William Shea was born on June 21, 1907, in New York City. He grew up with a passion for sports and attended Columbia Law School, where he eventually became a successful lawyer. Despite his legal career, Shea's true love was baseball, and he would go on to make a significant impact on the sport.
While Shea was known for his work as a lawyer, he will always be remembered as the founder of the Continental League in baseball. In the early 1960s, he saw the need for a new baseball league to provide competition to Major League Baseball. Shea worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality, and in 1960, the Continental League was formed.
Shea's efforts to establish the Continental League were groundbreaking and paved the way for the eventual expansion of Major League Baseball. His dedication to the sport and his desire to give fans more opportunities to enjoy baseball were evident in his work with the league.
One of Shea's most significant contributions to baseball was his involvement in bringing the New York Mets to the city. Prior to the establishment of the team, New York City had been left without a National League team following the departure of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants.
Working alongside New York Mayor Robert Wagner, Shea played a pivotal role in organizing a committee dedicated to bringing baseball back to the city. In 1962, the New York Mets were born, and Shea Stadium became their home for the next 45 years.
Shea's impact on baseball extended beyond the Continental League and the New York Mets. He was instrumental in the establishment of the New York Islanders in hockey as well, showing his commitment to sports in his city.
Even after his passing, Shea's legacy lives on. Chipper Jones, a former baseball player, named his second son Shea in honor of the success he had hitting home runs at Shea Stadium. This is a testament to the lasting impact Shea had on the sport and the people who were lucky enough to witness his work.
William Shea was a proud New Yorker, born and raised in the city he loved. He dedicated his life to making his city a better place through his work in sports and law, leaving behind a legacy that will always be remembered.
Shea's passion for baseball and his commitment to bringing the sport back to New York City cemented his place in sports history. His work with the Continental League and the New York Mets changed the landscape of baseball forever, ensuring that future generations would have the opportunity to enjoy America's pastime.