Collusion Said to Cost $90 Million

Baseball players lost up to $90 million in salaries during 1986 and 1987 because of collusion by owners, according to a study commissioned by the Major League Baseball Players Assn.

Glassman-Oliver Economic Consultants Inc., a Washington firm, reportedly said in its study that the owners action had lowered salaries between $20 million and $30 million in 1986 and between $50 million and $60 million in 1987.

The union has asked arbitrator Thomas Roberts to use these figures in determining damages resulting from an owners conspiracy not to sign free agents following the 1985 season. Roberts ruled last September that the owners were guilty of collusion in that instance.

Another arbitrator, George Nicolau, is expected to rule in May on whether there was similar collusion after the 1986 season.

Baseball players made $296 million in 1987, a 2% decrease from 1986 according to management figures and an average of $402,500 per player. The payroll increased 11% from 1985 to 1986 after 13% increases the previous two seasons.