Landis, Kenesaw, << KEHN ih `saw,` >> Mountain (1866-1944), an American judge, served as the first commissioner of professional baseball. During many years as judge of the United States District Court of Northern Illinois, Landis earned a reputation for fairness. In 1907, he won attention by fining the Standard Oil Company of Indiana $29,240,000 for accepting freight rebates.
In 1919, the Chicago White Sox allowed the Cincinnati Reds to “win” the World Series. To protect baseball from further dishonesty and scandal, the club owners appointed Landis commissioner of baseball in 1920. Landis ruled baseball with an iron hand, and the game acquired an unquestionable reputation for honesty. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1944. Landis was born on Nov. 20, 1866, in Millville, Ohio. He died on Nov. 25, 1944.
