Veeck as in Wreck

Above is the title of the autobiography of Bill Veeck probably the most colorful individual in modern baseball. He combined innovation, promotion and public relations together which often infuriated the baseball establishment. Born in Chicago, his father was an executive with the Cubs and young Bill sold popcorn at Wrigley Field. During his career he held ownership positions in Cleveland (Indians) where he brought Larry Doby, the first African American, into the American League followed by the ageless Satchel Paige (46) to win a pennant in 1948. Later in Chicago (White Sox) it is said he induced the announcer, Harry Caray, to sing "Take me out to the ball game" during the seventh inning stretch, which became a fixture at the game. Supposedly it was his idea to plant the ivy in Wrigley Field. To bring more people to the games he provided fireworks and exploding scoreboards but his craziest stunt took place in St. Louis (Browns) when he sent a midget up to the plate to pinch-hit and gain a walk. The umpires were furious. Veeck was in the U.S.Marines during WWII and a leg injury required amputation so he had a wooden leg. He was also a heavy smoker and bore a hole in the wooden leg to act as an ashtray. After his baseball career - and the owners were glad to see him go - he owned the Suffolk Downs race track in Massachusetts. While there  he wrote his final book titled "Thirty Tons" which represented  the daily  output of manure produced at the track. On the subject of religion he once said "I believe in God but I'm not too clear on the other details." I think of this guy kindly during the seventh inning stretch or when watching the ponies run. (Note - Kentucky Derby first Saturday in May)
tjs
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