The 5th Commissioner of Baseball, a lawyer and businessman, oversaw the sport during a transformative era, introducing the designated hitter and negotiating TV contracts. He's remembered for his conservative approach to the game.
Bowie Kent Kuhn, the American lawyer and sports administrator, is best known for serving as the fifth Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1969 to 1984. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the game, earning him a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Kuhn was born on October 28, 1926, in Takoma Park, Maryland, to Alice Waring Roberts and Louis Charles Kuhn, a fuel company executive. His father's Bavarian German heritage and his mother's deep roots in Maryland influenced his upbringing in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and later attended Franklin and Marshall College in the V12 Navy College Training Program before transferring to Princeton University in 1945. Kuhn graduated from Princeton with honors in 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.
Kuhn's journey in baseball began when he received his J.D. degree in 1950 from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the law review. He then worked at the New York City law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which represented the National League. This association led to his involvement in baseball's legal affairs, including serving as a counselor for the NL in a lawsuit brought against it by the City of Milwaukee when the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta following the 1965 season.
After the owners forced out William Eckert in 1968, Kuhn emerged as a logical replacement for the job of commissioner. His intimate knowledge of Major League Baseball's inner workings made him an ideal candidate, and at 42, he became the youngest commissioner in history.
During his 15-year tenure, Kuhn oversaw significant changes in the game, including the introduction of the designated hitter in the American League, the expansion of the league from 20 to 26 teams, and the establishment of the modern playoff format. He also played a crucial role in negotiating television contracts, increasing revenue for the league, and maintaining the integrity of the game.
Kuhn's contributions to baseball earned him numerous accolades, including his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. His legacy is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the game, and he remains an influential figure in the world of baseball.
91 Years Old
The 9th Major League Baseball Commissioner, who oversaw the game's expansion, introduction of the wild card, and steroids scandal, while also presiding over a period of unprecedented growth and revenue.
88 Years Old
The eighth Commissioner of Major League Baseball, serving from 1989 to 1992, known for his role in shaping the game's modern era, including the introduction of the wild card playoff spot.
Born in 1898
A lawyer and politician who served as Governor of Kentucky and Commissioner of Baseball, known for his role in breaking baseball's color barrier by approving Jackie Robinson's contract. He played a significant part in shaping the sport's history.
Born in 1894
Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1951 to 1965, known for implementing the Cy Young Award and being a key figure in baseball's golden era.
