James H. Lemon Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | James Hanson Lemon (1903-05-14)May 14, 1903 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | July 20, 1977(1977-07-20) (aged 74) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Alma mater | Princeton University (B.S. 1925) |
| Occupation(s) | businessman, investment banker |
| Known for | Co-owner/president of theWashington Senators (1963–1967), chairman of the board, 1968 |
| Spouse | Martha Lane McGchee |
| Children | James Hanson Lemon Jr. |
James Hanson Lemon Sr. (May 14, 1903 – July 20, 1977) was an Americaninvestment banker fromWashington, D.C. He is best known as the co-owner of theWashington Senators of theAmerican League withJames Johnston from1963 through1967, and the principal owner and chairman of the board in1968.[1] Lemon was born in Washington in 1903.[2] He received a Bachelor of Science degree fromPrinceton University in 1925.[3]
During the 1930s, Lemon was well known in the world ofcontract bridge, serving as president of the Washington Bridge League[4] and, in 1939, of theAmerican Contract Bridge League (ACBL).[5]
In 1963, Johnston and Lemon purchased the two-year-old Senatorsexpansion franchise from their original principal owner,Elwood "Pete" Quesada. One year after Johnston's death in December 1967, Lemon sold the franchise toBob Short. Lemon remained with the Senators as chairman of the board, retaining a minority interest in the team.[6] Short later moved the Senators toArlington, Texas, where they became theTexas Rangers. He was a frequent golf partner ofDwight Eisenhower, who appointed him as a special ambassador toGhana.[7]
Lemon was not related toJim Lemon, the former outfielder who was field manager on the Senators in 1968.[8]
Lemon died in 1977 at Washington at 74.[9] His wife Martha died on December 21, 1996.[10]
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