Giles began his career in baseball in the late 1930s. He was the business manager of the Cincinnati Reds and remained in this position until 1946. During his time there, he helped modernize the franchise, introducing the first full-time scouting system.
In 1946, Giles moved to the National League office in New York City where he was named Secretary-Treasurer. In 1951, he was elected President of the National League, a position he held until 1969. During his tenure, Giles was credited with introducing the Major League Baseball Player Draft, advocating the use of night games, and introducing the first All-Star Game. He was also instrumental in the formation of the first professional baseball league in Mexico.
Giles was an innovator in the world of baseball. He was the first to introduce the concept of revenue sharing between teams, and he was the first to suggest the idea of an official league statistician. He was also the first to suggest that players be allowed to wear helmets while batting, a rule that is still in effect today.
Giles was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, becoming the first president of a major league to be inducted into the Hall. He is remembered as an innovator and a leader who changed the face of the game.
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