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The Way It Is
No loose pages. Tanning due to age. Ex-library copy with card holder inside back cover. Otherwise looks unread. See Photos.
- GenresBaseballSportsNonfiction
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1971
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 7, 2008
For its era, the book is on a par with Bouton's Ball Four, though it doesn't get much past Flood's decision not to accept a trade from St. Louis to Philadelphia (after which, some years later, baseball's reserve clause was eliminated, allowing players to have some say as to where they played upon the end of a contract). It's total bullshit, though, that when you look up Curt Flood on this site the first book that turns up is Bunts by George Will. Gag me with a secret journal....
December 24, 2021
This was a tough read, probably because I couldn’t help but read it through the eyes of a 10 year old. I still remember that devastating blow following the 1969 baseball season, the first season I got serious about following major league baseball and its players, especially my hometown team’s players. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, and my favorite Phillie was Dick Allen. After the 1969 season Dick Allen was traded to St. Louis for, among others, Curt Flood. To add insult to injury, Curt Flood refused to accept the trade. Although things eventually worked out for me because as compensation the Phillies received Willie Montanez and another player, and Willie quickly became my new favorite Phillie, I apparently still harbored some animus which bubbled up upon reading the first few paragraphs of Flood’s apology.
I’m not using “apology” here in the sense of an admission of error accompanied by an expression of regret. Mr. Flood, relative to his anti-Reserve Clause actions, should feel neither error nor regret. Rather, I use apology in the sense of something that is said or written to defend a stance or actions which have been criticized by others. The Reserve Clause had to end, I understand. However, I think Flood’s apology would stand up better had he not denigrated so many throughout his apology, including managers, broadcasters, writers, fans, women, and even players who didn’t agree with him. You shouldn’t have to drag down others to make your case stand tall.
Another reason this book was difficult for me to read was because it was written in the 1970s by a relatively young man who fully embraced the contemporary culture and language of his day (something perennially “cool” people do, as if I would know). Like most long-gone trends, those actions and verbiage didn’t age well, often leaving me feeling as if I was at a family reunion where crazy uncle Curt was spouting anachronistic, offensive, cringe-worthy, smirk-inducing proclamations we all reasoned had to be alcohol induced.
It took courage and determination for Flood to do what he did. His subsequent troubles show how difficult his stance was, how human he was. Change was needed, and maybe someday I'll get over the fact that that change came at the expense of my hometown team.
I’m not using “apology” here in the sense of an admission of error accompanied by an expression of regret. Mr. Flood, relative to his anti-Reserve Clause actions, should feel neither error nor regret. Rather, I use apology in the sense of something that is said or written to defend a stance or actions which have been criticized by others. The Reserve Clause had to end, I understand. However, I think Flood’s apology would stand up better had he not denigrated so many throughout his apology, including managers, broadcasters, writers, fans, women, and even players who didn’t agree with him. You shouldn’t have to drag down others to make your case stand tall.
Another reason this book was difficult for me to read was because it was written in the 1970s by a relatively young man who fully embraced the contemporary culture and language of his day (something perennially “cool” people do, as if I would know). Like most long-gone trends, those actions and verbiage didn’t age well, often leaving me feeling as if I was at a family reunion where crazy uncle Curt was spouting anachronistic, offensive, cringe-worthy, smirk-inducing proclamations we all reasoned had to be alcohol induced.
It took courage and determination for Flood to do what he did. His subsequent troubles show how difficult his stance was, how human he was. Change was needed, and maybe someday I'll get over the fact that that change came at the expense of my hometown team.
February 1, 2018
an amazing book
May 19, 2022
Wow! I must for sports and African-American historians.
July 7, 2012
This book is amazing to read in 2012. Curt Flood is as egotistical as any player you'd find on the 2012 Yankees. But it was 1956... Curt Flood is black. Flood was perfect for the time... smart, black, a hippie, outspoken, and the best center fielder on the best team in baseball ever - the 1967 St. Louis Cardinals. An absolute must read for any baseball fan.
April 24, 2008
Horrible writing style and very self serving. But worth reading if only for the chapter about encountering the segregated south for the first time.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews