Before Free Agency
From the 19th century through 1976, baseball players were bound to one team for life because of the reserve clause. Teams could renew contracts for one year for as long as they wanted to keep the player. The beginnings of free agency began in 1969, Curt Flood was traded to Philadelphia and refused to report. He appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court but lost, but his case put in place an arbitration system for players union and owner disputes.
In 1975, Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally played without a contract. Arguing that their contract could not be renewed if it was never signed, an arbitrator agreed and they were declared free agents. With the reserve clause terminated, the players union and the owners then agreed to the rules governing free agency that the teams and players would follow.
In 1975, Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally played without a contract. Arguing that their contract could not be renewed if it was never signed, an arbitrator agreed and they were declared free agents. With the reserve clause terminated, the players union and the owners then agreed to the rules governing free agency that the teams and players would follow.
The Reserve Clause
The reserve clause is a term formerly employed in the U.S. The reserve clause contained in all standard player contracts, stated that, upon the contract's expiration the rights to the player were to be retained by the team to which he had been signed. Practically, this meant that although both the player's obligation to play for the team as well as the team's obligation to pay the player were terminated, the player was not free to enter into another contract with another team. The player had the option to either, negotiate a new contract to play another year for the same team or ask to be released or traded. Curt Flood did not like the reserve clause because he believed that a human being should not be bought and sold.
After Free Agency
After the Messersmith v. McNally case free agency came into play. A free agent is a player that is eligible to sign with any other franchise/club. Free agent is also used in reference to a player who is under contract a a certain time, but is allowed to accept offers from other teams. Free agency came into play after professional sports stopped using the reserve clause. Free agency is used in all professional sports today.
Turning Point
This is a very big turning point in history because if Curt Flood didn't do what he did, there is no telling what professional sports would be like today. Flood was a great baseball player and is still remembered by having a successful career, being the best he could be, and mainly changing baseball forever. Professional sports is very big in the U.S today and by Curt refusing the trade it makes not just baseball a better sport but all sports better and more interesting.
" Baseball was socially relevant, and so was my rebellion against it " - Curt Flood