The Curious Case of Curt Flood

Curt Flood is barely a footnote now to even baseball fans, but you had to admire him for sticking to his principles. A gifted athlete, he challenged baseball's reserve clause, which basically tied a player to a team with no exceptions. Flood challenged this when he was traded to the Phillies, and eventually the case went to the Supreme Court. He lost, but he is part of the reason why baseball is the big money sport it is now. Flood wasn't doing it for money, though, he was doing it because he felt that baseball treated players like slaves (albeit, well paid ones). The doc also goes through Flood's personal demons, his alcoholism and his lack of financial acumen, resulting in him being in debt and not paying child support. There are interviews with former teammates, as well as Marvin Miller, the head of the Player's Association. Flood does not appear to be a very likable guy, and that kind of makes this not a great documentary. However, while his court case failed, he does deserve some recognition for making baseball the way it is today (for better or worse). I don't think non baseball fans will be interested, but if you are a fan or were one, its an interesting documentary about a man with flaws but a purpose.