Kenesaw Mountain Landis

Kenesaw Mountain Landis was the first Commissioner of Major League Baseball, serving from 1920 to 1944. He is best known for restoring integrity to the sport after the 1919 Black Sox scandal, where players were accused of throwing the World Series. Landis took a strong stance against gambling and cheaters, banning involved players for life and enforcing strict discipline. His leadership helped rebuild public trust in baseball, establishing the role of the Commissioner as the sport’s moral authority. Landis's tenure significantly shaped modern baseball’s governance and reputation.