#Curt flood free agency pro athletes series#

and boasted 3 grandchildren and one great child. 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.Ĭurt finished out his playing career in 1971, with the Washington Senators.įlood was the father of Debbie, Gary, Shelly, Scott, and Curt Flood Jr. 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. He had a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000 in 1966.įlood 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. He set major league fielding records for most consecutive games without an error (226), and most consecutive chances without an error (568). 300 six times in his politically – shortened 15 year career and led the National League in hits (211) in 1964. 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.

#Curt flood free agency pro athletes series#

Flood helped the Redbirds win three National League Championships and two World Series in the 1960’s.

For the next twelve seasons, he became a fixture in center field for St. 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. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Oakland, California where he attended West Oakland’s McClymonds High. Curtis Charles Flood was born Januin Houston, Texas.