Curt Flood

On October 7, 1969 Curt Flood, Tim McCarver, Byron Browne and Joe Hoerner were traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Phillies for Dick Allen and Jerry Johnson. Flood refused to report to the Phillies and ultimately lost a lawsuit against Major League Baseball. Although he lost the lawsuit, it was a strong blow against the reserve clause which would be finally struck down in 1975, which opened baseball players to free agency. Topps produced this card of Flood for the 1970 set in an air brushed cap. I wonder how he felt about that considering the trouble he he took on himself. Curt Flood died on this day, in 1997.


Here is the letter he wrote to Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn (from Wikipedia):

December 24, 1969

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 several 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 decision. 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.