Curt Flood
Award
For Long-Standing Devotion to the Union and the Advancement of
Players' Rights
The Curt Flood award is given to a former player (living or deceased) who embodies the spirit of Curt Flood by showing a selfless, long-standing devotion to the union and the advancement of players' rights.
The Curt Flood award is given to a former player (living or deceased) who embodies the spirit of Curt Flood by showing a selfless, long-standing devotion to the union and the advancement of players' rights.
The Legacy of Curt Flood
Flood challenged baseball’s reserve clause, which tied players to their teams in perpetuity. He lost his Supreme Court case in 1972, but his courageous fight helped pave the way for the advent of free agency in baseball in 1975.
1958 - 1969
Started MLB Career
12 seasons with Cardinals, 3× All-Star, 2× World Series Champion
1969
Reserve Clause Challenge
Refused trade to Phillies, challenging baseball’s reserve system
1970 - 1972
Flood's Legal Battle
Flood vs. Kuhn reached Supreme Court, paving way for free agency
1975
Free Agency Achieved
Flood’s sacrifice led to modern free agency when arbitrator Peter Seitz ruled in favor of Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally
Recent Winners
Players who have embodied Curt Flood's spirit of character and service
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Curt Flood Award
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Commitment
Flood Award winners embrace leadership roles in the union and never waver in their efforts to advance, protect and defend players’ rights.
Sacrifice
Nominees are guided by the same principles as Flood, who challenged baseball’s reserve clause despite the personal and professional cost.
Long-term impact
Flood Award recipients and nominees are driven by a desire to make things better for future generations.
Legacy
Each winner helps honor Curt Flood’s legacy by perpetuating his example as a champion of player advocacy.
What Players Consider
The award is given to a former player (living or deceased) who embodies the spirit of Curt Flood by showing a selfless, long-standing devotion to the union and the advancement of players' rights.’
About the Awards
Since 1992, the Players Choice Awards have recognized the Players who set the standard across the game, from performance and perseverance to leadership and impact beyond the field. Chosen by their peers, the awards reflect one of baseball’s highest forms of recognition: the respect of fellow Players.
MLBPA
MLBPA
MLBPA
MLBPA
