William Eckert

William Dole Eckert (January 20, 1909 - April 16, 1971) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force, and later the commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1965 to 1968. When he became commissioner, Eckert had not seen a game in person in over 10 years. He was a compromise choice for the job.

Related Topics:
January 20 - 1909 - April 16 - 1971 - Lieutenant general - United States Air Force - Commissioner - Major League Baseball - 1965 - 1968

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Just before becoming the commissioner, Eckert worked as a management consultant to the aviation industry. During this period, he served on the boards of directors of several corporations.

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He incurred the public's ire by refusing to cancel games after the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and team owners' disdain because he refused to deal forcefully with substantive business issues. Anticipating a players' strike and having no ownership confidence in his ability to handle the situation, Eckert was forced to resign at the end of the 1968 season although he still had three years on his contract.

Related Topics:
Robert F. Kennedy - Martin Luther King, Jr. - Players' strike

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In spite of his much publicized failures and shortcomings, William Eckert also developed more effective committee actions, streamlined business methods and helped stabilize franchises with bigger stadiums and long-term leases. In addition, Eckert worked hard toward promoting the game internationally. It all paid off when in 1966, the Los Angeles Dodgers visited Japan.

Related Topics:
1966 - Los Angeles Dodgers - Japan

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