Thursday, 21 November 2024

    Will Harridge

    • Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2024
    • Embed from Getty Images
    • Sport(s): Baseball Executive
    • Statistics: Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
    • Will Harridge was a personal assistant to American League president Ban Johnson, a job he began in 1911. Harridge continued to work for Johnson until he became the American League secretary in 1927. Four years later, Harridge ascended to the presidency of the American League and stayed in that capacity until 1959.

      While Harridge was accused of being too hands-off, he was also not afraid to make tough decisions when needed. After star Yankees catcher Bill Dickey chased down Washington Senators player Carl Reynolds after a home plate collision and punched him in the jaw, Harridge fined the Yankee $1,000 and suspended him for 30 days. He also was quick to void the contract that St. Louis Browns’ owner, Bill Veeck, signed 3’ 7” Eddie Gaedel to. Gaedel batted in one game, drawing a walk on four pitches.

      Harridge was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

      We are proud to nominate Will Harridge for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
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