Curt Flood

Center Fielder
Cleveland Barons (SF, STL, LA, DEN, MAN)
1958-1976 

Let me paint you a picture: Curtis Charles Flood led a complicated life outside of baseball. Renaissance Man, Civil Hero, Fraudster? Does any of that matter? Between the lines he kept it simple: Hit, Run, Catch, Throw.  Flood was simply one of the best when he was at his best. Regardless of who painted what, we can’t use Mr. Flood’s personal life as a factor on whether he deserves to be enshrined among baseball’s shiniest luminaries.

So let’s look at what Flood did on the field. Drafted by the San Francisco Spiders in 1958, the fifth overall pick with promise galore. Flood played a very minor role in the Spiders organization until 1961 and 1962, where he began to show his worth, but still yet to be featured in a starring role. Then came the turnaround. His trade to the Cleveland Barons, which he seemed to have no moral problem with, opened a new world for Curt as an everyday starting center fielder. Flood responded immediately by digging out what, in retrospect, would seem to be his career best year, busting out a 5.8 WAR in 1963. He flourished in the everyday starter leadoff role, batting .349 with a .386 OBP. Rewarded with his first of four All Star Game appearances. All downhill from here you say? Not quite, Flood became an integral part of the Barons best chance at glory. His next seven years in Cleveland saw him in his heyday, and part of some pretty good clubs, including 1965 and 1967 World Series teams. He did not disappoint in the postseason either. The Barons saw the best of him, which is why he will be entering HOF consideration as a Baron.

Flood’s trade to the St. Louis Maroons in 1970 saw a bit of resurgence for him, posting a 5.4 WAR for his new team. Still a major on base threat through the entirety of his career, his other skills began to diminish somewhat and he was nagged by a few injuries that kept him from full time status. He journeyed to Los Angeles, then was chosen in a surprise move by the expansion Denver 14ers in 1973. He put his trademark “New Home Magic” on display in Denver, posting his highest OBP of his career: .421!  His career came to fitting close being traded to Manhattan where he finally earned that elusive World Series ring in his final season in 1976. Flood retired while he was on top at age 39.

When all was said and done, Flood carved out some pretty awesome totals including a .310 career batting average and a sparkling .365 OBP. His speed was above average but his penchant for being caught stealing kept him in check, though always a threat. His glove work was sparkling and earned two Gold Gloves for his efforts in center field, no small feat considering the fierce competition. As of 1989, he ranks #21 in batting average and #30 in hits.

Was something missing? Flood never seemed to find that cause to define him off the field. He was always treated fairly and compensated well for his skill and contributions. His friends and colleagues considered him a bit of a renaissance man, he had many interests in life, but when he strapped on his cleats, he had one goal: win. (Charlie Qualls)