Some teams start to refuse to blow big bucks on stars

The fund will benefit 27 players, all of whom played after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1947.

"I am pleased that we are able to come to the aid of former Negro League players who are in need," commissioner Bud Selig said Monday in a statement.

Major League Baseball and the Baseball Assistance Team will handle the program.

Baseball set up a program in 1997 to provide pensions to Negro Leagues players before 1948.

The new fund will benefit additional players who spent parts of at least four seasons in the Negro Leagues, starting before 1958.