Some would have you believe that it is Branch Rickey. He brought Baseball Jackie Robinson and was the first Major League owner to incorporate the farm system to develop young players. My vote though goes to Larry MacPhail. While owner of the Cincinnati Reds in 1935, he introduced night baseball to the majors and later brought night baseball to Brooklyn and the Yankees when he took over them. In 1947 he put together the first televised World Series. Also in 1947, he orchestrated the first official Old Timers' game to commemorate Babe Ruth. After all that still, his greatest accomplishment was bringing Red Barber with him when he moved from Cincinnati to Brooklyn. Try to envision Ebbets Field in the 40's and 50's without Barbers Voice.
Honorable mention go to Bill Veeck, owner of the last Cleveland team to win a World Series, until recently, the last Chicago team to win a pennant. And in 1953, he was the last to have a team play under one of the most tradition-laden in history, the St.Louis Browns. Veeck was popular with his fans for the countless delightful spectacles he gave them.
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I noticed you didn't have anyone comment so here it is. I have this problem often too.
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