On December 24, 1969, star outfielder Curt Flood refuses to accept a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies, less than two months after being dealt by the St. Louis Cardinals. He does not retire to void the trade, as Donn Clendenon did in refusing to play for the Astros.

The trade had sent Flood, catcher Tim McCarver, outfielder Byron Browne, and pitcher. Flood writes a letter to Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, explaining that he should be free to sign with any team he chooses. “I do not feel that I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes,” writes Flood. Flood will file suit against Major League Baseball, challenging the game’s reserve clause, which binds a player perpetually to his team. Flood’s letter is the beginning of the end for baseball’s reserve clause and the first salvo in the fight for free agency.

After losing the suit, Flood will attempt a comeback with the Washington Senators.

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