Black Hall of Famer Roy Campanella said that white Philly fans “spewed racial hate” in the 1950s, and Allen, the team’s first African-American standout, wore a helmet in the field to protect from objects thrown at him in the ’60s. A poorly run organization coming off a 99-loss season, the Phillies and their white fans had a reputation, deserved or not, for racism. He objected to a trade to Philadelphia - or anywhere elseįlood and Tim McCarver, Cardinals co-captains, were packaged with two others in an October 1969 deal for three Phillies players, including superstar Dick Allen.He was even more noted for his center field brilliance, which resulted in seven Gold Gloves. “I would venture to say that if it hadn’t been for all the stuff involved in him suing baseball … he would have had a good chance of being in the Hall of Fame.” A three-time All-Star who usually batted second, behind Lou Brock, Flood hit. Bob Gibson, Flood’s long-time road roommate, agreed. He was an outstanding hitter and fielderįlood “was a better ballplayer than everybody thought he was,” ex-manager and Hall of Famer Red Schoendienst said of the diminutive (5-9, 165) center fielder who played for the Cardinals from 1958 to ’69.Here are eight things to know about the selfless crusader who took on the baseball establishment: 16, 1970, Flood filed a lawsuit challenging baseball’s reserve clause, which allowed teams to trade players, including 10-year veterans, regardless of their wishes. Louis Cardinals fans, Curt Flood is just “that guy who refused to be traded and sued baseball.” Fifty years ago, on Jan. Louis Cardinals’ outfielder Curt Flood sacrificed wealth and health in his fight for player freedom. Aguilar (daughter-in-law), three grandchildren, and one great grandchild.The former St. He is survived by his second wife of ten years, Judy Pace, his children, Debbie, Gary (deceased), Curt, Jr., Shelly, Scott and Pamela A. He succumbed to the disease on January 20, 1997.
CURT FLOOD MADE AGENCY PRO PROFESSIONAL
He courageously sacrificed his career to take a stand for the rights of all players in professional sports, bringing the issue of free agency to the forefront of national discussion.įlood fought his last courageous battle against throat cancer. Supreme Court.Īlthough his legal challenge was unsuccessful, losing by a narrow 5-3 vote, Flood’s historic challenge of the reserve clause transcended baseball. Flood decided to sue baseball, ultimately appealing his case to the U.S. Kuhn refused to exempt Flood from the “reserve clause”, a stipulation in all MLB contracts since baseball’s earliest beginnings, that bound players to teams for life. 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 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.
CURT FLOOD MADE AGENCY PRO SERIES
He was part of three NL pennant-winning teams for the Cardinals, winning the World Series in 1964, 1967, and losing in seven games to Detroit in 1968.įlood became a pivotal figure in the sport’s labor history when he refused to accept a trade following the 1969 season, writing to then MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn:Īfter 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 retired with the third most games in center field (1,683) in NL history, trailing Willie Mays and Richie Ashburn.
His record for 226 consecutive error-less games for a NL center fielder stood for nearly half a century. He led the NL in putouts as center fielder four times and in fielding percentage as center fielder three times. Between 19, Flood amassed 1,690 total hits, bested only by five players Roberto Clemente (1,877), Hank Aaron (1,819), Vada Pinson (1,776), Maury Wills (1,744), and Brooks Robinson (1,692). 300 in six seasons and led the National League (NL) in hits (211) in 1964 and in singles, 1963, 1964, and 1968. Louis Cardinals, and Washington Senators, who became one of the most transformative figures in baseball history.įlood was an All-Star for three seasons and Gold Glove winner for seven consecutive seasons. Louis Cardinals (1958-1969), Cincinnati Reds (1956-1957), Washington Senators (1971)Ĭurtis Charles Flood (Janu– January 20, 1997) was a Major League Baseball center fielder, playing 15 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds, St.
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