Curt Flood was born on January 18, 1938, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in Oakland, California, where he attended McClymonds High School. It was during his time at McClymonds that Flood discovered his love for baseball and began to excel in the sport.
After graduating from high school in 1956, Flood was signed by the Cincinnati Reds and began his professional baseball career. He played with the Reds for several years before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1958. It was with the Cardinals that Flood truly made a name for himself as one of the best center fielders in the game.
Throughout his career, Flood was known for his exceptional defensive skills, earning him seven Gold Glove Awards. He was also a key player in helping the Cardinals win two World Series titles during his time with the team.
In 1969, Flood made headlines when he refused to accept a trade that would have sent him to the Philadelphia Phillies. This decision ultimately led to Flood challenging Major League Baseball's reserve clause, which restricted players from switching teams freely. Flood's legal battle opened the door to free agency in baseball, forever changing the landscape of the sport.
Off the field, Flood was a devoted family man. He had five children named Debbie, Gary, Shelly, Scott, and Curt Flood, Jr. Despite the challenges he faced in his career, Flood always put his family first and was a loving father and husband.
Curt Flood retired from baseball having played the third-most games at center field in MLB history, falling just short of Willie Mays' career mark. Despite the controversies surrounding his refusal to accept a trade, Flood is remembered as a trailblazer who fought for players' rights and changed the game of baseball forever.
After retiring from baseball, Flood remained involved in various charitable endeavors and continued to advocate for player rights until his passing in 1997. His legacy lives on in the hearts of baseball fans and players alike, as a symbol of courage and determination in the face of adversity.