William Veeck, Sr.

Who was William Veeck, Sr.?

William Veeck, Sr. was a sports writer and baseball executive. He was president of Chicago Cubs from 1919 to his death in October, 1933. Under Veeck's leadership, the Cubs won two pennants, in 1929, and 1932.

Veeck was a sportswriter for the Chicago's American in 1917 when Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr. hired him to be vice-president of the baseball club. Having won the National League pennant in 1918, Wrigley promoted him to president of the club in July, 1919. Veeck was also the father of Bill Veeck, who is best known for his time at the reins of the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians, and for sending the midget Eddie Gaedel to bat while owning the St. Louis Browns.

Veeck resided in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale, Illinois.