Copy of a Letter from Curt Flood to Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn Requesting Free Agency, December 24, 1969
Add to SetSummary
In 1969, Curt Flood, all-star center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, decided to challenge Major League Baseball's Reserve Clause in the U.S. Supreme Court. The reserve clause was the key tool that owners used to restrict the movement of players from team to team and to control player salaries. Flood lost. But his actions put in motion changes that led to baseball's free agency a few years later.
In 1969, Curt Flood, all-star center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, decided to challenge Major League Baseball's Reserve Clause in the U.S. Supreme Court. The reserve clause was the key tool that owners used to restrict the movement of players from team to team and to control player salaries. Flood lost. But his actions put in motion changes that led to baseball's free agency a few years later.
Artifact
Letter (Correspondence)
Subject Date
24 December 1969
Creators
Keywords
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
2009.190.5.10
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Typewriting
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 11 in
Width: 8.5 in
Inscriptions
Text of letter: 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
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