It's hard to fathom how certain players didn't end up playing for the Atlanta Braves. Fans will remember when Atlanta almost acquired Barry Bonds from the Pirates in a trade. That didn't happen, and Greg Maddux found his way to the Braves instead. That's a common thing that happens, but things eventually happen the way they're supposed to. Another instance of the Braves just missing out on a legendary player happened on February 24, 1966.
The Braves signed University of Southern California right-hander Tom Seaver on that day. Unfortunately, Commissioner William Eckert nullified this contract due to rules governing the signing of college players at the time.
Braves were prevented from signing Tom Seaver because of a truly stupid rule
The prior college rule stated that college-age players could be drafted and signed during the summers after their sophomore and junior seasons. There was also a provision that the player couldn't be signed if their collegiate season had already begun. Seaver's team had already competed in two exhibition games at that point.
According to SABR, this rule was changed during the 1966 Winter Meetings and was referred to as the “four-year college rule.” This made it wo where they had to wait until after the final game of their senior season. There were four exceptions that allowed teams to work around it and possibly sign a player after his junior year.
Unfortunately, Atlanta's offer of over $50,000 total -- a $40,000 signing bonus, plus $4,000 for his college scholarship and $7,000 if he reached the Major Leagues, void and without a future Hall of Famer. MLB then held a special draft where every team except for the Braves could sign him. This is because Seaver and his family had petitioned the Commissioner to change his mind. Seaver was not able to pitch in college because he signed a pro contract.
Ultimately, the Mets matched Atlanta's offer and he became a legend in their organization. He had a Hall of Fame career with a 2.86 ERA over 4,783 innings with 1,390 walks and 3,640 strikeouts. He was a 12-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner.
It's stinks to know that the Braves could have had a player like that in their organization. Two exhibition games was their downfall, but Seaver went on to have an amazing career.