8 Comments
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Michael Steele's avatar

“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.” That quote should be carved into a wall at Cooperstown.

I agree. Those words transcend baseball.

I know Flood’s story from other baseball historians, but reading your version still stirs emotion as though it was my first time hearing it. Nice work.

Tim Melin's avatar

Flood should be in the Hall of Fame for what he did and as an outstanding player who’s career was cut short by the league itself. Just like Colin Kap in football. It’s still a plantation system in the NFL.

Gordon (The Athlete Archives)'s avatar

I just happened to have put out a video on Curt that goes into some detail.

The man deserves recognition. And I was just like you, I didn't know who he was as a kid in the 1980s.

https://youtu.be/K0u5V9B0vRA

Joe Ivory Mattingly's avatar

Good righteous rant!

Andrew Reed's avatar

Hello! I just subscribed. This seems right up my alley! I also write about sports (primarily baseball) history. I think you will really like it. A subscription would be awesome!

areed36316.substack.com

Leon St. John's avatar

Best remembrance: Mr. Flood was "not a victim, he was a hero."

Also, our Supreme Court is always late on doing the right thing. Why are those

9 people, as a group, that way?

Leon St. John

SueShawn Says's avatar

I remember writing a story in The Oakland Tribune about the re-dedication and improvements to "Curt Flood Memorial Field." After listening to all the speeches, I knew I needed to bury myself in the library to learn more him. Thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning it all. Longtime columnist Dave Newhouse told me, "he never made a grammatical mistake when he spoke." I got chills.

Keith Rohman's avatar

“Say it for the players. Say it for the fans. Say it because the truth matters.” Beautifully and powerfully put.