Tom Yawkey

Thomas Austin "Tom" Yawkey (February 21, 1903 - October 10, 1976) was an American industrialist and Major League Baseball executive. He was born in Detroit, Michigan.

Related Topics:
February 21 - 1903 - October 10 - 1976 - American - Major League Baseball - Detroit, Michigan

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Yawkey became president of the Boston Red Sox in 1933, and was the sole owner of the team for 44 seasons, longer than anyone in baseball history. He purchased a struggling team after the famous Babe Ruth transaction and dedicated his time and finances for the rest of his life to building winning teams. His teams' best seasons occurred in 1946, 1967 and 1975 when the Red Sox captured the American League pennant, and then went on to lose each World Series in seven games against the St. Louis Cardinals (1946, 1967) and Cincinnati Reds (1975).

Related Topics:
Boston Red Sox - 1933 - Babe Ruth - 1946 - 1967 - 1975 - American League - World Series - St. Louis Cardinals - Cincinnati Reds

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Yawkey was a racist though who passed up signing Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson and under his leadership the Red Sox were the last team to sign an African American player which finally happened in 1959, 12 years after the Brooklyn Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson.

Related Topics:
Racist - Willie Mays - Jackie Robinson - Brooklyn Dodgers

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Yawkey was a generous and popular man and proved a strong voice in major league councils. He also served as American League vice president between 1956 and 1973. He died in Boston at 73 years of age. His wife, Jean R. Yawkey, became president of the club following her husband's death in 1976.

Related Topics:
Boston - Jean R. Yawkey - 1976

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Tom Yawkey was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980.

Related Topics:
Baseball Hall of Fame - 1980

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See also

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• Boston Red Sox
• Red Sox Hall of Fame
 
Tom Yawkey: External links ►