 |
St. Louis Cardinals All Time Center Fielder |
 |
Curt Flood
1956 - 1971
| When the Cardinals traded Flood to the Phillies after the 1969 season, Flood asked the Commissioner to declare him a free agent. The text of his note follows: |
|
December 24, 1969 Mr. Bowie K. Kuhn, Commissioner of Baseball After twelve years in the Major Leagues, I do not feel I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes. 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 sovereign States. It is my desire to play baseball in 1970, and I am capable of playing. 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. I, therefore, request that you make known to all Major League Clubs my feelings in this matter, and advise them of my availability for the 1970 season. Sincerely Yours, Curt Flood |
| Of course, Kuhn denied the request, so Flood filed suit, charging that MLB had violated the nation's anti-trust laws. The case reached the Supreme Court (Flood v. Kuhn 407 U.S. 258 1972), which held in favor of organized baseball. However, Flood had struck a blow against the reserve clause, which inevitably ended the practice within five years. |
Review of October 1964
9 World Championships 1968 Cards
All Time Teams All Time Cards McCarver's Picks By Win Shares