Hall of Fame Baseball Executive. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he began his career in organized baseball when American League founder and President Ban Johnson hired him as a clerk in 1911. From 1911 to 1927, he served as Johnson's personal secretary and became American League secretary in 1927. In 1931, Harridge became the American League President and held that post until his retirement in 1958. In that position, he successfully promoted the league and in 1933 was instrumental in convincing American League club owners to play an inter-league All-Star game, which has been the mid-summer tradition ever since. He died at age 87 in Evanston, Illinois, and was posthumously elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee in 1972.
Hall of Fame Baseball Executive. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he began his career in organized baseball when American League founder and President Ban Johnson hired him as a clerk in 1911. From 1911 to 1927, he served as Johnson's personal secretary and became American League secretary in 1927. In 1931, Harridge became the American League President and held that post until his retirement in 1958. In that position, he successfully promoted the league and in 1933 was instrumental in convincing American League club owners to play an inter-league All-Star game, which has been the mid-summer tradition ever since. He died at age 87 in Evanston, Illinois, and was posthumously elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee in 1972.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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