Lee MacPhail

Lee MacPhail was an American baseball executive who served as the president and general manager of the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees. He also served as the president of the American League.

MacPhail played a crucial role in the development of professional baseball. He helped negotiate the first collective bargaining agreement between players and owners, introduced the designated hitter rule in the American League, and played a key role in resolving the infamous pine tar incident involving George Brett.

Lee MacPhail served as the president of the American League from 1974 to 1983.

The pine tar incident occurred on July 24, 1983, during a game between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees. George Brett hit a home run, but the umpires ruled him out due to an excessive amount of pine tar on his bat. Lee MacPhail, serving as the president of the American League, reviewed the incident and decided to overturn the umpires' ruling, allowing the home run to stand.

Lee MacPhail's legacy in baseball is marked by his contributions to the game, particularly as an executive. He was well-respected for his knowledge of the sport and his ability to find solutions to conflicts. MacPhail's impact on the game can still be seen today, with the designated hitter rule still in effect in the American League.