August Herrmann, American executive in Major League Baseball (d.1931)

August "Garry" Herrmann (May 3, 1859 – April 25, 1931) was a prominent American figure whose career uniquely spanned both the intricate world of urban politics and the burgeoning landscape of professional baseball. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Herrmann’s life encapsulated an era of significant change and growth in the United States, leaving an indelible mark through his strategic acumen and leadership in two distinct, yet interconnected, spheres.

A Force in Cincinnati Politics

Herrmann's early professional life was deeply entrenched in the political machinery of Cincinnati. He served as a trusted and highly effective political operative for George B. Cox, the city's powerful Republican boss. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, political bosses like Cox wielded immense influence, meticulously controlling local governance, public services, and elections in urban centers across America. Herrmann's role involved intricate organizational work, strategic campaign management, and maintaining vital connections, showcasing a shrewd understanding of municipal politics and the levers of power. This background not only honed his administrative skills and ability to navigate complex organizational structures but also provided him with a valuable network and a reputation for getting things done, talents that would later prove invaluable in the world of professional baseball.

Leadership in Baseball: Guiding the Cincinnati Reds

Transitioning his formidable leadership skills to the realm of sports, Herrmann became a pivotal figure in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He served as a key executive and, most notably, as president of the Reds from 1902 to 1927. His tenure was a period of significant development for the franchise and for Major League Baseball as a whole. Under his guidance, the Reds achieved a major milestone with the construction of Redland Field in 1912, a state-of-the-art facility that would later gain legendary status as Crosley Field. Herrmann’s leadership was instrumental in steering the team through the dynamic early decades of the 20th century, a time characterized by rapid professionalization and growing popularity for the sport across the nation.

President of the National Baseball Commission

Perhaps Herrmann's most historically significant role was as the president of the National Baseball Commission, which served as the governing body of Major League Baseball from 1903 until 1920. This commission was a tripartite executive committee comprising the National League president (John Heydler), the American League president (Ban Johnson), and a third, neutral member—a team president chosen by the National League clubs, a role consistently filled by Herrmann (representing the Cincinnati Reds). Known for his diplomatic skills and ability to mediate, Herrmann often served as the crucial swing vote and de facto leader in decisions affecting the entire league structure and its future direction.

However, the commission faced its ultimate test and greatest challenge during Herrmann's presidency: the infamous Black Sox Scandal of 1919. This dark chapter saw members of the Chicago White Sox accused of intentionally losing the World Series, a revelation that rocked the sport to its core. The scandal starkly exposed the inherent weaknesses in the commission's authority, its fragmented leadership, and its limited capacity to effectively police the integrity of the game. The perceived inadequacy of the commission's response and its divided leadership ultimately led to widespread public disillusionment and a crisis of confidence in baseball. Consequently, the National Baseball Commission was dissolved in 1920. In its place, an independent, single-person Commissioner was appointed – Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis – who was granted broad powers to restore order and integrity to the game, marking a pivotal moment in baseball's administrative history and setting the stage for its modern governance.

Posthumous Recognition: The Honor Rolls of Baseball

In recognition of his extensive and profound contributions to the sport of baseball, August "Garry" Herrmann was named to the Honor Rolls of Baseball in 1946. The Honor Rolls were established as a precursor to the formal inductions into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. While not a direct induction into the Hall of Fame itself, inclusion in the Honor Rolls served as a significant acknowledgement of individuals who had made lasting and impactful contributions to the sport. This posthumous recognition underscored Herrmann's enduring importance in shaping early Major League Baseball, particularly through his leadership roles with the Cincinnati Reds and his instrumental, albeit ultimately challenged, tenure as president of the National Baseball Commission.

FAQs

What were August "Garry" Herrmann's main contributions?
August "Garry" Herrmann was a prominent figure known for his dual roles: as a political operative for Cincinnati boss George B. Cox, and more notably, as a key executive and president of the Cincinnati Reds, as well as president of the National Baseball Commission. His contributions include guiding the Reds during a formative period, overseeing the construction of Redland Field, and presiding over Major League Baseball's governing body during the tumultuous era of the Black Sox Scandal.
How was Herrmann involved in Cincinnati politics?
Herrmann served as a dedicated political operative for George B. Cox, Cincinnati's powerful Republican political boss in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This role involved managing political strategies, consolidating influence, and ensuring the smooth operation of Cox's political machine within the city, demonstrating his keen understanding of municipal governance.
What was the National Baseball Commission?
The National Baseball Commission was the governing body of Major League Baseball from 1903 to 1920, predating the modern Commissioner's Office. It comprised the presidents of the National League and American League, along with a third, neutral member—a team president from the National League, a role famously held by Herrmann. Its purpose was to oversee the rules, schedule, and overall administration of professional baseball.
What was Herrmann's role during the Black Sox Scandal?
As president of the National Baseball Commission during the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, Herrmann was at the helm when the accusations of game-fixing against the Chicago White Sox emerged. The scandal exposed the limitations and divided authority of the commission, as its fragmented leadership struggled to effectively address the crisis. The fallout ultimately led to the commission's dissolution and the creation of the more powerful, independent Commissioner of Baseball position.
What were the Honor Rolls of Baseball?
The Honor Rolls of Baseball, established in 1946, served as an initial form of recognition for individuals who had made significant contributions to the sport of baseball. While not synonymous with direct induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, it acknowledged important figures like Herrmann for their lasting impact on the game's development and history.