1971 Topps Curt Flood

Every Major League ballplayer should stop and take a few minutes to remember Curt Flood today. Flood was born on this date 71 years ago. He died in 1997.

Little known Flood fact: He had the very first hit in a regular-season game in Canada (Montreal 1969).

Better known Flood fact: He is responsible for free agency. If it wasn't for him, players could still be making a fraction of their current salary.

He was also a pretty good player with three All-Star appearances, seven gold gloves and two world championships.

Happy birthday, Curt Flood!