Fay Vincent, Former Baseball Commissioner During Tumultuous Years, Passes Away at 86

Vincent, who had been battling bladder cancer, passed away following complications, as confirmed by his wife Christina.

Fay Vincent, 86, Dies After Long Battle with Bladder Cancer
Fay Vincent, who served as Major League Baseball commissioner from 1989 to 1992, has passed away at the age of 86. Known for his leadership during a period of significant turmoil, Vincent’s tenure in office was marked by labor disputes, controversy, and high-stakes decisions.

Vincent died Saturday at a hospital in Vero Beach, Florida, after complications from bladder cancer. He had undergone radiation and chemotherapy treatments before choosing to stop further care, his wife, Christina, confirmed.

Rob Manfred, the current commissioner of Major League Baseball, praised Vincent’s contribution to the sport, stating in a public statement: “Mr. Vincent served the game during a time of many challenges, and he remained proud of his association with our national pastime throughout his life.”

A lawyer by training, Vincent had a varied career that spanned law, corporate management, and sports administration. He had been retired for three decades, residing in New Canaan, Connecticut, and Vero Beach, Florida, after stepping away from the spotlight.

Vincent’s Eventful Commissionership
Vincent took on the role of commissioner unexpectedly following the sudden death of A. Bartlett Giamatti in 1989. During his three-year term, he made bold moves that earned both praise and backlash. One of his most notable actions was becoming the first management official to acknowledge collusion among baseball teams in the 1980s. This admission angered owners but demonstrated Vincent’s commitment to transparency.

In 1990, Vincent also oversaw the suspension of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner due to his involvement in a scandal surrounding a gambler, although he later reinstated Steinbrenner in 1993.

Vincent’s tenure was marred by strained relations with owners, particularly after a 1990 spring training lockout, and attempts to alter the structure of baseball. In 1992, he proposed realignment plans for the National League, which were ultimately overturned after a legal challenge.

By the end of his term, tensions between Vincent and the owners, led by figures such as Bud Selig and Jerry Reinsdorf, escalated. In a dramatic turn of events, a vote of no confidence in Vincent led to his resignation in September 1992.

Reflections on His Legacy
In a 2023 interview, Vincent reflected on his time as commissioner, acknowledging both successes and shortcomings. “The tragedy of baseball is the single biggest thing I left undone was to build a decent relationship between the owners and the players,” he said, expressing regret that this critical issue was left unresolved.

Vincent’s work extended beyond baseball management. He was deeply involved in the preservation of the sport’s history, chairing a committee that removed an asterisk from Roger Maris’ home run record and cataloguing interviews with Hall of Fame players and Negro Leagues veterans. His efforts led to the publication of three books on baseball history.

A lifelong baseball fan, Vincent had always been involved in the sport. He had a longstanding friendship with Giamatti, which led to his appointment as deputy commissioner in 1986. His early days in the baseball world also included overseeing the investigation into Pete Rose’s gambling activities, which ultimately resulted in Rose’s lifetime ban from the game.

Vincent’s Early Life and Career
Born on May 29, 1938, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Vincent overcame significant adversity early in life. A football and baseball star in college, he was partially paralyzed after a fall during his freshman year at Williams College. Despite this, he completed his studies and went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa.

Vincent’s career began in law, but his connections with corporate figures like Herbert Allen led him to roles in Hollywood, where he successfully ran Columbia Pictures. His tenure at Columbia included overseeing the release of iconic films such as Ghostbusters and Tootsie. However, his passion for baseball remained a constant throughout his career, leading to his eventual involvement in the sport’s administration.

In his later years, Vincent continued to support the sport and its history, making significant contributions to the field, including a generous donation to Yale University to endow a baseball coach’s position in honor of his late father.

Family and Personal Life
Vincent’s personal life included two marriages, first to Valerie McMahon in 1965, with whom he had three children, and later to Christina Watkins in 1998. His legacy lives on not only through his work in baseball but also through his family, his charitable efforts, and his unwavering commitment to the sport.

Fay Vincent will be remembered as a commissioner who navigated turbulent times with both resolve and a deep love for the game of baseball. His legacy will continue to resonate throughout the sport for years to come.