Fay Vincent, the former Commissioner of Major League Baseball, has died at the age of 86 after battling complications from bladder cancer. Vincent passed away on February 1, 2025, in Vero Beach, Florida, according to his wife, Christina.

Vincent took over as the eighth commissioner in 1989 following the sudden death of A. Bartlett Giamatti. His term was marked by significant challenges, including the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which interrupted the World Series. Vincent ensured that the series resumed ten days later despite the disruption caused by the quake, demonstrating his leadership during crisis moments. Current MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Vincent for his contributions, stating, "Mr. Vincent served the game during a time of many challenges, and he remained proud of his association with our National Pastime throughout his life," as reported by CBS News.

During his nearly three years in office, Vincent contended with various tumultuous issues, including a player lockout in 1990 and ongoing disputes with team owners. His administration faced significant strife, culminating in a no-confidence vote by nearly two-thirds of the owners, leading to his resignation in 1992. He expressed regret for leaving issues unresolved, particularly the strained relationship between players and owners.

Born on May 29, 1938, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Vincent's early athletic ambitions were curtailed after a severe injury during his freshman year at Williams College. He later graduated from Yale Law School and had a notable career as an entertainment lawyer before transitioning into baseball administration. Prior to his appointment as commissioner, Vincent had a close relationship with Giamatti, who appointed him deputy commissioner after Giamatti became commissioner in April 1989.

Vincent's tenure includes critical decisions that shaped MLB's landscape, such as overseeing the 1993 National League expansion to Denver and Miami. Nevertheless, he faced backlash from team owners for admitting past collusion against free agents, which significantly affected his standing with them. As Vincent himself noted in a 2023 interview, “I had mixed results ... the players and the owners still have to make some commitment to each other to be partners and to build the game,” reflecting on his tumultuous time in office.

Vincent's contributions to baseball extended beyond administration; he was an avid advocate for the sport. He chaired a committee that aimed to enhance statistical accuracy, which notably involved removing the asterisk next to Roger Maris' home run record, solidifying his commitment to baseball’s legacy.

After resigning, he continued to impact the game through various initiatives and philanthropic efforts, including a recent significant donation to endow a baseball coach's position at Yale University in honor of his father. Vincent's legacy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to the game, particularly during periods of notable difficulty.

Vincent is survived by his wife, Christina, and his children from previous marriages, leaving behind a rich legacy in the sport he loved. His life and career were a testament to the challenges and triumphs of Major League Baseball and its long history.

For further details, please see the reports by Reuters and USA Today.