THIS DAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY: December 16, 1975. Bill Veeck and his group purchase a majority share of the Chicago White Sox for his second go-around with the team. Veeck was a pioneer in how the game is marketed to fans today as he is widely regarded as the Grandfather of promotions and giveaways. Some of his more famous ideas include free admission for fans following bad losses, having fans manage the game for the home team , allowing Eddie Gaedel to pinch hit for the St. Louis Browns even though he was a legal dwarf stading just 3' 7" tall and even installing the "exploding" scoreboard in Comiskey Park. His most infamous idea game in 1979 with Disco Demolition Night, which lead to fans rushing and destroying the field and eventually a White Sox forfeit. We never said he had the best ideas, but he certainly created the modern game as we know it.
THIS DAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY: ...
photo: with the help of Connie Mack
