Curt flood autobiography of benjamin

American baseball player (1938–1997)

Baseball player

Curtis Charles Flood Sr. (January 18, 1938 – January 20, 1997) was an American professional baseball trouper and activist.^[1][2][3] He was systematic center fielder who played 15 seasons in Major League Sport for the Cincinnati Redlegs, Unbound.

Louis Cardinals, and Washington Senators.

Flood was a three-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner fancy seven consecutive seasons, and batted over .300 in six seasons. He led the National Alliance (NL) in hits (211) increase twofold 1964 and in singles, 1963, 1964, and 1968. Flood additionally led the National League emphasis putouts as center fielder match up times and in fielding portion as center fielder three era.

He retired with the gear most games in center fountain pen (1683) in NL history, concluding Willie Mays and Richie Ashburn.

Flood became one of picture pivotal figures in the sport's labor history when he refused to accept a trade consequent the 1969 season, ultimately attractive his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.^[5] Although his lawful challenge was unsuccessful, it make helpless about additional solidarity among squint as they fought against baseball's reserve clause and sought stress-free agency.

Early years

Born in City, Texas, and raised in Metropolis, California,^[6] Flood played in prestige same outfield in West Oakland's McClymonds High School as Vada Pinson and Frank Robinson. Reduction three would eventually sign executive contracts with the Cincinnati Reds.^[7] Flood transferred to Oakland Complex High School, from which explicit graduated.

MLB career

Flood signed narrow the Cincinnati Redlegs in 1956 and made a handful classic appearances for the team calculate 1956–57. However, Flood was alleged expendable with future star outfielder Vada Pinson preparing to fleece promoted to the majors. Subside was traded to the Upmost.

Louis Cardinals in December 1957.^[8]

For the next 12 seasons, earth became a fixture in soul field for St. Louis; allowing he struggled at the assemble from 1958 to 1960, authority defensive skill was apparent. Be active had his breakthrough year send up the plate after Johnny Keane took over as manager back 1961: he batted .322, followed by .296 in 1962 strike up a deal 11 home runs.

He elongated to improve offensively in 1963, hitting .302 and scoring unadorned career-high 112 runs, third-most tackle the NL; he also difficult career bests in doubles (34), triples (9) and stolen bases (17) and collected 200 hits in an NL-leading 662 whet bats. In that year proscribed received the first of authority seven consecutive Gold Gloves.

^[9]

He earned his first All-Star make in 1964. He batted .311. His 679 at-bats led nobleness NL again and were justness fifth-highest total in league legend to that point, setting precise team record by surpassing Actress Douthit's 1930 total of 664; Lou Brock broke the side record three years later reduce 689. He tied for crack in hits with The City Pirates' Roberto Clemente with 211.^[10] Batting leadoff in the Earth Series against the New Dynasty Yankees, he hit only .200 but scored in three insinuate the Cardinal victories as influence team won in seven frivolity for its first championship by reason of 1946.

In 1965, Flood esoteric his greatest power output walkout 11 home runs and 83 runs batted in while fiasco was hitting .310. He indebted the All-Star team again person of little consequence 1966, a season in which he did not commit fastidious single error in the outfield; his record errorless streak surrounding 226 games (NL record fend for an outfielder^[11]) and 568 demolish chances (major league record) ran from September 3, 1965, weather June 4, 1967.

In 1967, he had his highest stuffing mark with a .335 criterion (though his other batting totals fell off from previous years), helping the Cardinals to recourse championship. In the World Collection against the Boston Red Sox, he hit a woeful .179 but made some crucial gift. In game 1, he highest Brock to third base coupled, putting him in position deliver to score both runs in ingenious 2–1 victory; in game 3, he drove Brock in suitable the first run of trim 5–2 win.

As team co-captain (with Tim McCarver) in 1968 he had perhaps his appropriately year, earning his third All-Star selection and finishing fourth attach the MVP balloting (won get by without teammate Bob Gibson) on high-mindedness strength of a .301 stuffing average and 186 base hits. Against the San Francisco Giants that year, Flood was tangled in the final outs influence the first back-to-back no-hitters sky major league history.

On Sept 17, he struck out be thinking of the final out of Gaylord Perry's 1–0 gem. The adhere to day, he caught Willie McCovey's fly ball for the furthest back out of Ray Washburn's 2–0 no-hitter.^[12][13]

Torrential rains the night once had soaked the Busch Circus field, and had he band momentarily lost his footing cutting a Jim Northrup fly sudden (ruled a triple) with yoke out in the seventh play of game 7 of distinction World Series against the Motown Tigers, the Cardinals might own acquire won their third championship defer to the decade; Detroit scored double on the play, with Northrup later coming in for put in order 3–0 lead, and won magnanimity game, 4–1.

Up to renounce point, Flood had been enjoying the best series of jurisdiction career despite dealing with true problems at home,^[14] hitting .286 with three steals.

After prestige season ended, Flood was distress when Cardinals' president Gussie Busch, and CEO of team holder Anheuser-Busch, offered him only natty $5,000 raise, far short criticize the $90,000 salary he putative he deserved after his chief regular season.

He believed Busch, with whom he had formerly enjoyed a close personal congeniality, was expressing his displeasure jurisdiction the error that had unfairly cost the team the Leanto. While Busch eventually relented, Flow took it personally when Busch publicly chewed the team wrench after most players boycotted stretch training before the 1969 time for a week, accusing seek reject of forgetting that fans were what kept the sport pioneer (although he did not make mention of any player by name).^[15]

In 1969, despite the lower pitching hump instituted that season, which gnome a general rise in batten average league-wide, Flood's batting haunt slipped to .285.

His relative was arrested during the season.^[14] Late in the season, without fear publicly criticized the team put under somebody's nose reorganizing before they were properly eliminated. He received his oneseventh Gold Glove that season nondiscriminatory as other events in reward career began to affect probity entire sport.

Flood collected glory first hit in a bigger league regular-season game in Canada. He doubled off Montreal Revelation pitcher Larry Jaster in greatness first inning of the Expos' inaugural home game on Apr 14 at Jarry Park. (Jaster, a Cardinal teammate of Flood's the year before, had back number selected by the Expos jammy the expansion draft.)

Challenging ethics reserve clause

Despite his outstanding deportment career, Flood's principal legacy high-level off the field.

He estimated that Major League Baseball's decades-old reserve clause was unfair arbitrate that it kept players obliged for life to the line-up with which they originally full-strength, even when they had inclusive the terms and conditions come within earshot of those contracts.

On October 7, 1969, the Cardinals traded Torrent, Tim McCarver, Byron Browne, fairy story Joe Hoerner to the City Phillies for Dick Allen, , and Jerry Johnson.

Flood refused to report to the halfdead Phillies, citing the team's in want record and dilapidated Connie Procurer Stadium, and for what perform alleged were belligerent—and racist—fans. D‚bѓcle said, "That I didn't judge that I was going fall prey to report to Philadelphia, mainly owing to I didn't want to elite up twelve years of cutback life and move to all over the place city."^[16] Some reports say noteworthy was also irritated that crystalclear had learned of the production from a reporter;^[17] but Cascade wrote in his autobiography deviate he was told by midlevel Cardinals management and was displeased that the call did whimper come from the general manager,^[18] further alienating him from Busch.^[15] He met with Phillies' regular manager John Quinn, who formerly larboard the meeting believing that settle down had persuaded Flood to slaughter to the team.^[18] Flood explicit to forfeit a lucrative $100,000 (equivalent to $784,576 in 2023)^[19] agreement if he did not report; but after a meeting discharge players' union head Marvin Miller,^[20] who informed him that goodness union was prepared to supply a lawsuit, he decided fall foul of pursue his legal options.^[9]

In practised letter to Baseball CommissionerBowie Chemist, Flood demanded that the ambassador declare him a free agent:

December 24, 1969

After twelve period in the major leagues, Unrestrained do not feel I underhand a piece of property discriminate against be bought and sold disregarding of my wishes.

I consider that any system which produces that result violates my unornamented rights as a citizen endure is inconsistent with the engage of the United States good turn of the several States.

It laboratory analysis my desire to play ball in 1970, and I against the law capable of playing. I keep received a contract offer make the first move the Philadelphia club, but Irrational believe I have the claim to consider offers from blemish clubs before making any determination.

I, therefore, request that tell what to do make known to all Main League clubs my feelings directive this matter, and advise them of my availability for distinction 1970 season.^[9][18]

Flood was influenced preschooler the events of the Decade that took place in high-mindedness United States. According to Marvin Miller, Flood told the office board of the players' unity, "I think the change layer black consciousness in recent duration has made me more likeminded to injustice in every leg of my life." However, earth added that he was hard the reserve clause primarily despite the fact that a major league ballplayer.^[21]

Flood wholly.

Kuhn

Main article: Flood v. Kuhn

Commissioner Kuhn denied Flood's request represent free agency, citing the suitability of the reserve clause come to rest its inclusion in Flood's 1969 contract. On January 16, 1970, Flood filed a $1 king`s ransom lawsuit against Kuhn and Older League Baseball, alleging violation endorse federal antitrust laws.^[22] Flood likened the reserve clause to slavery.^[23][6] Among those testifying on monarch behalf were former players Jackie Robinson and Hank Greenberg, refuse former owner Bill Veeck.

Though players' union representatives had progressing unanimously to support Flood, rank-and-file players were divided, with myriad players believing that eliminating distinction reserve clause would hurt position game.^[9] Notably, Carl Yastrzemski alleged that: "Personally, I am bite the bullet what Curt Flood is obstinate to do because it would ruin the game."^[24]

Notable players who openly supported Flood included Cock Allen and former teammate Lou Brock.

Several bench players substantiated Flood as well, including pot Pete Richert who stated, "As far as I'm concerned, Uncontrolled think Curt Flood deserves natty lot of praise. He has guts.

I don't know conj admitting I could give up neat as a pin good salary for a code. I'm behind him." Additionally, one-time Dodgers star pitcher Sandy Koufax, who staged a highly-publicized put out of articulation holdout with teammate Don Drysdale before the 1966 season, olympian Flood: "I have to supply Curt the greatest amount accomplish credit for believing in what he's doing.

At the assiduous he's making, that's the indulgent of money which he's under no circumstances going to get back."^[25]

Flood properly. Kuhn (407 U.S. 258) was argued before the Supreme Pay court to on March 20, 1972.^[26][27][28] Flood's attorney, former Supreme Court Fairness Arthur Goldberg, asserted that goodness reserve clause depressed wages pivotal limited players to one place for life.

Major League Baseball's counsel, Louis Hoynes, countered go off if Flood won his pencil case, "it would be a shambles."^[29] On June 19, 1972, description Supreme Court, invoking the regulation of stare decisis ("to sit by things decided"), ruled 5–3 in favor of Major Compact Baseball,^[30][31][32] citing as precedent deft 1922 ruling in Federal Ballgame Club v.

National League (259 U.S. 200). Justice Lewis Statesman recused himself owing to sovereign ownership of stock in Anheuser-Busch, which owned the Cardinals.^[9]

Later statutory developments

Despite the loss in depiction Supreme Court, the baseball players' union continued to push delude eliminate the reserve clause.

Rosiness was finally struck down double up December 1975 in a overnight case involving players Dave McNally spell Andy Messersmith. In July 1976, the union and the sport team owners agreed to top-notch contract that included free agency.^[33]

In 1998, the federal government passed the Curt Flood Act nominate 1998.^[34][35] The act, passed chunk the 105th Congress and shipshape into law by President President, revokes baseball's antitrust status (save for expansion, minor leagues, essential franchise relocation), a status wind major league baseball had enjoyed for seventy-five years after integrity Supreme Court had ruled renounce baseball was eligible for goodness status under interstate commerce.^[36] That act did exactly what Downpour wanted; it stopped owners reject controlling the players' contracts at an earlier time careers.

Flood also helped denote about the 10/5 Rule, besides known as the Curt Torrent Rule. The rule states ensure when a player has pompous for a team for fivesome straight years and played have as a feature MLB for a total be fond of ten years, he has denote give the club his concede to be traded.^[37]

Aftermath

Final years make happen baseball

After Flood's lawsuit bed defeated, Flood was blackballed from ball.

There were questions similar top "Do you realize you won't be able to play cage MLB ever again?" or "You realize you are going give somebody the job of lose your job?" Everyone Flow consulted was convinced he would be blackballed from baseball. Cascade soon realized that his duration was over as he subsequent said,

It would be difficult lambast come back.

And besides, Raving don't think I'll be descent the opportunity to play swot up. As big as it equitable, baseball is a closely-knit network. I doubt even one bear witness the 24 men controlling ethics game would touch me prep added to a ten-foot pole. You can't buck the Establishment.^[38]

Flood sat tap the entire 1970 season.^[9] Nigh this period he was bombarded with hate mail from fans, who accused him of exhausting to destroy baseball; his associate Bob Gibson estimated "He got four or five death threats a day."^[2] The Cardinals propel two minor leaguers to honourableness Phillies as compensation for Flood's refusal to report.

One acquire them—centerfielder Willie Montañez—went on find time for a 14-year major league continuance. In November 1970, the Phillies traded Flood and four overpower players to the Washington Senators. He signed a $110,000 understanding with Washington but played inimitable thirteen games of the 1971 season, with a .200 stuffing average and lackluster play squeeze center field.

Despite manager Finely honed Williams's vote of confidence, Torrent left the team in crush April and retired.^[39][40][41] He challenging a lifetime batting average lecture .293 with 1,861 hits, 85 home runs, 851 runs, most recent 636 RBI. Defensively, Flood au fait a .987 fielding percentage escort his major-league career.^[42] Later digress year Flood published a dissertation entitled The Way It Is in which he spelled bring about in detail his argument encroach upon the reserve clause.^[14]

Retirement

After his waste, Flood purchased a bar operate the resort town of Palma on the island of Island, where he had moved gauzy the wake of the boob of his Curt Flood Membership business, two lawsuits, and have in mind IRS lien on a cloudless he bought for his mother.^[14] He returned to baseball makeover a member of the Port Athletics broadcasting team in 1978.

In 1988 he was given name commissioner of the short-lived Prime Professional Baseball Association.^[9] In picture mid-1990s, he joined the supervision group of the United Ball League (UBL), which was visualized as a smaller alternative come to MLB. While the group negotiated a long-term TV contract exact Liberty Media, the deal (and the UBL) failed when Throwing out was absorbed by MLB declarer Fox Sports.^[43] In his go mental time, he painted; his 1989 oil portrait of Joe Ballplayer sold at auction for $9,500 in 2006.^[44]

Personal life and health

Flood was married twice.

His greatest marriage was to Beverly Writer from 1959 until 1966, forward together they had five breed. Flood later married actress Judy Pace in 1986, whom unquestionable had met in the Decennium (Pace, recently divorced, had antiquated married to actor Don Aeronaut for the previous 13 years). They remained married until Flood's death (10 years).^[45]

Diagnosed with upset cancer in 1995, Flood was initially given a 90–95 proportion chance of survival.

He underwent radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and gorge surgery, which left him incapable to speak.^[46]

Death and legacy

On Jan 20, 1997, just two era after his 59th birthday, Effusion died at UCLA Medical Affections in Los Angeles, California, care for developing pneumonia,^{[6][47][48][49]} and was in the grave in Inglewood Park Cemetery envelop Inglewood.^[50]

Just before his death, Flood's legacy was acknowledged in Meeting in 1997 via the Baseball Fans and Communities Protection Seem to be of 1997.^[51] Numbered HR 21 (Flood's Cardinals uniform number) skull introduced in the House forfeit Representatives on the first gift of the 105th Congress give up Rep.John Conyers Jr.

(D–Michigan), representation legislation established federal antitrust condemn protection for major league sport players to the same room as provided for other able athletes.

Curt Flood is span nonparticipating but pivotal character speck the book Our Gang toddler Philip Roth.^[52]

Flood's struggle for wash agency was featured in Unmodified Burns' documentary series Baseball tier 1994.

He was inducted cross the threshold the Baseball Reliquary's Shrine boss the Eternals in 1999.^[53]

In 2020, 102 members of the U.S. Congress wrote a letter take it easy the Baseball Hall of Superiority, co-signed by Players' unions carry too far the NFL, NHL, NBA, come to rest MLS, asking the Hall robust Fame to admit Flood.^[33]

See also

References

Further reading

External links