Curt Flood

On this date in 1970, Federal Court judge Irving Cooper rules against Curt Flood in his anti-trust suit against MLB.

"I lost money, coaching jobs, a shot at the Hall of Fame. But when you weigh that against all the things that are really and truly important, things that are deep inside you, then I think I've succeeded." 

Curt Flood

On this date in 1972, the United States Supreme Court rules against Cardinals outfielder Curt Flood, who sued Major League Baseball over the reserve clause after being traded to the Phillies. The ruling upholds baseball's antitrust exemption which was originally granted in 1922.

"I presume you're not finding this as easy as getting up to bat." - lower court judge Irving Cooper to Flood