Kenesaw Mountain Landis was an American jurist and baseball executive who served as the first Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1920 until his death in 1944. He is remembered for his role in restoring integrity to the game of baseball after the 1919 Black Sox Scandal.

Landis was born in Ohio in 1866 and graduated from law school at the University of Cincinnati. After practicing law for several years, he was appointed to the federal bench in 1905. He served as a judge in the Northern District of Illinois for the next 15 years.

In 1920, Landis was appointed the first Commissioner of Major League Baseball. He was given the power to act as the sole arbiter of the game and to make decisions in the best interests of the game. He was also given the authority to suspend players and impose fines for violations of the rules.

During his tenure as Commissioner, Landis worked to restore public confidence in the game of baseball. He implemented a number of reforms, including the banning of players implicated in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, the adoption of a uniform set of rules, and the establishment of a pension plan for players. He also worked to ensure that the game was played fairly and that the players were treated fairly.

Landis also worked to expand the game of baseball. He encouraged the formation of new teams, the expansion of the minor leagues, and the development of new stadiums. He also helped to bring the game to new audiences, including the first night games and the first games broadcast on the radio.

Kenesaw Mountain Landis was an influential figure in the history of Major League Baseball. He was a strong advocate for the game and worked to ensure that it was played fairly and that the players were treated fairly. He was also instrumental in helping to restore public confidence in the game after the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. His legacy as the first Commissioner of Major League Baseball is remembered to this day.

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