Well known for his strong leadership and organizational skills, Moss was a key contributor to the development of Minor League Baseball during more than six decades, helping bring professional baseball to 43 United States cities represented by 114 ownership groups, by stressing the importance of providing quality, wholesome, family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price.

Over the years, Moss gained inductions into five Halls of Fame and also received numerous honours for his commendable contributions to baseball.

[5] Moss began his baseball career as a minor leaguer in 1940, playing briefly for the Shelby Colonels of the Tar Heel League, a Class-D affiliate of the Washington Senators.

[9] In the process, Moss headed the circuit until 2007 and boasted 16 franchises spread out across eight states, stretching from south Georgia to New Jersey and westward to Ohio and Kentucky, with half of these clubs playing in facilities constructed in 2001 or later.

[9] Gardner–Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina named its ballpark John Henry Moss Stadium as a tribute to his long-term relationship with the school and his significant financial contributions to it.

It was followed by the event 2008 Celebration Tour, which was hosted at each of the league's 16 ballparks, where each club honored Moss during a pre-game ceremony.

Additionally, a cast bronze plaque was installed in each park to pay tribute for his 50 years of outstanding service to the Western Carolinas/South Atlantic League.

The award honors Moss for his dedication and charitable service to baseball and his community during his 50-year tenure as a league president, and is presented to a Minor League club that has demonstrated an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service and has exhibited support and leadership within its local community and the baseball industry throughout the season.