The 1998 Curt Flood Act
"Today I am pleased to have signed into law S. 53, the “Curt Flood Act of 1998.” This legislation is the successful culmination of bipartisan efforts to treat employment matters with respect to Major League Baseball players under the antitrust laws in the same way such matters are treated for athletes in other professional sports. It is especially fitting that this legislation honors a courageous baseball player and individual, the late Curt Flood, whose enormous talents on the baseball diamond were matched by his courage off the field. It was 29 years ago this month that Curt Flood refused a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Phillies. His bold stand set in motion the events that culminate in the bill I have signed into law."
-Excerpt from President Clinton's statement on the signing of the Curt Flood Act |
Though Curt Flood lost his case in the Supreme Court, the fight for free agency in baseball continued. In 1975, an arbitrator, Peter Seitz, struck down the Reserve Clause in a case involving pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally. After that decision, Marvin Miller was able to work out a deal with the MLB owners that became the foundation for Free Agency in baseball.
The Curt Flood Act was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1998. Its purpose was to state that “major league baseball players are covered under the antitrust laws” (1998 Curt Flood Act), the same antitrust laws that pertain to all businesses. |