December 24, 1969 - Curt Flood

[OldRed]

On Christmas Eve 1969, Flood sent the following letter to the Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn.

December 24, 1969

Dear Mr. Kuhn:

After twelve years in the Major Leagues, I do not feel that 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 several 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 the Major League Clubs my feelings in this matter and advise them of my availability for the 1970 season.


Sincerely yours, Curt Flood

[dugoutrex]

it changed everything and the results were both good and bad

[OldRed]

At 31 years old he had 7 GG, 1861 hits and a .293 career average.

He possibly gave up a HOF career to stand for his principals.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Flood should be in the Hall of Fame. He had an above average, very nice career, but what he did with that letter changed the whole business structure forever. How many World Series winners have been influenced by this letter? Nearly all of them. That's huge impact.