diamondfans.com notes: Curt Flood was a fixture in the St. Louis outfield during the 60s, a key player on a team that went to three World Series during that span. He was a fine outfielder, and although he never had much power, was one of the most consistent hitters of the 60s, hitting over .300 six times in an era largely dominated by pitching. He lead the league in hits in 1964 with 211.

Despite these on-field acomplishments, Flood's greatest impact on the game was off the field. Traded to the Phillies after the 1969 season, Flood refused to accept the transfer, arguing that baseball's reserve clause illegally prevented him from practicing his trade. The case was eventually decided (against Flood) by the Supreme Court. Although he lost the case, Flood's stand paved the way for the eventual success of the players' union in establishing the right of free agency for veteran players, setting the stage for today's multi-million dollar salaries. He may have fallen short of Hall of Fame greatness on the field, but make no mistake about it - this guy is one of the most important players in the history of the game. Flood was eulogized on the floor the U.S. Congress upon his death. The tribute, excerpted from the Congressional Record, is reproduced below.

[Congressional Record: March 5, 1997 (Extensions)]

[Page E389]

From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:cr05mr97-46]




 

                         TRIBUTE TO CURT FLOOD


                                 ______

                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY


                              of missouri


                    in the house of representatives


                        Wednesday, March 5, 1997


  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize and pay tribute to 
my friend and hero, former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Curt Flood, 
who died on January 20, 1997.

  In addition to this status as professional baseball player, Curt will 
be remembered as the man responsible for bringing collective bargaining 
to professional baseball. He took his case of free-agency all the way 
to the U.S. Supreme Court. In his renowned letter to former baseball 
commissioner Bowie Kuhn, Curt Flood eloquently articulated his well-
founded reasons and encouraged future professional players to fight 
diligently for their rights.

  Curt Flood was a great humanitarian. He devoted his time and 
resources to numerous philanthropic causes. On my desk in my 
congressional office, there sits an award, an old bronzed shoe, from 
Aunts and Uncles, and organization which Curt Flood helped fund to 
provide shoes to needy children in the St. Louis area. Each time I look 
at that shoe, I am reminded of what a great man Curt Flood was.

  I remember as if it were yesterday instead of 1961 that Curt, my 
cousin Arthur, and I spent several days and nights painting caricatures 
on the walls and ceiling of my Glow Worm cocktail lounge.

  There are times when we forget the wonderful contributions that 
professional athletes make to mankind. The spotlight can be so blinding 
that we only remember their home runs, three-pointers, or touchdowns. 
Very seldom do we remember them for the work they do outside of their 
profession. That is why I submit to our colleagues Curt Flood's story 
as reported in the January 23, 1997, St. Louis American newspaper and a 
copy of his letter to Commissioner Bowie Kuhn regarding his free agency 
status.



              [From the St. Louis American, Jan. 23, 1997]


      Champion of Principle--Former Cardinal Curt Flood Dead At 59


                           (By Alvin A. Reid)



       Los Angeles--Curt Flood used his athletic talent to help 
     make the St. Louis Cardinals two-time world champions and 
     then used his conviction to change major league baseball.

       Flood died of throat cancer on Monday in Los Angeles, two 
     days after his 59th birthday.

       His dramatic stand against baseball's reserve clause ended 
     his tenure in St. Louis in 1970. However, before he moved to 
     Spain to further his budding artistic career, he had a 
     profound impact on the St. Louis community.

       "Curt Flood and former St. Louis football Cardinal lineman 
     Ernie McMillan helped fund the Aunts & Uncles organization
     and their mission was to see to it that all kids in the city 
     had good shoes," said Bennie Rodgers, American executive 
     editor. "They would have the shoe give-a-way at Christmas 
     and Easter and give thousands of kids shoes, they would pay 
     for it."
       Rodgers said the shoe give-a-way became a weekly event and 
     was headquartered at the current location of the American 
     offices at 4144 Lindell Blvd.
       When traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, Flood refused to 
     go. He petitioned to Commissioner Bowie Kuhn that the current 
     system was akin to slavery and that it violated antitrust 
     laws. The commissioner refused Flood's request for free 
     agency. He sat out of baseball in 1970 while legally battling 
     the ruling. He returned to baseball in 1971 as a member of 
     the Washington Senators, but lasted just 13 games. After one 
     game he found a black funeral wreath at his locker.
       The commissioner refused Flood's case, which eventually 
     reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1972 where he lost his 
     lawsuit. However, in 1975 an arbitrator granted free agency 
     to two players, and permanently diluted the reserve clause 
     and led to creation of the free-agent system still used 
     today.
                                                                  



              [From the St. Louis American, Jan. 23, 1997]


            Curt Flood's Famous Letter, a Signature Document

                           (By Barry Cooper)


       On the day that Martin Luther King was being honored, yet 
     another famous African-American passed on. Curt Flood, who 
     pioneered free agency by challenging baseball's long-standing 
     reserve clause in the early 1970's, died in Los Angeles Jan. 
     20 after a battle with throat cancer. He was 59.
       Here's the famous letter Flood wrote to then baseball 
     commissioner Bowie Kuhn. That letter--and his subsequent 
     lawsuit--forced baseball to adopt what has now become free 
     agency.

       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.

	   

       Flood sat out the 1970 season and took the case to court. A 
     deal was worked out in 1971 that sent him to the Washington 
     Senators, but he played only 33 games and retired. Later, 
     other players were able to take advantage of the free agency 
     that he had fought so hard for.

                          ____________________