Inductees

Curtis Charles Flood was born January 20, 1938 in Houston, Texas. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Oakland, California where he attended West Oakland’s McClymonds High. A part of a high school outfield that included Vada Pinson and Frank Robinson, Curt signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1956 and made a handful of appearances for the team in 1956-57 before being traded to the Cardinals in December 1957. For the next twelve seasons, he became a fixture in center field for St. Louis. Flood helped the Redbirds win three National League Championships and two World Series in the 1960’s. A player of extraordinary ability and  renowned for his tremendous defensive prowess, Curt led the National League in putouts four times and in fielding percentage twice, winning Gold Glove awards seven consecutive seasons from 1963 – 1969. The three-time All-Star batted over .300 six times in his politically – shortened 15 year career and led the National League in hits (211) in 1964. He set major league fielding records for most consecutive games without an error (226), and most consecutive chances without an error (568). He had a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000 in 1966.

Flood became one of the pivotal figures in the sport’s labor history when he refused to accept a trade following the 1969 season, ultimately appealing his case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Although his legal challenge was unsuccessful, it brought about additional solidarity among players as they fought against baseball’s reserve clause and sought free agency. In 1970, the owners and the MLBPA agreed to the “10/5 Rule” (sometimes called the “Curt Flood Rule”), which allows players with ten years of Major League service, the last five with the same team, to veto any trade.

Curt finished out his playing career in 1971, with the Washington Senators.

Flood was the father of Debbie, Gary, Shelly, Scott, and Curt Flood Jr. and boasted 3 grandchildren and one great child. Also known as a painter with incredible talent, Curt Flood passed away on January 20, 1997 from throat cancer.

I am pleased to have signed into law S. 53, the “Curt Flood Act of 1998.” This legislation is the successful culmination of bipartisan efforts to treat employment matters with respect to Major League Baseball players under the antitrust laws in the same way such matters are treated for athletes in other professional sports.

It is especially fitting that this legislation honors a courageous baseball player and individual, the late Curt Flood, whose enormous talents on the baseball diamond were matched by his courage off the field. It was 29 years ago this month that Curt Flood refused a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Phillies. His bold stand set in motion the events that culminate in the bill I have signed into law.

The Act appropriately limits baseball’s special judicially created antitrust exemption by expressly applying the antitrust laws to certain conduct of Major League Baseball; the applicability of the antitrust laws with respect to all other conduct is unchanged. The Act in no way codifies or extends the baseball exemption and would not affect the applicability of those laws to certain matters that, it has been argued, the exemption would legitimately protect (including franchise relocation rules and the minor leagues).

The Act does not in any way limit the standing of the United States to bring an antitrust action. The antitrust laws protect the public’s interest in the efficient operation of the free market system, thereby protecting consumers, and the United States has standing to sue to enjoin all violations.

It is sound policy to treat the employment matters of Major League Baseball players under the antitrust laws in the same way such matters are treated for athletes in other professional sports.

William J. Clinton, The White House, October 27, 1998