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Bowie Kuhn Obituary
Kuhn died at St. Luke's Hospital following a short illness, his spokesman Bob Wirz said.
When Kuhn took over as commissioner from William Eckert on Feb. 4, 1969, baseball just had completed its final season as a tradition-bound 20-team sport with no playoffs, a reserve clause and an average salary of about $19,000.
During his tenure, the sport battled the rise of the NFL and a combative players' union that attacked him with lawsuits, grievances and work stoppages.
By the time Peter Ueberroth succeeded Kuhn on Oct. 1, 1984, the major leagues had 26 teams in four divisions, a designated hitter in the American League, the first night World Series games, color-splashed uniforms, free agency and an average salary of nearly $330,000.
"I want it to be remembered that I was commissioner during a time of tremendous growth in the popularity of the game," he said, "and that it was a time in which no one could question the integrity of the game."
People did question several of his major decisions. He didn't attend the game in 1974 when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run to break Babe Ruth's career record. And he banned Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle from association with their teams because of their liaisons with gambling casinos - Mays in 1979 and Mantle in 1983.
Many fans also remember him for his questionable choice to watch World Series games played at night in frigid weather without an overcoat.
Kuhn feuded with colorful personalities: owners Charlie Finley, Ted Turner, George Steinbrenner and Ray Kroc; former star players Mays, Mantle and Curt Flood; union head Marvin Miller. He presided over a 50-day strike that split the 1981 season in half.
Finley once called Kuhn "the village idiot." A prim and proper lawyer who stood ramrod erect, Kuhn was thought of as a stuffed shirt by some.
"You've got to develop a sense of humor," Kuhn once said in an interview. "You have to be able to stand back and laugh. That's invaluable, or you're apt to go slightly balmy."
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
36 Entries
Harry Simpson
March 15, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Charlyne Sanders
January 21, 2010
I started working for the Baseball Office of the Commissioner in March 1970 and retired in April 2005. I consider Commissioner Kuhn "Number 1" of all the Commissioner's I served under. He was a man of integrity and it is my opinion that he made every effort to make decisions that were fair and honest.
Evelyn
February 14, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I have often found comfort from reflecting on John6:28,29. I sincerely hope this thought will bring a measure of comfort and hope to your family.
Sandie Spriggle
March 21, 2007
I was so saddened to hear of Bowie's death just recently, I send my sympathy to the family. Bowie cared so much for other people and he expressed this so often in so many ways. I especially know about his many visits to St. Catherine Laboure Manor, where I was the activities/volunteer director until retirement in 2000. He had a special bond with several of the men. To mention a couple, Ed Russell and Chuck Ambersley. They had many good times together at Men's Club in the activity room. They really ejoyed the seasonal baseball games and the World Series, on the big screen TV. They always began by singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." Residents and Staff at St. Catherine's loved this man and looked forward to his coming for parties,visits, and Mass. He taught me a lot about compassion, sharing and really enjoying being with the elderly. What a blessing it was to have known this wonderful man. My prayers are with each family member.
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Anne Getchell,RN
March 21, 2007
We grieve with you for the loss of this man. His spirit lives on, may he rest in peace. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Mayo Anticoagulation clinic staff
Marie Lucas
March 19, 2007
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Stephanie Ando
March 19, 2007
Mrs Kuhn, I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Kuhn's passing. I will miss calling him every year on our mututal birthdays! May God keep you in the palm of his hand during this difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Katherine Gander
March 19, 2007
Some of the changes made during Mr. Kuhn's tenure were great for the game -- some weren't, but they were all made with integrity and honesty as well as with a true love of the game. Today's leaders seem to test the way the wind is blowing before making their decisions: right is right and wrong is wrong. Thanks for some good baseball memories and for being an icon of integrity and honesty (SO SORELY NEEDED TODAY).
To family and friends, my sympathy is with you all. How wonderful it must be to have been a part of such a life well lived.
George Leonnig
March 19, 2007
With deepest sympathy for the Kuhn family and thanks to Bowie for his example of ethics and integrity.
norma williams
March 19, 2007
To The Family ,
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
May the God of all comfort... comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Julia
March 18, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mike Agron
March 18, 2007
Thank you, Mr. Kuhn, for the many positive contributions you made to my favorite sport, baseball. I was a young, always enchanted fan of the game during the early years of your tenure. And, though I didn't always understand why so many changes in baseball occurred, then, I later understood after reading your book. I read your book almost 14 years ago, and very much enjoyed it. Rest in peace.
Anita Crane
March 18, 2007
It was an honor to have known Mr. Bowie Kuhn in professional circumstances. His standard was excellence in all things and he saw himself in good humor. While I send condolences to his family and friends, I am happy for him in the hope that he has celebrated his birthday into eternal life. May God grant you eternal peace and joy, Mr. Bowie Kuhn!
Fr. James O'Neal
March 18, 2007
I was saddened to read about the death of your beloved Bowie. I fondly remember his visits to Ed Russell at St. Catherine Laboure Manor while my mother was there. He attended several Masses which I had the privelege to celebrate for the residents. He has left a marvelous human/spiritual legacy which will continue to inspire for years to come. God Bless and Comfort you as you mourn your loss. God Bless You all!
Fr. Jim O'Neal(Diocese of St. Augustine,Fla.)
Catholic Garrison Chaplain
USAG Humphreys
Pyeongtaek, Korea
Michael Locker MD
March 17, 2007
A class act.
Michael Locker MD
Richard Harrington
March 16, 2007
With every decision came the desire to govern in the interest of the fans. You may agree/disagree with the decision but you must respect him. Rest in Peace Mr. Kuhn.
Robert J Strack
March 16, 2007
You did what you belived in.Rest in peace.
Jerry Wilson
March 16, 2007
Sam Bowie
Rhett Berger
March 16, 2007
my sincerest condolences to Bowie's family. This is a tragedy that it will take a while for baseball to fully realize.
Christy Larker
March 16, 2007
May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Marshall Selph
March 16, 2007
Baseball will forever rember you for your honesty and trustworthy in keeping the game a game of sport and not politics as usual. Rest in Peace Forever.
Ritchie Dulaney
March 16, 2007
Wayne you are in my prayers.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
March 16, 2007
REST IN PEACE BOWIE
Dorothy & Jim Goodwin
March 16, 2007
It was our great honor to have known Bowie and Louisa for 20 years. Bowie was a dear man who gave of himself to others.
As said by Horatio's farewell at the death of Hamlet, his dear friend: "Now cracks a nobel heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest".
Kenneth Kresowaty
March 16, 2007
Baseball will remember your leadership
Rest in Peace-Bowie
M.W. Holland
March 16, 2007
May God grant comfort to Mr. Kuhn's family and friends.
Robert Fitzmaurice
March 16, 2007
May God's peace be with you.
Mike Dugan
March 15, 2007
Major League Baseball has lost one of its best with the untimely passing of Bowie Kuhn.
The Kuhn family will always have a place next to my heart.
glenn owen
March 15, 2007
are condolences to your love ones he will be missed
Randall Haire
March 15, 2007
You were a source of integrity the entire time of your administration, thank you more than most of us can put into words. It seems like all of the sports went to heck not long after you left!
louis perry
March 15, 2007
Louis Perry Paso Robles,Ca.
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