Harry Frazee

Profession: MLB Team Owner

Nationality:

Biography: Harry Herbert Frazee was an American theatrical agent and baseball team owner. He is best known for his controversial sale of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees and ownership of the Boston Red Sox, which was rumored to have initiated the "Curse of the Bambino."

Frazee began his career in the entertainment industry by building the Cort Theater in Chicago in 1907 and became a notable theatrical producer in New York City with constructions like the Longacre Theater. He was a millionaire by 1915 and also promoted a famous boxing match between Jess Willard and Jack Johnson.

Purchasing the Boston Red Sox in 1916, Frazee led the team to a World Series title in 1918. Financial pressures from his theaters, however, soon resulted in selling several star players to the Yankees, including Babe Ruth in 1919.

After acquiring Fenway Park, Frazee's financial issues persisted, compelling him to secure loans and sell more players, which fueled rivalry with other American League teams. His decisions during this time significantly bolstered the New York Yankees while the Red Sox lagged behind for decades.

Frazee passed away at 48 due to kidney failure. Posthumously, his role has been reexamined, and factors such as World War I, league politics, and Babe Ruth's conduct have been suggested as influences on his notorious trades.

Born: June 29, 1880
Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois, USA
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: June 4, 1929 (aged 48)
Cause of Death: Kidney failure