The Phillies went through a particularly dreadful stretch from 1918-1948, finishing in last place 16 times and only once finishing as high as 4th. In his autobiography, a maverick would-be owner described how he had a grand plan to bring the Phillies to glory by purchasing them in 1943 and stocking the club with talent from the Negro Leagues. He claimed that his plan was wrecked, however, by Commissioner Landis and NL President Ford Frick. Even though subsequent scholarship has debunked this tale, it only adds to the legend of what Hall of Fame owner and renowned promoter?
Bill Veeck