Reply #36: Curt Flood [View All]

[Zorra]

Check this out:

December 24, 1969

Mr. Bowie K. Kuhn, Commissioner of Baseball, 680 Fifth
Avenue, New York, New York 10019.

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.


Kuhn denied his request. He filed suit on January 16, 1970, stating that baseball had violated the nation's anti-trust laws. Even though he was making $90,000 at the time, Flood likened "being owned" to "being a slave 100 years ago." The case went to the Supreme Court, with former Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg pressing his case. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of organized baseball.

Even though Flood lost the lawsuit, the baseball reserve clause was mortally wounded. Within five years, the reserve clause was all but dead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curt_Flood