Curt Flood Act
By John Lemon
What Happened?
Back in 1969 when a player signed a contract with a team he became their property. A player could not simply leave his current team, the only way for him to leave was for the team to decide to trade you. Curt Flood was a superstar for the St. Louis cardinals won numerous gold gloves and was a three time All-Star. Flood loved St. Louis and was shocked to hear of the trade sending him to the Philadelphia Phillies. Under his the reserve clause though he had no say in the decision. Flood being deeply upset by the situation looked for legal help with the situation. Upon Flood's lawyers further review of the clause it showed that it only said the player was required to play that season and the following season with that team. No mention of any bound for life requirements. But the Supreme Court had already ruled in 1921 that baseball was exempt from the anti-trust laws. And had little chance of winning. Flood did take his case to court and lost. However he did open the gates for 1998 when the Curt Flood Act was put into affect.
Curt Flood
Letter Informing of Trade
Letter from Cardinals general manager Bing Devine, informing him of the trade to the Phillies.
Flood In Front of Court
Works Cited
"The Curt Flood Act of 1998 - The Baseball Diamond: The Only Jewel Wrapped in Chains." The Baseball Diamond: The Only Jewel Wrapped in Chains. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2014.
"Black History Month: Curt Flood - Redbird Rants." Redbird Rants Black History Month Curt Flood Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2014.