ST. LOUIS – Curt Flood’s legacy as a pioneer in challenging the reserve clause of Major League Baseball was highlighted today by his daughter, Shelly Flood, who spoke with FOX 2 about her father’s impact on the sport.

Flood, who played 15 seasons in the MLB (and even for the St. Louis Cardinals), sued the league in 1970 for $1 million in an attempt to overturn the reserve clause, which allowed teams to retain rights to players even after their contracts expired. 

Although Flood lost the case when it reached the Supreme Court, his efforts paved the way for the eventual elimination of the reserve clause in 1975. 

Its elimination in 1975 was a turning point that allowed players to become free agents.

Shelly expressed that her father deserves a place in the MLB Hall of Fame, noting his significant contributions to the sport.

Curt Flood passed away in 1997 at the age of 59, but his legacy as a trailblazer in baseball remains influential.