He was a sensational player and an icon in the history of American labor. Now his widow leads a drive to get him enshrined with the immortals.
by Rich Watson
Curt Flood was valuable to more than the St. Louis Cardinals. As an outfielder, he was a three-time All-Star, won seven consecutive Gold Gloves, batted over .300 six times and played on two World Series-winning Cardinal teams.
More importantly, he was the first ballplayer to challenge in court Major League Baseball’s reserve clause, a provision in players’ contracts that prohibited their ability to decide their financial future for years. His legal battle helped pave the way for true free agency in professional baseball.
Over twenty years after his death, however, Flood hasn’t yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame, baseball’s highest honor. Campaigning on his behalf is someone who knows a little about being a trailblazer: Flood’s widow, actress Judy Pace.
