William Harridge: President of the American League in the 1940s
The page features a vintage photograph of William Harridge, who held the position of President of the American League (AL) during a pivotal time in Major League Baseball history. Harridge was instrumental in overseeing league operations and policies, guiding the AL through the tumultuous environment of the 1940s, which included the impact of World War II on the sport. His leadership contributed to maintaining competitive balance and fostering cooperation among teams, including notable franchises such as the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago White Sox. The photograph is extracted from the 1940 Spalding Reach Official Baseball Guide, a publication that served as an important resource for baseball statistics and records. Harridge's tenure was marked by significant developments in baseball governance and labor relations, influencing the direction of the sport during a time of change.