Today I am pleased to have signed into law S. Its purpose was to state that “major league baseball players are covered under the antitrust laws.” Clinton stated: In 1998, President Bill Clinton and Congress passed the Curt Flood Act of 1998. Flood’s case may have not benefited himself financially, but today’s athletes owe their millions to Curt Flood.
And the era of free agency officially began. In 1975, less than three years later, a federal judge ruled that since two players, Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally, played without a contract for one year, they were free agents.
Flood and Union Chief Marvin Millerĭespite Flood not gaining his own contractual freedom, he paved the way for many others. He would struggle to make ends meet the rest of his life. In a 5-3 vote, Flood was financially devastated. The court sided with the league’s anti-trust exemption. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Baseball and the commissioner. In 1972, the case made it to the Supreme Court. The reserve clause prevented such freedom for athletes. Any employee could apply with another employer and find a new job elsewhere to improve wages, working conditions, or improve conditions for his/her family. At the heart of the matter, Flood just wanted to do what average Americans could. The court case continued to its way through the court system. In 1971, Flood played his final season for the Washington Senators following a trade there. 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. 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. 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. Instead, Flood wrote Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn the following letter:Īfter 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. The Phillies did not wish to trade or release Flood. The reserve clause, standard in sports contracts, stated upon the expiration of a contract the player had two choices:ġ. Unfortunately, the Reserve Clause forbid it. Feeling like a slave tied to a contract that had expired, he felt he was free to go wherever he could ply his trade. Flood did want to report to the Phillies. Flood was traded that winter to the Philadelphia Phillies. His hitting improved from year to year although he never did display much power in an era dominated by pitching.ġ969 was a pivotal year for Flood.
From 1963-1969, Flood won seven straight gold gloves for his defensive prowess and appeared in three all-star games. The next few years saw Flood develop into a top flight defensive center fielder for the Cardinals. Flood saw little action in the majors his first few years. In those days, every player was a free agent to start their career. Two other players from his high school team would make it to the majors Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson. Curt Flood in his heydayĬurt Flood signed with the Cincinnati Reds at the age of 18 in 1956. The case, however, would pave the way for others to take their talents to the highest bidder. Although the 1969 court case of Curt Flood failed to win him his own freedom, Flood began a three year journey to escape from a contract that never set him free. And, most likely, it will continue to be in the future. Player movement has been brisk since the mid 1970s.
#CURT FLOOD FREE POSSIBLE OTHER PROFESSIONAL#
Today, one rarely sees a player play their entire professional sports career with one team. When Derek Jeter reaches 3,000 hits in May or June of 2011, it will be something we, as a viewing public, might not see again in our lifetime.
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