Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
When Shohei Ohtani signed his record-shattering $700 million contract with the Dodgers, it highlighted a stark contrast between modern baseball’s millionaires and the iron men of the 1960s. While today’s stars enjoy unprecedented comfort and protection, their predecessors faced challenges that would seem unimaginable to modern players. Here’s why today’s highest-paid stars might have struggled in baseball’s grittier era.
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1. Year-Round Grinding: No Rest for the Weary
The 1960s baseball schedule would break today’s pampered stars. While modern players complain about back-to-back games, the 1961 Yankees played 33 doubleheaders, many after overnight train rides. Hall of Famer Ernie Banks and his Cubs teammates once played eight games in just 96 hours – four doubleheaders in four days. Compare that to 2023, when the entire MLB scheduled only 28 doubleheaders across all teams combined. Today’s stars like Bryce Harper, who publicly complained about playing a Sunday night game followed by a Monday evening game, would have found the relentless 1960s schedule impossible to handle.
2. Field Conditions: When Baseball Was Really Dirty
Modern players enjoy pristine fields with multimillion-dollar maintenance budgets, but 1960s baseball was played in conditions that would trigger immediate postponements today. The infamous Rocky Colavito incident of 1963 saw him lose a routine fly ball in ankle-deep mud at Tiger Stadium, yet the game continued. Players battled rocky infields, dangerous surface conditions, and minimal field maintenance. When Juan Marichal pitched his legendary 16-inning complete game in 1963, he did it on a mound that had become essentially a mud pile. Today’s perfectly manicured fields and careful weather monitoring would have seemed like science fiction to these tough-as-nails players.
3. Primitive Medical Care: Tape and Aspirin Era
The medical support available to players in the 1960s was practically medieval by today’s standards. Mickey Mantle played through injuries that would sideline modern players for months, receiving nothing more than ice and tape. Sandy Koufax battled career-threatening arthritis with just aspirin and hot packs. The 1968 Tigers’ entire medical staff consisted of one trainer, while the 2023 Dodgers employ 12 medical professionals. Modern stars like Stephen Strasburg receive immediate MRIs for minor discomfort, a level of care unimaginable to their predecessors who often played through serious injuries with minimal treatment.
4. Tougher Pitching Rules: Complete Games Were The Norm
Before 1969, pitchers worked from a 15-inch mound, creating a steeper downward angle that made hitting significantly more challenging. Complete games weren’t just common – they were expected. Bob Gibson’s 1968 season saw him complete 28 games with a remarkable 1.12 ERA. Modern aces like Gerrit Cole, who rarely exceed 100 pitches, would have been laughed off the mound. Don Drysdale’s 58⅔ consecutive scoreless innings in 1968 came without pitch counts or careful innings management. In 2023, the entire MLB combined for just 32 complete games – fewer than Gibson pitched alone in ’68.
5. Real Brush-Back Pitches: When Inside Meant Inside
The 1960s saw no warnings for inside pitches and no ejections for intimidation tactics. Bob Gibson famously declared, “The only way to protect the plate was to knock somebody down.” Don Drysdale hit 154 batters during his career, often intentionally, without facing significant consequences. Modern stars like Mike Trout, who receive immediate protection from umpires, would have faced a much more intimidating environment. The 1966 season recorded 671 hit batsmen, with virtually no punitive actions taken. Today’s strict rules protecting batters would have seemed absurdly soft to players who viewed the inside pitch as a fundamental part of the game.
6. Second Jobs: Baseball Wasn’t Enough
While today’s minimum salary exceeds $700,000, 1960s players often worked regular jobs during the off-season to support their families. Pirates’ pitcher Roy Face worked as a carpenter, Yankees’ star Bobby Richardson sold insurance, and even Willie Mays sold cars early in his career. The average MLB salary in 1967 was just $19,000 (approximately $158,000 in 2023 dollars), compared to 2023’s average of $4.5 million. Modern players like Manny Machado, who focus solely on baseball year-round, would have faced the reality of balancing their athletic careers with regular employment to make ends meet.
7. Raw Media Scrutiny: No PR Buffer
Players in the 1960s faced brutal media coverage without the protection of PR teams or social media managers. Roger Maris endured relentless press scrutiny during his 61-homer season in 1961, with reporters in his face daily and no buffer between him and the media. Jackie Robinson wrote scathing critiques of current players in his syndicated column – imagine that level of peer criticism today.
8. Basic Equipment: No High-Tech Gear
The equipment difference between eras is stark. Players used heavier bats (35-36 ounces compared to today’s 31-32), and batting helmets weren’t mandatory until 1971. Brooks Robinson’s famous glove weighed just 11 ounces, lacking the sophisticated padding and webbing of modern 13-ounce gloves. Today’s players like Francisco Lindor, with their array of protective gear and specialized equipment, would have found themselves stripped of the technological advantages they’ve come to rely on.
9. Basic Training: No Sports Science
The 1969 Mets’ entire weight room consisted of a Universal Gym machine and some free weights. Players often used spring training to get into shape, unlike today’s year-round conditioning programs. Stars like Hank Aaron maintained their fitness through natural baseball activities rather than specialized training regimens. The science of baseball training was in its infancy, requiring players to rely on basic exercises and natural ability.
10. Mental Toughness: No Support System
The mental challenges of 1960s baseball were faced without modern support systems. Players handled their own contract negotiations, dealt with hostile fans, and managed their careers without agents or advisors. The pressure on Roger Maris during his 1961 season was so intense it caused his hair to fall out, yet he had no access to mental health professionals. Today’s players enjoy comprehensive support systems, including sports psychologists and personal advisors. The raw, unfiltered pressure of 1960s baseball required a level of mental fortitude that many modern players might struggle to maintain.