NECBL Mourns the Loss of Former President Francis “Fay” Vincent Jr.
North Adams, MA — The New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) mourns the loss of former NECBL President Francis “Fay” Vincent Jr., one of the most influential figures and supporters in the 31-year history of the NECBL, who past on Saturday.
In late 1997, the NECBL drew national attention with the announcement that Fay Vincent, Jr., former Major League Baseball Commissioner, was taking over as League President and Chairman of the Board.
Vincent served as President of the NECBL from 1997 to 2003, providing much needed guidance during a crisis which threatened the young League’s existence, and giving the NECBL instant national credibility.
"The New England League has lost a dear friend. Fay served as the League's president and was a firm believer in what summer collegiate baseball in New England meant for our scenic towns that hosted our teams, to college athletes, and to the game of baseball,” stated by NECBL Commissioner Sean McGrath.
A former CEO of Columbia Pictures and an Associate Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Vincent is best known for serving as Major League Baseball Commissioner from September 1989 to September 1992. He provided calm leadership after inheriting the crises of ex-commissioner Bart Giamatti’s sudden death and the 1989 World Series earthquake just one month into his tenure. Vincent was responsible for MLB’s first expansion in 15 years by bringing in the Colorado Rockies and (then) Florida Marlins. Vincent later wrote his autobiography The Last Commissioner: A Baseball Valentine.
“We always knew Fay was there for the League as we contributed his time, support, and advice. In these past few years, he has been helping us with our strategy planning and thinking about the future. He will be missed, but thanks in part to his leadership and vision, the game of amateur baseball will continue to thrive in New England,” continued Commissioner McGrath.
The NECBL champion is awarded the Vincent Cup in honor of his family. Inducted into the NECBL Hall of Fame in 2010. Vincent Jr. was inducted into the NECBL Hall of Fame in 2010.
The New England League will celebrate his life in all our ballparks on opening day with a moment of silence and tribute.
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The New England Collegiate Baseball League is a wooden bat college summer league that fields teams in all six New England states. Partially funded by Major League Baseball, the New England League started play in 1994 and has sent over 230 alumni to the Major Leagues with nearly 30 alumni taken in the first round of the MLB Draft. For continuing coverage of the NECBL, visit NECBL.com and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.
