The continued call for the hall (of fame) as the push for Curt Flood to be enshrined in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame continues.
The Hall of Fame.
At any level, being enshrined is a major accomplishment. It's not only a way to chronicle one's impact, but for present and future generations, a way to go beyond time and space.
When it comes to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, there's a good amount of debate and discussion of who should be voted in, their impact on the game, and so forth. Of a number of glaring omissions, there's one person who without his efforts and sacrificing of his career, players from 1975 through today and beyond would in no way, shape, or form have benefitted, primarily via the creation of free agency (which did not exist until this time).
His name is Curt Flood.
My awareness of Mr. Flood begins as a kid when I'd watch baseball with my Dad, especially in the magazines where you'd see his name with a promotion or two. However, it's not until I read the book A Well Paid Slave when I understand the magnitude of the player and person.
During the 1960's as a member of the St Louis Cardinals, Flood is arguably among the top players in either (National or American) League and is on a trajectory for having a Hall of Fame Career. However, he's traded to the Philadelphia Phillies without warning, as at that time, teams could essentially deal with players as they please, as players (unlike today) have little if any say-so regarding their livelihoods to that level in requesting trades to signing a free agent deal.
In speaking with Shelly Flood (his daughter), we're able to learn this and so much more about his impact (you may watch the segment for a point of reference):
Even with the advent of free agency and related labor benefits for players, a confounding issue is enshrinement in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.
While there are acknowledgements made, the irony (and some would contend worse situation) is the attorney who tries his case and the commissioner of baseball at the time of Flood's actions (his lawsuit which eventually leads to the creation of free agency) are enshrined, but he isn't. And in doing so, Flood essentially sacrifices his career for the greater good (you may watch the video segments below for an additional point of reference):
In making this seismic shift when it comes to labor relations and players having more autonomy (which is up for debate this offseason as some are foreshadowing a work-stoppage/strike leading into the 2027 season), there's a continued call for a similar undertaking when it comes to the current voters and those who are in a position to continue to speak up and out for the person who is responsible for the financial benefits players current receive (Flood). For a point of reference (per the Associated Press), at the time free agency begins in 1975, the average salary is $44,676 and the top reported salary is $240,000; as of Opening Day for this season (2026), the average player salary is $5.34 million and the top reported salary is $61.9 million.
To put it in perspective, the 1975 salary is equivalent to approximately $280,000 in 2026 dollars per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.
And all because Curt Flood sacrifices his career for improved player control.
The efforts are ongoing with his selection to the Hall of Fame (you may refer to the segment below) and in her closing remarks, Flood notes, "Free agency gives the player the opportunity to navigate their own professional career".
There is a a continued call for the Hall.
And clearly, the call includes Curt Flood and his enshrinement given how his legacy plays out each and every day in Major League Baseball.
NOTES: To learn more, including watching the full interview with Ms. Flood, you may visit our playlist.
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