Curt Flood the fight for Baseball Players to Free Agency

Brad Snyder, Professor of Law at Georgetown and Author of "A Well-Paid Slave" visits BaseballBiz and shares his story about Curt Flood and his legal battles to fight for player's rights for some control over their careers.

Career of Curt Flood began with Reds in 1956First trade to St. Louis Cardinals 7x Golden Glove player6x MVPCurt Flood cerebral man, civil rights activistOakland – diverse early days of his baseball journeyRacism in Reds minor leagues 1961 integrated spring training in St PetersburgCurt works with Jackie Robinson, Medgar Evans for Civil Rights in MississippiShotgun Threats against Curt and his family Cincinnati All Black outfield would not stand and Curt was traded to CardinalsPhiladelphia trade – black players faced a lot of racismCurt wanted to control his own path after playing 12 years How would Social Media have allowed Curt to control the narrative look to LeBron James and how he has controlled his message through Social Media?Curt challenged the trade with the December 24 letter to Bowie KuhnCosell interview Backing of MLBPA Players Representatives including Roberto Clemente & Reggie JacksonMarvin Miller would have selected different counsel for CurtThe Reserve Clause – a reserve system of perpetual ownership of the sport. An illegal monopoly.Anti-Trust Exemption – 1922, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes gave baseball a pass13th Amendment was part of the question100 years later the decision stands “Stare Decisis” rely on past decisions even if they are wrong.Supreme Court wants to kick baseball problem back to CongressNCAA recent challenge in Supreme Court – One Justice sites Flood v Kuhn as ridiculousJustices’ Baseball Fandom gets in the way of justice for FloodBlackmun writes an ode to baseball in his Supreme Court opinion. Judges want to show their fandom can get in the way of the lawCurt Flood lost in Supreme CourtFlood’s efforts opened doors for change and empowered players beginning with Grievance ArbitrationCurt Flood 10 & 5 rule allows qualified players to veto any trade Marvin Miller kept Curt Flood’s efforts top of mind reminding young players of how they enjoyed the fruits of his effortsCurt’s life rises later life with personal happiness with Judy Pace and recognitionKen Burns Baseball documentary with Curt Flood celebrated at the White House with President ClintonGerrit Cole gave credit to Curt Flood as he signed his contract with the Yankees.Cole’s book report on FloodCurt led the way in fighting for a cause as seen with Pat Tillman, Colin Kaepernick,Jackie Robinson was the Guardian Angel for Curt FloodToday sports player like LeBron James have the empowerment to make Floods exclusion in Hall of FameUnion needs to educate the players on their historyRecognition with a Curt Flood DayDemocratic Justice Book about the Supreme Court history and Justice Felix FrankfurterDon’t look to the Supreme Court to solve all of your problems

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