The players' strike and owners' lockout in 1994 and 1995 brought the game under great scrutiny, revealing a side of baseball that is not admirable, honorable or enjoyable. Nor is this darker side of ""America's Favorite Pastime"" a recent development. The majority of problems in today's major leagues are a continuation of ills that have plagued organized baseball since its inception. This book examines the business of baseball, addressing its most significant problems and proposing solutions. It covers some of major league baseball's greatest players and their effect on the business. Among the many topics analyzed are the roles of franchise owners, commissioners, and players' unions in organized baseball. The book also examines major league ballparks and baseball fans, and considers how they are relevant to baseball as a game and a business.