Dick Walsh, American baseball executive, first commissioner of the North American Soccer League died he was , 85.

Richard Bishop Walsh Jr. was a prominent American sporting executive, born on October 30, 1925, in South Bend, Indiana. He spent his early years in Evanston, Illinois, before moving to Los Angeles, California, with his family during his childhood. Over the course of his remarkable career, which spanned more than 50 years, Walsh held high-level positions in various sports organizations and convention center management.

Walsh is particularly recognized for his contributions to Major League Baseball and professional soccer. Notably, he served as the first commissioner of the North American Soccer League, demonstrating his pioneering spirit and commitment to the growth and development of the sport in the region.

Beyond his work in sports, Walsh played an instrumental role in convention center management, leveraging his expertise and leadership skills to drive success in this sector. His extensive career and accomplishments left a lasting impact on the sports and entertainment industries in the United States.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Walsh was married and had a family. He passed away on May 6, 2011, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as an esteemed sports executive and visionary leader in the world of professional sports and convention management.

(October 30, 1925 – May 6, 2011)

Early baseball career with the Dodgers

Richard Bishop Walsh Jr.'s career in baseball began after his military service during World War II. He joined the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1948 as a member of the front office staff of the Fort Worth Cats, the team's farm club in the Class AA Texas League. Walsh's dedication and hard work led to his promotion as the Dodgers' assistant minor league director in 1951, where he worked under Fresco Thompson.

Walsh played a crucial role in the historic shift of the Brooklyn club to the West Coast. When the Dodgers acquired the Los Angeles franchise of the Pacific Coast League in January 1957, Walsh, being from Los Angeles, became the president of the minor league franchise. He served as a liaison between the Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles, ensuring a smooth transition.

After the Brooklyn club moved to Los Angeles, Walsh became the assistant general manager of the Dodgers. He focused his efforts on the team's plans to build a ballpark in Chavez Ravine. When Dodger Stadium opened in 1962 as a state-of-the-art facility, Walsh was named director of stadium operations for the club, a testament to his vision and commitment to the team's growth and development.

Throughout his career in baseball, Walsh demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and dedication to the sport. His contributions to the success of the Dodgers organization and the development of Dodger Stadium have left a lasting legacy in the world of baseball and sports management.

Soccer commissioner, then Angel GM

After 18 years with the Dodgers, Richard Bishop Walsh Jr. embarked on a new chapter in his career as he was chosen to serve as the commissioner of the United Soccer Association (USA) in 1966. His role would later evolve when the USA merged with the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) to form the North American Soccer League (NASL) before the 1968 season, making him the first commissioner of the NASL. Walsh's leadership in this capacity proved vital in establishing a strong foundation for professional soccer in the United States.

In October 1968, Walsh returned to baseball when Gene Autry, the owner of the California Angels, appointed him as the team's general manager. This change came after the retirement of the Angels' previous general manager, Fred Haney. Walsh faced significant challenges upon assuming his new role, as key personnel like Marvin Milkes and Cedric Tallis had departed to manage the expansion teams Seattle Pilots and Kansas City Royals, set to debut in 1969.

Walsh was confronted with the task of rebuilding the Angels' front office while simultaneously handling on-field issues. Following a poor start to the 1969 season, Walsh made the difficult decision to replace Bill Rigney, the Angels' only manager since their inception, with Lefty Phillips. This change in leadership led to an improvement in the team's performance, and they finished the season in third place in the American League West Division.

Walsh continued to seek opportunities to strengthen the Angels' roster, and in the 1969-70 offseason, he acquired talented but controversial outfielder Alex Johnson from the Cincinnati Reds. Johnson's powerful batting contributed to a successful 1970 season, as he won the AL batting title and helped the Angels secure 86 wins and another third-place finish in their division. However, tensions between Johnson and Phillips in 1971 led to disciplinary issues, suspensions, and ultimately, a decline in the team's performance.

In light of the team's struggles, Autry sought new leadership and replaced Walsh with the experienced Baltimore Orioles general manager Harry Dalton. Though Walsh's tenure with the Angels was marked by both achievements and challenges, his contributions to the team and to professional sports as a whole demonstrate his adaptability and commitment to fostering success.

After baseball

Following his departure from the California Angels, Richard Bishop Walsh Jr. decided to further his education and pursue new career paths. He enrolled in a master's degree program in public administration at California State University, Fullerton, demonstrating his commitment to personal and professional growth.

In 1974, Walsh took on the role of executive director of the Los Angeles Convention Center, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in convention center management. Over the course of nearly 24 years, Walsh played an instrumental role in shaping the success of the LACC, particularly during significant events such as the 1984 Summer Olympics and the early planning stages of the Staples Center.

During his time at the LACC, Walsh continued to expand his knowledge and expertise, earning a law degree. This additional qualification highlights his dedication to continuous learning and development, which remained a hallmark of his professional journey.

After leaving the LACC in 1997, Walsh continued to work in convention center management, supervising the opening and operations of facilities in Hawaii and Alaska. His wealth of experience and proven track record made him a sought-after leader in this field. From 2002 to 2005, Walsh served as the executive director of the Ontario, California Convention Center, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and dedicated professional in the industry.

Walsh's adaptability, drive, and passion for learning allowed him to transition successfully from a career in professional sports to one in convention center management. His numerous accomplishments in both fields stand as a testament to his exceptional leadership and resilience.

 

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