Fay Vincent
Fay Vincent
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Fay Vincent Jr.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: July 15, 1932
Died: October 17, 2017 (aged 85)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Lawyer, Commissioner of Baseball, Author
Early Life and Background
Fay Vincent Jr. was born on July 15, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a family that valued education and the law. Vincent's father, Fay Sr., was an attorney who instilled in his son the importance of hard work and integrity. Vincent attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he graduated with honors. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law School.
Major Accomplishments
Vincent's career as a lawyer spanned over three decades. He served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas and later became an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York. In 1989, Vincent was appointed Commissioner of Baseball by President George H.W. Bush, serving until 1992. During his tenure, he implemented various reforms to improve the game, including changes to the steroid testing policy.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his work as a lawyer and Commissioner of Baseball, Vincent wrote several books on baseball history and ethics. His most notable works include:
_The Last Tycoon: The Life and Times of Meyer Lansky_ (1991)
_The Far Side of the Law: A Lawyer's View of the American Dream_ (2000)
Vincent was also a vocal advocate for social justice, using his platform to speak out against issues such as racism in baseball.
Impact and Legacy
Fay Vincent's impact on baseball is still felt today. His efforts to reform the game helped to restore its integrity and credibility. As Commissioner of Baseball, he worked tirelessly to address issues related to steroid use, ensuring that players were held accountable for their actions.
Vincent's legacy extends beyond his work in baseball. As a lawyer and advocate for social justice, he demonstrated a commitment to using his platform to effect positive change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Fay Vincent is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful commentary on baseball history and ethics. His writings offer a unique perspective on the game, shedding light on its complexities and nuances. Vincent's quotes are often sought after by media outlets and historians due to their depth and nuance.
In addition to his written works, Vincent's legacy as Commissioner of Baseball continues to be felt today. His commitment to reforming the game has left a lasting impact on the sport.
Vincent's life serves as an example of the power of dedication and perseverance. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to using his skills and experience for the greater good.
Fay Vincent Jr.'s story is one that will continue to inspire readers for years to come, offering valuable insights into the world of baseball and beyond.
Quotes by Fay Vincent
Fay Vincent's insights on:

The committee's focus is on what we positively know about Buck, and that is he was a very important part of our baseball history, not just Negro League history, and he was honored by being a very strong candidate for election.

This is a great honor and an historic moment in the history of the Hall of Fame. What a great sadness there is that we didn't do this 30 or 40 years earlier. . . . These people who were candidates were greatly honored by being candidates, I'm sure, but it would have been nicer had we been able to do this 30 or 40 years ago and have so many more alive. So, I'm sorry we're late, but I'm proud that we're doing it.

He's in a very tough situation, and that's why I think it's the worst problem for baseball since the Black Sox. Because it's so amorphous and so big and so murky. ... For the first time Selig has the awkward position of having to authorize an investigation where he may be a target. No commissioner has ever been in that position.

I don't think the individuals are going to be willing to discuss their individual votes. We agreed we would not do that.

I don't think Bud really has any choice now. If he does nothing, Congress will surely jump in again. They're going want answers about Bonds. I think there's very little room for Bud to maneuver here. Baseball needs to have its own independent investigation.

I don't think Bud wants a major confrontation. On other hand he wants major changes, and that's going to lead to a major confrontation, ... The union is very well run. They win all the legal fights and baseball has to fold. There isn't much history that says the owners have a very good chance.

I don't know if anybody would be willing to go out on a limb and say other Negro leagues guys are going to be considered.

In some respects, it's the most damaging and difficult mess for baseball since the White Sox scandal in 1919.

I'm sorry that we're late. I'm sorry that we couldn't do this 30 or 40 years ago when some of our candidates were alive. But we're here now to make this right.
