Curt Flood Goes to Washington - Daily Rewind

13/08/2024 20 min
Curt Flood Goes to Washington - Daily Rewind

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Episode Synopsis

This week we look at Curt Flood going to Washington. Bean Balls that changed lives - Ray Chapman and Tony C, Power steals by Vic Power, and lost icon as Mickey Mantle Passes away, One incredible streak by Jack Taylor. Listen to our new section on Fan Stories - today we thank Ray Wilson.On Episode 3 – we are backstepping through August 12 – 18th.On September 27, 1940, what Detroit Tiger bullpen catcher was knocked out cold when hit over the head with a case of tomatoes?On August 12, 1970 — 1970 – Judge Irving Ben Cooper rules against Curt Flood in his antitrust suit. Cooper says “Decisions of the Supreme Court are not lightly overruled… We find no general or widespread disregard of the extremely important position the player occupies… Clearly, the preponderance of credible proof does not favor the elimination of the reserve clause.” However, the judge says changes in the reserve clause should be made through negotiation but denies Flood damages. Flood will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court but in vain.Flood, of course, blazed the trail with his actions for Free Agency. I heard from some fans they are unhappy Flood changed baseball history with his movement, but I don’t see it that way. Free Agency caused players like Carlton Fisk to move on, which I covered in season 1, but it also brought Kirk Gibson to LA.    One Amazing streak comes to an end.On August 13, 1906 — At Washington Park in Brooklyn, John "Brakeman" Taylor is replaced by a reliever for the first time since June of 1901 when the Brooklyn Superbas knock him out of the game in the third inning. During the five-year span, the Orphans’ right-hander completed a remarkable 1,727 innings of work that included 187 consecutive complete games, as well as finishing up 15 games in relief, during this stretch of 202 appearances he was not relived once. In 10 years, he will fail to finish only eight of 286 starts.The Orphans, who will become the Cub's however dismantled the Superbas, later to be named the Dodgers 11-3 and Orval Overall will pick up the W.  In a 15 game series vs the upstart Chicago White Sox, Rumors swirled about the series, with James A. Hart accusing Taylor of having “laid down” against the Sox in his last three starts. He was traded in the offseason on 1903 from the team and then reacquired during the 1906 season. Taylor retired after the 1907 season when the Cub’s would win their first of 2 straight World Series. On August 14, 1958, Vic Power of the Cleveland Indians steals home twice in the same game. His second stolen base gives the Indians a 10-9 win in 10 innings. Not known for his base-stealing ability, Power will finish the season with only three stolen bases.During his 12-year career Power will steal 45 total bases and get caught 35 times, he stole 9 twice and in 1959 he had a career-high 9 steaks and 13 caught stealing. Power mainly a starter, also appeared 4 times in his career as a pinch-runner, at age 36 and 38. He also once got out of a jam on the base paths by running directly towards the fielder running with the ball, while waving his arms in the air. He flustered him enough that he threw the ball to someone else instead of tagging Power.Needless to say, despite his amazing feat, Ty Cobb was never concerned by Vic. August 15, 1995 - At the request of the Mantle family, Bob Costas delivers the eulogy at Mickey's funeral. The popular broadcaster, known for his love of the game and his admiration of the Yankee superstar, describes the Hall of Famer as "a fragile hero to whom we had an...