Ford Frick

Date of Birth: December 19, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: April 8, 1978

Biography

Ford Christopher Frick was an influential American sportswriter and Major League Baseball (MLB) executive who made a significant impact on the world of sports journalism and baseball administration. Born in 1894 in Wawaka, Indiana, Frick began his career as a high school teacher and sportswriter before moving on to become a ghostwriter for Babe Ruth. His adept writing and deep understanding of baseball eventually led him to become the President of the National League from 1934 to 1951 and later the Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1951 to 1965. During his tenure, Frick was known for his efforts to maintain the integrity of the sport, including his controversial decision regarding Roger Maris’s home run record in 1961. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1970, recognizing his lifelong contributions to the game. Frick passed away on April 8, 1978, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence baseball today.

5 Interesting Facts about Ford Frick

1. Ford Frick initially worked as a high school teacher and also contributed to local newspapers as a sportswriter.

2. He served as Babe Ruth’s ghostwriter, helping to pen stories and columns attributed to the baseball legend.

3. As Commissioner of MLB, Frick was instrumental in the expansion of the league, including the introduction of new teams.

4. Frick’s decision to place an asterisk next to Roger Maris’s single-season home run record was highly controversial and debated for years.

5. The Ford C. Frick Award, named in his honor, is given annually to a baseball broadcaster for major contributions to the game of baseball.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ford Frick

1. “Baseball is the greatest of American sports. It is the only one truly of our national origin.”

2. “The integrity of the game is everything. Without it, baseball would be nothing.”

3. “A good sportswriter must be both an observer and a participant, always engaged but never intrusive.”

4. “Records are meant to be broken, but they are also meant to be respected.”

5. “The beauty of baseball is in its simplicity and its complexity; it is a game of endless possibilities.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ford Frick’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a prominent sports executive and journalist, he was comfortably well-off, especially given his significant positions within Major League Baseball.