Ford Frick
Ford Frick
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Henry George Frederick "Ford" Frick was an American baseball executive and historian.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: December 19, 1894, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Died: January 28, 1978, in New York City
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American; baseball executive, commissioner, and historian.
Early Life and Background
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Frick was born into a wealthy family in Pittsburgh, where his father, William Frick, made his fortune in the meatpacking industry. Growing up, Ford developed an early interest in baseball, which would become a lifelong passion. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and later studied at Harvard Law School.
Major Accomplishments
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Frick's most notable achievement was serving as Commissioner of Baseball for the National League from 1947 to 1965. During his tenure, he implemented several significant changes, including:
Establishing a pension fund for retired players and umpires.
Creating the Baseball Writers' Association of America, which later became the Baseball Hall of Fame's selection committee.
Supporting the integration of baseball, paving the way for Jackie Robinson's historic debut in 1947.Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his administrative roles, Frick was a respected baseball historian and writer. He authored several books on the sport, including:
The American Baseball Record Book (1951)
* The History of the National League (1960)
He also contributed numerous articles and essays to various publications.
Impact and Legacy
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Frick's influence on baseball extends beyond his administrative achievements. His commitment to preserving the sport's history has had a lasting impact on its preservation and promotion. He played a crucial role in shaping the game's development during a pivotal period, earning him recognition as one of the most important figures in Major League Baseball history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Frick's insights into baseball's past and present continue to captivate audiences today. His commitment to preserving the sport's rich heritage has left an indelible mark on its future. As a trusted voice of authority, his words offer valuable context for understanding the game's evolution and enduring appeal.
His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of baseball to inspire and educate generations of fans.
Quotes by Ford Frick
Baseball has always been slow to accept change. Only through dire pressure can any radical change be accomplished. The move of the Giants and Dodgers from New York to California brought that pressure in abundance.
I don’t care if half the league strikes. Those who do will encounter quick retribution. All will be suspended, and I don’t care if it wrecks the league for 10 years. This is the United States of America, and one citizen has as much right to play as another.
I cannot but feel that the one man, above all others, who deserves the eternal thanks of his own race, and all thinking people, for bringing about baseball’s greatest reform, is Jackie Robinson himself…Certainly baseball people should be eternally grateful for the contribution he made to his own people, and to the game.
Review your work. You will find, if you are honest, that 90% of the trouble is traceable to loafing.