Tom Yawkey
From SoSH
Tom Yawkey (February 21, 1903 - July 9, 1976), was born Thomas Austin in Detroit, Michigan.
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Overall Career
Yawkey became president of the Red Sox in 1933, purchasing the team for $1.5 million. With 44 years at the helm of his beloved Red Sox, he has the longest tenure of any owner in Major League history. Yawkey was the American League's Vice President from 1956 to 1973. Yawkey paid top dollar for his players, who became known as the 'Gold Sox' after Yawkey's lavish spending. He made many updates to Fenway Park in 1933, then again sfter the fire in 1934. He was known to spend quite a bit of time with the players, and was close friends with players such as Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski.
Yawkey is a controversial figure, as claims of racism follow his legacy. Yawkey's team was the last to integrate, some 12 years after Jackie Robinson joined the Dodgers. Robinson had been given a tryout by the Red Sox in 1945, but was not given a contract or minor league deal, presumably due to race. A similar blunder occured four years later, when the Red Sox had the inside track on Willie Mays, but let him slip away as well.
After Yawkey's death in 1976, his wife Jean Yawkey assumed his duties in the front office. The Yawkey Foundation was founded upon his death, following in a legacy of philanthropy.
Moment in the Sun
During Yawkey's tenure, the 1946 Red Sox, 1967 Red Sox, and 1975 Red Sox capured the American League Pennant.
Yawkey was voted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1980.
Trivia
Yawkey was the only member of the Hall of Fame to be inducted serving solely as owner of a franchise, never serving in the capacity of player, manager, or general manager.
