Flood v. Kuhn
Curt Flood was sick of getting traded. He even refused a trade with another franchise and which is how the Flood vs. Kuhn case was brought about. In 1969, on Christmas Eve, Curt Flood wrote a letter to Bowie Kuhn demanding to become a free agent. Flood stated, "After twelve years in the Major Leagues, I do not feel I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective to my wishes." Flood believed that he had the right to consider other offers from other clubs before making a decision. Kuhn replied five days later agreeing with Flood that as human beings. We are not property to be bought or sold. However, Kuhn denied Flood of his request. Flood took Kuhn to court, but after a long battle Curt lost. Even though Curt Flood was denied in court, it wasn't nearly over yet. Now there were more players facing the same problem as Flood.
" I'm a human being I'm not a piece of property. I am not a consignment of goods " - Curt Flood
The Letter
This is the letter Curt Flood sent Bowie Kuhn. It says: " After twelve years in the major leagues, I do not feel I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes. I believe that any system which produces that result violates my basic rights as a citizen and is inconsistent with the laws of the United States and of the several States. It is my desire to play baseball in 1970, and I am capable of playing. I have received a contract offer from the Philadelphia club, but i believe I have the right to consider offers from other clubs before making any decision. I, therefore, request that you make known to all Major League clubs my feelings in this matter, and advise them of my availability for the 1970 season. "