secondary phase by the Indians. He had been drafted three times previously. June 27, 1970. In his second major-league start he shuts out the Tigers: nine innings, five hits, eight strikeouts (retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1970…). In 1974, Austin spent the season with Japan's Hankyu Braves, and he returns with the Brewers in 1975. He split time with AAA Spokane and the Brewers in 1976. His MLB service time is short for pension and benefits. tacomasportsmuseum.com/oldti… #GuardsBall #ThisIsMyCrew
March 22, 1968. Rick Austin throws a perfect game for Washington State against Gonzaga, one of only four perfect games ever thrown by a pitcher in Pac-12 history. Austin is drafted sixth overall in the secondary phase by the Indians. He had been drafted three times previously. June 27, 1970. In his second major-league start he shuts out the Tigers: nine innings, five hits, eight strikeouts (https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1970/B06270DET1970.htm). In 1974, Austin spent the season with Japan's Hankyu Braves, and he returns with the Brewers in 1975. He split time with AAA Spokane and the Brewers in 1976. His MLB service time is short for pension and benefits. https://www.tacomasportsmuseum.com/oldtimers2/halloffamesite/RickAustin.html @mlb @mlbpa @brewers @CLEGuardians #postseason

ALT March 22, 1968. Rick Austin throws a perfect game for Washington State against Gonzaga, one of only four perfect games ever thrown by a pitcher in Pac-12 history. Austin is drafted sixth overall in the secondary phase by the Indians. He had been drafted three times previously. June 27, 1970. In his second major-league start he shuts out the Tigers: nine innings, five hits, eight strikeouts (https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1970/B06270DET1970.htm). In 1974, Austin spent the season with Japan's Hankyu Braves, and he returns with the Brewers in 1975. He split time with AAA Spokane and the Brewers in 1976. His MLB service time is short for pension and benefits. https://www.tacomasportsmuseum.com/oldtimers2/halloffamesite/RickAustin.html @mlb @mlbpa @brewers @CLEGuardians #postseason

2
150
How teams handled their Bittercuppers is wild: the Cardinals lead with 25 pitchers, while the Cubs top the board with 27 position players. Full team-by-team chart of Pitchers vs. Position players
2
102
One Bittercupper today, Butch Metzger, Rookie of the Year 1976 sabr.org/bioproj/person/Butc… Kurt Bevacqua is doing the dirty business of MLBPA pension reform. Pre-1992 MLB pensioners have had limited COLA to their pensions. nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fou… Corked bat aside, Graig Nettles is like Dwight Evans in HOF consideration. sabr.org/bioproj/person/grai… The original "Iron Man" Joe McGinnity earned his legendary nickname by working in an iron foundry during the offseasons and pitching complete-game doubleheaders. He is featured in the great book: The Unforgettable Season by G. H. Fleming nebraskapress.unl.edu/bison-… ⚾️ Immaculate Grid 1303 9/9: Rarity: 9 IMMACULATE! 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩 Play at: sports-reference.com/immacul…
3
1
10
1,378
Dave Coleman’s 76th birthday The Dayton, Ohio outfielder who: Was drafted by the Red Sox in the 18th round of the 1969 draft from Stebbins High School Debuted April 13, 1977 and appeared in 11 games Finished 0-for-12 with one walk, three strikeouts He scored one run as a pinch runner for Carl Yastrzemski on April 27, 1977 (retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1977…) Was traded to the Twins in 1979 for Larry Wolfe and never played in the majors again Spent eight seasons at Triple-A and led the Venezuelan League in doubles for the 1978–1979 season with Magallanes #DirtyWater
Dave Coleman’s 76th birthday The Dayton, Ohio outfielder who: Was drafted by the Red Sox in the 18th round of the 1969 draft from Stebbins High School Debuted April 13, 1977 and appeared in 11 games Finished 0-for-12 with one walk, three strikeouts He scored one run as a pinch runner for Carl Yastrzemski on April 27, 1977 (https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1977/B04240TOR1977.htm) Was traded to the Twins in 1979 for Larry Wolfe and never played in the majors again Spent eight seasons at Triple-A and led the Venezuelan League in doubles for the 1978–1979 season with Magallanes @mlb @mlbpa @redsox #postseason

ALT Dave Coleman’s 76th birthday The Dayton, Ohio outfielder who: Was drafted by the Red Sox in the 18th round of the 1969 draft from Stebbins High School Debuted April 13, 1977 and appeared in 11 games Finished 0-for-12 with one walk, three strikeouts He scored one run as a pinch runner for Carl Yastrzemski on April 27, 1977 (https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1977/B04240TOR1977.htm) Was traded to the Twins in 1979 for Larry Wolfe and never played in the majors again Spent eight seasons at Triple-A and led the Venezuelan League in doubles for the 1978–1979 season with Magallanes @mlb @mlbpa @redsox #postseason

9
314
5
3
78
4,091
5 Bittercuppers this Sunday Cleveland has 22 pitchers and 10 position players on the bittercupbaseball.com list. Texas has 24 pitchers and 12 position players.
1
3
180
Skip Guinn was selected by Montreal Expos from Atlanta Braves (17th pick overall) in the expansion draft. Donn Clendenon refused to report to the Houston Astros in early 1969 because of a strong personal conflict with newly hired Astros manager Harry Walker. Clendenon had previously played for Walker in Pittsburgh. The Expos send Jack Billingham, Skip Guinn, and $100,000 instead. Guinn, a southpaw, struck out 140 in 120 innings in the Florida State League and 171 in 169 innings in the Carolina League. He appears in 35 games over 3 seasons. He is the grandfather of #ThisismyCrew @Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison. #postseason Card by @wthballs
Skip Guinn was selected by Montreal Expos from Atlanta Braves (17th pick overall) in the expansion draft. Donn Clendenon refused to report to the Houston Astros in early 1969 because of a strong personal conflict with newly hired Astros manager Harry Walker. Clendenon had previously played for Walker in Pittsburgh. The Expos send Jack Billingham, Skip Guinn, and $100,000 instead. Guinn, a southpaw, struck out 140 in 120 innings in the Florida State League and 171 in 169 innings in the Carolina League. He appears in 35 games over 3 seasons. He is the grandfather of #ThisismyCrew @Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison. @mlb @mlbpa

ALT Skip Guinn was selected by Montreal Expos from Atlanta Braves (17th pick overall) in the expansion draft. Donn Clendenon refused to report to the Houston Astros in early 1969 because of a strong personal conflict with newly hired Astros manager Harry Walker. Clendenon had previously played for Walker in Pittsburgh. The Expos send Jack Billingham, Skip Guinn, and $100,000 instead. Guinn, a southpaw, struck out 140 in 120 innings in the Florida State League and 171 in 169 innings in the Carolina League. He appears in 35 games over 3 seasons. He is the grandfather of #ThisismyCrew @Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison. @mlb @mlbpa

3
1
17
575
Buddy Gilbert is the lone bittercupper today. 91 with no MLBPA pension or benefits. NEPTA the rest. ⚾️ Immaculate Grid 1301 9/9: Rarity: 6 IMMACULATE! 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩 Play at: sports-reference.com/immacul…
1
1
4
141
Gary "Truth" Serum makes his debut on July 22, 1977. He allows a single to Rance Mulliniks then retires the next six batters. "Truth" is one of only three players the Twins ever signed from a tryout camp who reached the majors. Serum throws a two-hit shutout of the Blue Jays on Aug. 19, 1978 retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1978… Finished 10-12 with a 4.72 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 62 games over three seasons. Later opened Serum's Good Time Emporium restaurant in Anoka, MN which is still going strong. serumsanoka.com/ #truth #MNTwins #postseason
Gary Serum as signed by the Twins out of a 1975 tryout camp (one of only three such signees to reach the majors for Minnesota) Debuted July 22, 1977 and retired six straight Angels after the first batter singled Went 9-9 with a 4.10 ERA in 34 games (23 starts) in 1978 Threw a five-hitter in his first start and a two-hit shutout of the Blue Jays on Aug. 19 Finished 10-12 with a 4.72 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 62 games Tryout camp to Metropolitan Stadium in two years. @mlb @mlbpa

ALT Gary Serum as signed by the Twins out of a 1975 tryout camp (one of only three such signees to reach the majors for Minnesota) Debuted July 22, 1977 and retired six straight Angels after the first batter singled Went 9-9 with a 4.10 ERA in 34 games (23 starts) in 1978 Threw a five-hitter in his first start and a two-hit shutout of the Blue Jays on Aug. 19 Finished 10-12 with a 4.72 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 62 games Tryout camp to Metropolitan Stadium in two years. @mlb @mlbpa

16
660
The 1980 MLB MLBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) created a rule change for pension eligibility, lowering the requirement from four seasons to 43 roster days. However, this change was not retroactive, meaning players from 1947 to 1979 who had more than 43 days of service time but fewer than four full seasons were not eligible for a pension under the new agreement. There are currently 466 known living players who are not vested in the pension program because of this. There have been NINE CBAs since that have put this shrinking list of former MLB baseball players Out In The Cold. Great article on this by @OfficialMLBRFC ballnine.com/2021/10/01/cold…

Out In The Cold

When a player reaches ten years of service, they become fully vested in the MLBPA pension, which guarantees a minimum of $68,000 a year for those who begin to draw at 45 years old and maximum of...

ballnine.com
1
6
2
19
11,123
5 Bittercuppers plus the late Jim Dickson. The Royals are difficult with only 12 on the bittercupbaseball.com list. Arlie Latham was the 19th Century version of Rickey Henderson. Johnny Evers is still 5th on #Cubs All Time Stolen Base leaders. I know I had several Dickie Thon cards as a kid.
3
1
6
333
The story is this: In the 1980 MLB MLBPA CBA agreement, players from 1947-79, who were not vested with the then required 4 full seasons, were cut of out receiving pension and benefits under the new agreement which significantly lowered service time requirements. Eligibility went from four full seasons to 43 roster days. Since 2011, there is a stipend, which is pre-tax and has no death benefit or access to the health plan. It is $718.75 per 43 days of service time with a cap at $11,500 per year. This amount is roughly 10-15% of the current MLBPA pension. Previous CBA did grandfather former players when the pension eligibility was lowered from five full seasons to four in 1969. It gets a little complicated from there; however, there are over 460 still alive who would have been pension eligible had they been on the roster for a single game after April 1, 1980. Both MLB and the MLBPA can correct this at any time. The average age of these men is 79 and this list grows shorter every month. bittercupbaseball.com
1
2
9
4,957
Max Effgen retweeted
Max Effgen
@maxeffgen3 Oct 2025
Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment
Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

ALT Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

ALT Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

ALT Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

ALT Ichiro Hit 262 10/3/2005 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

1
1
374
Max Effgen retweeted
Max Effgen
@maxeffgenJul 14
Ichiro and Derek Lee Mariners, Cubs #TridentsUp #Cubs 2005 All Star Game, Detroit #DNMW
Ichiro and Derek Lee #TridentsUp #Cubs

ALT Ichiro and Derek Lee #TridentsUp #Cubs

1
5
236
Max Effgen retweeted
Seattle Mariners
@MarinersOct 22
Happy birthday to the one and only Ichiro 🐐🥳
47
1,189
65
9,599
123,431
Even as a Hall of Famer, he’s still making great plays. Join us in wishing Ichiro Suzuki a happy 53rd birthday!
Four-panel image shows Ichiro Suzuki catching a tossed baseball while riding in the Parade of Legends, then turning to the photographer with mild surprise. (Kieran Dougherty/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

ALT Four-panel image shows Ichiro Suzuki catching a tossed baseball while riding in the Parade of Legends, then turning to the photographer with mild surprise. (Kieran Dougherty/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

4
122
5
1,174
16,060
7 Bittercuppers this Thursday for the Big Zero ⚾️ Immaculate Grid 1299 9/9: Rarity: 0 IMMACULATE! 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩 Play at: sports-reference.com/immacul…
3
1
10
241
Load more