Veeck was born in 1914 and grew up in a baseball family. His father was a sports writer and his mother was a baseball fan. He attended the University of Illinois where he played baseball and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Veeck's career in baseball began in 1936 when he became the business manager of the minor league Milwaukee Brewers. He was later hired by the Cleveland Indians in 1941 and served as the team's vice president and general manager. He was responsible for signing Larry Doby, the first African American player in the American League.
In 1946, Veeck purchased the St. Louis Browns and served as the team's president and general manager. He was known for his creative promotions, such as "Grandstand Managers' Day" and "Dollar Day". He also signed Satchel Paige, the first African American pitcher in the American League.
Veeck sold the Browns in 1953 and purchased the Chicago White Sox in 1959. He was responsible for the team's first pennant in 40 years and was also known for his innovative promotions, such as "Disco Demolition Night".
In 1960, Veeck was part of a group that founded the Continental League, a proposed third major league. The league never materialized, but it did lead to the expansion of the National and American Leagues.
Veeck sold the White Sox in 1981 and retired from baseball. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Throughout his career, Veeck was known for his progressive approach to the game and his willingness to take risks. He was a pioneer in the integration of baseball and a champion of the working class fan. He was also an advocate for the players and a leader in the promotion of the game.
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