The Impact Of Curt Flood

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Curt Flood played as a center fielder for the Cincinnati Cardinals from 1956-1968, Curt was very successful during his time at the Cardinals, winning 7 golden gloves and was a three time all-star. When Curt finished his 12th season playing on the Cardinals, he received a message saying he was going to be traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. Curt thought he had the right not to go, so he declined the trade and protested against Bowie Kuhn (commissioner of MLB) to stop the trade and allow him to join any team he wants¹. In 1969 Curt Flood took a stand against the reserve clause by proving that he could decide what to do with his career, he also made an impact in racial discrimination and changed baseball. This act changed other professional …show more content…

On 1969, after Curt finished his 12th season for the cardinals, they decided to trade Curt Flood along with 3 other of his teammates to the Phillies. Curt was very furious about this decision, he refused to go and wanted to sue the MLB. “After 12 years in the major leagues, I do not feel that I am a piece of property to be bought or sold irrespective of my wishes” said Curt. Sadly Bowie Kuhn, the commissioner of baseball, declined his request. Curt Flood did not give up and wanted take it one more step, he and Bowie brought it to the Supreme court where they ended the case. Many of Curt’s teammates were surprised by his act but they didn't dare to support him, only two of Curt’s friends decided to support him, former players Jackie Robinson and Hank Greenberg. After a 5-3 lost to the lost to the court, Curt was traded from the Phillies to the Washington Senators to finish off his outstanding career. This shows that Curt Flood’s act changed many people’s perspective on a player, even though Curt was not successful it shows he still went outside the box. Curt Flood was determined in his decision and stood out to go against the reserve