Kenesaw Mountain Landis was born on November 20, 1866, in Millville, Ohio, to Abraham Hoch Landis and Mary Kumler Landis. He had a modest upbringing and left school at the young age of 15 after failing algebra. Despite this setback, Landis was a determined individual who was eager to make a name for himself.
After leaving school, Landis began working at a local grocery store to support himself. However, he quickly realized that he had a passion for the law. He studied diligently and eventually became a successful lawyer, practicing in his hometown of Logansport, Indiana.
In 1905, Landis was appointed as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He gained a reputation for being tough on criminals and was known for his no-nonsense approach in the courtroom.
Landis made history in 1920 when he became the first commissioner of Major League Baseball. This appointment came in the wake of the infamous Black Sox Scandal, in which several players from the Chicago White Sox were accused of throwing the 1919 World Series.
Despite never having played the sport professionally, Landis made a significant impact on the game of baseball during his tenure as commissioner. He was known for his strict enforcement of the rules and his unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.
One of Landis' most controversial decisions came during World War II when he wrote to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, asking if baseball should be suspended. Roosevelt replied, instructing Landis to keep the game going as a way to boost morale during the war.
After serving as baseball commissioner for 24 years, Landis passed away on November 25, 1944. He left behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport, forever remembered for his dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and honesty in baseball.