[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ILLUMINATING THE LEGACY OF CURT FLOOD

  (Mr. CLAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, this Black History Month, I ask my colleagues 
to join efforts to illuminate the legacy of a true American hero, the 
late Major League Baseball All-Star center fielder Curt Flood.
  In addition to 12 stellar seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Curt 
Flood struck a blow for dignity and civil rights by challenging a rule 
which allowed players to be traded against their will.
  He noted in his refusal: ``After 12 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.''
  My great friend Congressman Trone and I are asking Members to join in 
a letter supporting the induction of Curt Flood into the Baseball Hall 
of Fame.
  Flood's struggles might have ended his career, but he blazed a trail 
for the rights enjoyed by players today. It is this type of leadership 
and lasting contribution we recognize this Black History Month.

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