Bill Veeck

Date of Birth: February 9, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 2, 1986

Biography

Bill Veeck, born William Louis Veeck Jr., was a renowned American Major League Baseball team owner and promoter. Known for his innovative and often controversial promotional ideas, Veeck was a transformative figure in baseball. He owned several teams throughout his career, including the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns, and Chicago White Sox. Veeck’s tenure in baseball was marked by his deep sense of showmanship and a genuine desire to make the game more entertaining for fans. Veeck was instrumental in integrating the American League by signing Larry Doby to the Cleveland Indians in 1947, making Doby the first African-American player in the American League. He was also known for his promotional stunts, such as the infamous “Disco Demolition Night” and sending a midget, Eddie Gaedel, to bat in a game for the Browns. Despite facing numerous health challenges, including the amputation of his leg, Veeck’s passion for baseball never waned, and he continued to be a vibrant presence in the sport until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Bill Veeck

1. Bill Veeck was the son of a sportswriter who later became president of the Chicago Cubs.

2. He was part-owner of the Milwaukee Brewers (then a minor league team) and introduced the concept of “batting” to the fans.

3. Veeck was known for planting the ivy on the outfield walls at Wrigley Field, which remains a signature feature of the ballpark.

4. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991, posthumously.

5. Veeck authored three books, including his autobiography “Veeck – As in Wreck.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bill Veeck

1. “You can’t be afraid to be different.”

2. “Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can’t get you off.”

3. “There are only two seasons – winter and baseball.”

4. “I try not to break the rules, but merely to test their elasticity.”

5. “This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There’s time to discuss everything between pitches or between innings.”