College of the Desert
Curt Flood: Force of Change
Alvin Garcia
English 061
Mr. Lewenstein
October 26, 2017
Alvin-Hiram Garcia
Professor Lewenstein
English 061
October 26, 2017
One Man against the League
Courage is looking at fear right in its face and not being scared one bit. Courage isn't about second guessing; it’s about being brave. It’s jumping out of the plane when no one else wants to. It’s having the mentality that nothing can stop you mentally or physically. You can’t have any doubt in your mind that something will go wrong. When Curt Flood voiced his opposition to National Baseball authority, he was not afraid of losing his career. He wanted to sue the major league baseball company for treating him like property. Flood had every right to fight against anyone for his rights. We are not property, we are people. The Major League Baseball Association couldn’t ignore Flood’s demands because it was apart of his rights. Even a billion dollar company can have it’s flaws and can lose money. New York Times Joseph Duro states, “The Cardinal’s centerfielder, brought in the era of free agency”. People would think he was crazy and stupid, when in reality he just wanted to help the baseball players. Curt’s courage led him to losing a great baseball career, but he was an inspiration to everyone. After passing away at 59, Flood is known as that person who wasn’t afraid of stepping up to do what was right.
In the Joey’s new song “Land of the Free”, he raps about society and what is wrong with today’s world. In the hook of the song he says, “The land of the free is for the freeloaders, leave us dead in the street that be the organ donors.” Joey states that there are people which are a higher class and just freeload off the hard working. When you are left to die, nothing changes for the people feeding off of money. The topic is about society and how it works. There is nothing you can do as a citizen compared to the president, he will have a higher voice. Joey also raps in the same song how racism is still alive today. Just as how Curtis Flood changed baseball. During Curtis’ prime in baseball he made a mistake and cost his team the World Series. Flood fought for his rights to be treated like a person, not property. Curtis Flood batted .300, won 7 consecutive gold gloves, and participated in 3 World Series.Curtis was bought and Curtis knew he had rights to be treated as a person.
Flood sued the major league and changed baseball by bringing free agency. Flood left the baseball team in his prime to fight for his rights. He knew that he wouldn't be able to play baseball because the Major league teams wouldn't want any “trouble”. Flood changed baseball forever when he gave up his career to help other baseball players gain more money and protect their rights. Flood wasn't selfish because he wanted to stand up for what was right. In the article “Outfielder defied baseball” The New York Times shares with us, the most incredible story of the 1960’s. How Curtis Flood changed baseball. During Curtis’ prime in baseball he made a mistake and cost his team the World Series.
Curt wanted to be treated like a person not property. Players are traded based on performance. Instead of getting a contract, you’re bought from a team. Curt wanted everyone to feel like a person not something that can be bought. For example, If I get a job at Pizza Hut, Dominos can’t buy me because I’m not property. Instead I can apply and get the job. In The article “How Curtis Flood Changed Baseball and Killed His Career in the Process” Allan Barra explains how Curt made history in baseball. He didn’t change baseball by breaking the record for most home runs, stolen bases, or runs batted in.
In 1969 Curtis Flood sent a letter to the commissioner of major league baseball. Nobody had the same mindset as Flood. He knew if he were to mess with the MLB association that he wouldn’t be able to play baseball. Knowing the consequences of this problem, Curt still continued. Curt helped every baseball player become a free agent and get more money. Not a lot of baseball players had courage to step up with Curt Flood’s idea. They feared of losing their baseball careers if they were to have the same beliefs as Flood. Most baseball players at the moment wanted to be apart of the best players to live. Curt didn't want to go down that road if he was treated like a piece of property. After what Flood had done, the players were thankful that he gave up his baseball career in order for the baseball player’s salaries to go up. It was a historical lawsuit because many players have had this issue, but no one wanted lose everything. In 1969 Curtis Flood had a talk with his lawyer and said he wanted to know why he was denied the access to become a free agent. He protested that it went against his thirteenth Amendment. He had every right to fight against the baseball business.
Curtis Flood is without a doubt one of the most ambitious baseball players to live, yet he gave up his whole baseball career for others. For a man that only played for fifteen years Flood had one of the best careers and wanted to have a voice for others. He definitely had a huge impact on the baseball business and stood up for what he believed. Readers of this essay may look to Colin Kaepernick as a modern day Curt Flood. Colin Kaepernick officially opted out of his contract on March 3rd, 2017. One man kneels and no one bothers to join, Kaepernick is a man with courage. Just like Flood he had a voice and he is remembered as someone who started a movement. Flood and Kaepernick started a civil rights movement. They both wanted to stand for what was right. Kaepernick started a movement in the NFL once he kneeled, NFL players started to pay attention what was going on with: police brutality, the president, racism, and many social issues in this country. No one would take Kaepernick on their team because people think he disrespected the country. One the NFL teams started kneeling the managers couldn’t do anything. What is firing a whole team going to do with your organization, city, people, and fans. Once the majority of the players start following in his footsteps, they stand up with them and are supporting them. More people are fighting for rights, and more the organizations will start to focus on it. Kaepernick had 69 games played, 1011 passes completed out of 1692 thrown, 12271 yards, 72 touchdowns, and a 89 rating overall.
Not a lot of baseball players had courage to step up with Curt Flood’s idea. They feared of losing their baseball careers if they were to have the same beliefs as Flood. Most baseball players at the moment wanted to be apart of the best players to live. Curt didn't want to go down that road if he was treated like a piece of property. After what Flood had done, the players were thankful that he gave up his baseball career in order for the baseball player’s salaries to go up. Curtis Flood had that motivation. If he didn't do it, then who will? He knew no one would be able to choose between the right thing and a career. If no one could be able to give up their future for a better life then all the games would be about money.
Flood took a stand for what was right, such as how Kaepernick kneeled for his rights. America isn’t perfect, but we have to start focusing on racism, gender,and other social issues. Problems are still in our everyday lives and need to be solved. Curtis Flood is without a doubt one of the most ambitious baseball players to live, yet he gave up his whole baseball career for others. For a man that only played for 15 years Flood had one of the best careers and wanted to have a voice for others. He definitely had a huge impact on the baseball business and stood up for what he believed. Why are we not paying attention to things that matter the most? Flood took a stand and it’s time people start following in his footsteps and mindset.
WORK CITED
Barra, Allen. “How Curt Flood Changed Baseball and Killed His Career in the Process.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 12 July 2011, www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/07/how-curt-flood-changed-baseball-and-killed-his-career-in-the-process/241783/.
“Curt Flood files historic lawsuit against Major League Baseball.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/curt-flood-files-historic-lawsuit-against-major-league-baseball.
Durso, Joseph. “Curt Flood Is Dead at 59; Outfielder Defied Baseball.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 20 Jan. 1997,
www.nytimes.com/1997/01/21/sports/curt-flood-is-dead-at-59-outfielder-defied-baseball.html
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