Good morning afternoon, Athletics Nation!
The MLB Players Association introduced a new award this year, named after Curt Flood. The Oakland product and three-time All-Star outfielder is best known for his role as a players’ rights champion. The honor bearing his name goes to a former player, with the criteria being one who “demonstrated a selfless, longtime devotion to the Players Association and advancement of players’ rights.”
The MLBPA panel selected Andre Dawson as the first winner of the Curt Flood Award, reports insider Matt Kelly. The Hall of Fame outfielder beat out three other finalists — Don Baylor, Mark Belanger, and pitcher-slash-congressman Jim Bunning.