Introduction to 1947 Baseball Player Salaries
The 1947 Major League Baseball season was an important year for the sport, as Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in the MLB. The season was also historic because of the salaries paid out to players that year. In 1947, baseball players were paid a range of salaries depending on their experience, their team, and the position they played. This article will explore the salary landscape in 1947, looking at the average salary of baseball players, the highest-paid players in the league, and how much lower-level players were earning at the time.
Average Salary of MLB Players in 1947
The average salary for a Major League Baseball player in 1947 was about $7,000. This number was relatively low compared to the average salary of today’s players, which is around $4 million. However, it was a decent wage for the time period, as the average salary for an American worker in 1947 was only about $2,373.
Highest Paid Players in 1947
While the average salary was $7,000, there were several players earning much more than that. The highest-paid player in 1947 was Ted Williams, who was making $37,000 per year with the Boston Red Sox. Other players earning high salaries that year included Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals, who was making $35,000, and Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians, who was earning $33,000.
Salary Differences Among Positions
While the highest-paid players were making substantially more than the average, there were still significant differences in salary between players of different positions. The following list outlines the average salaries for different positions in 1947:
- Pitchers – $8,500
- Catchers – $7,000
- Infielders – $6,500
- Outfielders – $6,000
The Impact of Player Bonuses
In addition to the salaries listed above, many players in 1947 also earned bonuses. These bonuses were usually given to players who achieved certain milestones, such as batting a certain average or pitching a certain number of innings. Bonuses could range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, and could significantly increase a player’s salary.
Rookie Salaries in 1947
Rookies in 1947 were paid significantly less than veterans, with most rookies earning around $5,000 per year. This was still a decent salary at the time, but it was significantly lower than the average salary for veterans. As a result, many rookies had to supplement their income by taking part-time jobs during the off-season.
Minimum Salaries for Players in 1947
In 1947, the minimum salary for a Major League Baseball player was $5,000. This was the same as the salary for most rookies, and it was significantly lower than the average salary for a player. However, it was still a decent wage for the time period, and many players were able to make a living off of the minimum salary.
Salary Comparisons Across Leagues
In 1947, Major League Baseball was divided into two leagues, the National League and the American League. The two leagues had different salary structures, with the National League paying higher salaries on average. The average salary for a National League player in 1947 was $7,500, while the average salary for an American League player was $6,500.
Salary Increases Over Time
Since 1947, salaries for Major League Baseball players have increased significantly. In 2019, the average salary for a player was $4 million, which is more than 500 times higher than the average salary in 1947. As a result, baseball has become one of the most lucrative sports in the world, with many players earning millions of dollars each year.
Conclusion
In 1947, Major League Baseball players were paid a range of salaries depending on their experience, their team, and their position. The average salary for a player was $7,000, while the highest-paid players were making up to $37,000. Additionally, there were significant differences in salary between different positions, with pitchers earning the most and outfielders earning the least. Today, salaries for baseball players have increased significantly, with the average salary now around $4 million.