Free Agency Today
"Every major league baseball player owes Curt Flood a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. With the odds overwhelmingly against him, he was willing to take a stand for what he knew was right.''
- David Cone and Tom Glavine, MLB Pitchers "At the time Curt Flood decided to challenge baseball’s reserve clause, he was perhaps the sport’s premier center fielder. And yet he chose to fight an injustice, knowing that even if by some miracle he won, his career as a professional player would be over. At no time did he waver in his commitment and determination. He had experienced something that was inherently unfair and was determined to right the wrong, not so much for himself, but for those who would come after him. Few praised him for this, then or now. There is no Hall of Fame for people like Curt."
-Marvin Miller, Director of MLB Players Association |
The Reserve Clause bound baseball players to their teams indefinitely. Because of Curt Flood's efforts, the Reserve Clause gave way to Free Agency.
Free Agency grants baseball players the same rights as professional athletes in other sports. Today's baseball players become free agents when their contracts expire. A free agent is "a professional athlete who is free to sign a contract with any team." (Free Online Dictionary) With no Reserve Clause in place, MLB players now have the right to choose where they play baseball. |
"He was a man who dared to live by the strength of his conviction. Most of us were not courageous enough to take that stand. I know I wasn't." -Maury Wills, Dodger Shortstop |