Written by: Ray Lamar Inspired by: Artist Bill Rembert
In many situations in life some people must go through something difficult for other people to benefit in the long run. Dr. Martin Luther King is a perfect of example of this phenomenon, with what he gave up while accomplishing better civil rights for all minorities in the United States. These individuals are special God sent angel like figures, that have heroic strength even when facing fear. Curt Flood was able to accomplish something similar, not as an activist but as a professional baseball player in the 1960s. Curt would kill his career in the process, but for an intelligble cause.
Curt Flood Played 15 years of baseball from 1956-1971. He had a 1-year hiatus in 1970 and he would return in 1971 for one final season. His stats were impeccable during his over a decade and a half career. Floods batting average was .293, he was a 3-time all-star, and won seven consecutive gold gloves as a center fielder for the Cardinals. As far as his team’s success they would win 3 pennants and two world series titles. But the pinnacle of his career would come when he decided to not except a trade. As the season of 1969 wrapped up Cardinals would trade Curt Flood and 3 others to the Phillies for 3 of their players. Flood refused to go for Allen in the surprise trade. Floods refusal also came with a threat to sue Major League Baseball. This Decision on Curt Floods Behalf would send a message for professional athletes forever.
In 1969 the reserve Clause was still in use that stated that players were the organizations property. And that property (The players) Did not have the right to leave the team unless that organization wanted to trade or release that player to a different organization. Flood in a nutshell knew that his decision would destroy his career but weighed the benefits to future athletes as his reason to make his final decision to go through with the case.
Editor’s Note: This article first published on February 26, 2020