13 Facts About Bill DeWitt

Bill DeWitt began his formal baseball career with the Cardinals as a protege of Branch Rickey, who moved from the Browns to the Redbirds in April 1917 and would become a legendary executive and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Bill DeWitt ultimately joined the Browns, the city's underdog American League team, in November 1936 as minority owner and general manager.

Bill DeWitt attempted to add depth and unearth hidden talent by trading the Browns' few veteran assets, such as pitcher Bobo Newsom, for second-string players or minor leaguers with other organizations.

Nevertheless, Bill DeWitt was named 1944 Major League Executive of the Year by The Sporting News to recognize his achievement.

Bill DeWitt was only able to stay afloat by selling most of the Browns' prospects for cash.

Bill DeWitt remained in the Browns' front office until Veeck was forced to sell the team in September 1953.

Bill DeWitt moved on himself in November 1960, replacing Gabe Paul as GM of the Cincinnati Reds.

Bill DeWitt made a number of deals for players such as Joey Jay, Don Blasingame, and Gene Freese, and the Reds went on to win the 1961 National League pennant after winning just 67 games in 1960.

Bill DeWitt's Reds benefited from a productive farm system, with Jim Maloney, Johnny Edwards, Pete Rose, Tony Perez, Lee May, and Tommy Helms making their debuts through 1966, and Johnny Bench reaching Triple-A in only his second pro season.

Sorely in need of mound help, Bill DeWitt controversially traded future Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson to the Orioles for two pitchers and a minor league outfielder; the outrage over the trade made it difficult for one of the pitchers, former Orioles standout Milt Pappas, to adjust to pitching in Cincinnati.

One month later, the senior Bill DeWitt was succeeded by Bob Howsam as general manager.

In 1967, Bill DeWitt's name was briefly linked with an ownership group that unsuccessfully sought an expansion team for Buffalo, New York, as both leagues announced plans to grow from 10 to 12 teams in 1969.

Bill DeWitt died in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 4,1982, at age 79.