1970's Sports | Curt Flood and the Reserve Clause

The Way It Is

Autobiography

By: Curt Flood, with Richard Carter

Date: 1971

Source: Flood, Curt, with Richard Carter. The Way It Is. New York: Trident Press, 1971, 14–16, 184, 185–186, 188, 189–191, 192–193.

About the Author: Curt Flood (1938–1997) was born in Houston, Texas. After high school, Flood signed as an outfielder with the Cincinnati Reds before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1958. Flood spent twelve seasons with Cardinals, winning seven gold gloves, and helping St. Louis to three World Series championships. Flood was traded to Philadelphia Phillies after the 1969 season. Refusing to report, Flood sued baseball for his freedom from the reserve clause. While his case was on appeal, Flood played two months with the Washington Senators before quitting. In retirement, Flood was a portrait painter, broadcaster, and community...