![]() ![]() Miller, the longtime players union leader who took the free-agent baton from Flood, was just elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. ![]() “So he was the man who stepped out of the foxhole to go and challenge.” “If there had not been the person who was going to step out there and take the bullets, there wouldn’t have been anything,” said Flood’s widow, actress Judy Pace, a few months ago. But more than 50 years later, Flood’s sacrifice for the good of others is still being acknowledged. Flood died in 1997 of throat cancer at age 59, never realizing much personal gain from his crusade. His letter pretty much sealed the end of his career and brought him hardship. The advent of free agency that he helped create is a significant reason why today’s players earn on average a little more than $4 million per year.įlood’s fight also led to the creation of “The Curt Flood Rule,” which gives players “10-and-5” rights - namely the right to refuse a trade after being in the majors 10 years and at least five with the club attempting a deal. When Flood first challenged the reserve clause, players had an average yearly salary or a little less than $25,000. I, therefore, request that you make known to all the major league clubs my feelings in this matter, and advise them of my availability for the 1970 season.” I have received a contract offer from the Philadelphia club, but I believe I have the right to consider offers from other clubs before making any decisions. “It is my desire to play baseball in 1970 and I am capable of playing. “I believe that any system which produces that result violates my basic rights as a citizen and is inconsistent with the laws of the United States and of the several states. “After 12 years in the major leagues, I do not feel that I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes,” Flood wrote. 24, 1969 letter that Flood sent to commissioner Kuhn that had triggered the backlash against him. “I think that’s what they were waiting for.” The Supreme Court decided not to give it to me, so they gave it to two white guys,” Flood had said. “All the groundwork was laid for the people who came after me. With head of the players union Marvin Miller leading the way, baseball’s reserve clause was finally struck down in 1975, clearing the way for free agency.Ī ruling by arbitrator Peter Seitz in favor of players rights was made in the name of pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally, a fact not lost on Flood, who believed racism may have played a role in his initial denial. The fight Flood started didn’t end, though. He then sensed it was time for him to leave the game, admitting what others warned him about, “You can’t buck the establishment,” he said. Supreme Court.įlood was later shipped to the Washington Senators, with whom the seven-time Gold Glove Award winner played for in just 13 games in 1971. But Flood’s appeal and fight quickly went all the way to the U.S. He also suffered personal and financial hardships along the way that reportedly led to his alcoholism and the splitting of his family.įlood and the players union had banded together to file a lawsuit against major league baseball that was first dismissed. (Oakland Tribune file photo)įlood’s battle against baseball’s reserve clause, which tied a player to the team drafting him throughout his career unless a team decided to trade or release him, essentially cost him his baseball career. Curt Flood, in 1971, when the Supreme Court agreed to hear his suit against professional baseball. While Flood’s protest helped start the cause that still benefits players today, it came at quite a cost for the former Oakland high school legend. Flood, who had just been dealt by the Cardinals to the Phillies after the 1969 season, became a pioneer by refusing to report to Philadelphia and demanding the commissioner make him a free agent. It was Flood and his two-paragraph letter to commissioner Bowie Kuhn a little more than 50 years ago that started baseball’s age of free agency. Curt Flood left an indelible mark on the game of baseball, just as those who saw him play in Oakland when he was a youngster always believed he would.īut instead of being remembered as a three-time All-Star, two-time world champion and arguably the game’s best defensive center fielder during his 15-year career, Flood’s name is synonymous with something else.
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