Baseball Leaders of the 1930s: Landis, O'Connor, Harridge, Frick
The page from the 1937 Who's Who in the Major Leagues sports publication presents influential figures in baseball during this era. Kennesaw Mountain Landis is highlighted as the Commissioner of Major League Baseball since January 1921. Born in 1866 in Millville, Ohio, he previously served as a U.S. District Judge and had an interest in baseball since childhood. Leslie M. O’Connor is noted as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Office of Baseball Commissioner, appointed in February 1921, with professional experience in organized baseball. William Harridge, President of the American League since May 1931, took over following a special meeting after the death of Ernest Sargent Barnard. Harridge, born in 1886 in Chicago, had a background in railroads and never played baseball professionally. Lastly, Ford Christopher Frick became President of the National League in 1934, succeeding John Arnold Heydler.