Charles H. Byrne | |
|---|---|
 Charlie Byrne | |
| Born | September 1843 |
| Died | January 4, 1898(1898-01-04) (aged 54) |
| Occupation | Founder of the team that became theBrooklyn Dodgers |
| Years active | 1883–1898 |
Charles H. Byrne (September 1843–January 4, 1898) was a New York realtor who was one of the original founders of the team that became theBrooklyn Dodgers (now theLos Angeles Dodgers).
Byrne was a graduate ofSt. Francis Xavier College, and after graduation he worked as a writer for a newspaper.[1]
Byrne, his brother-in-lawJoseph Doyle,New York Herald editorGeorge J. Taylor, andRhode Island casino ownerFerdinand Abell formed a group that raised the money to found theBrooklyn ball club in 1883, known originally as simply the "Brooklyns". They leased land onFifth Avenue in Brooklyn to buildWashington Park, the team's original home, which cost $30,000. In its first year, the team played in the minor-leagueInter-State Association of Professional Baseball Clubs, winning the league championship. Having attracted a following, the owners moved the franchise in 1884 to theAmerican Association (AA), a competitor to the more establishedNational League (NL), that catered to a more working-class crowd.[2]
After managing the team from 1885 to 1887,[3] Byrne saw the franchise join the National League in 1890, and remained in the ownership group until his death in 1898. Under his tenure, the team, known variously as the Brooklyns, Bridegrooms and Grooms, posted a record of 567-506 and won two league championships (the AA in 1889 and the NL in 1890).[4]
Byrne was in ill health at the time of the National League meeting in November 1897,[1] but he insisted on making the journey from Virginia, where he had been recovering, to the event in Philadelphia.[1] After the meeting concluded, his health took a turn for the worse, from which he never recovered.[1] Byrne was buried atCalvary Cemetery inWoodside, Queens, New York.
| Preceded by (none) | President of the Brooklyn Dodgers 1883-1898 | Succeeded by |