The 1994 Major League Baseball strike began on August 12, when players from the Major League Baseball Players Association decided to walk out in protest over contract negotiations regarding salary caps, revenue sharing, and other economic matters. This decision came after years of growing tensions between the players and owners linked to issues of fairness and equity in player salaries amid increasing team revenues. The players' dissatisfaction was fueled by disparities in earnings and market conditions across teams, leading them to demand a more equitable economic structure within the league.

As the strike progressed, efforts to resolve the dispute faltered, and by September 14, 1994, the remainder of the baseball season was officially canceled. This included not only regular season games but also the postseason, erasing the possibility of a World Series for the first time since 1904. The cancellation was a significant blow to the sport, depriving cities of exciting playoff atmospheres and shutting down the livelihoods tied to stadium operations and local businesses.

The strike ultimately lasted until April 1995, when a settlement was reached to end it and introduce some immediate reforms. However, the damage to the sport’s reputation and the fan base was profound, as many fans felt betrayed by the ongoing conflict between the players and owners. Deep divisions between factions arose as some fans permanently turned away from the game in protest. Despite returning with renewed commitment from players and a series of structural changes, the strike left a lasting legacy of caution about labor relations within major professional sports leagues.