Andrew Freedman
| Andrew Freedman | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Born |
September 1, 1860 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | December 4, 1915 (aged 55) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
Andrew Freedman (September 1, 1860 – December 4, 1915) was an American businessman. Freedman was the owner of the New York Giants of the National League from 1895 through 1902. Freedman was also director of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company and the Wright Company. He died in New York City, the place of his birth.
Freedman took over the Manhattan Athletic Club, which fell into receivership in 1893, as its receiver.
In 1895, Freedman became the principal owner of the New York Giants of the National League (NL), purchasing a controlling interest in the club from Cornelius C. Van Cott for approximately $53,000 ($1,525,764 in current dollar terms). During his ownership of the team, Freedman drew the ire of many of his players for various fines and abuses. In one incident, star pitcher Amos Rusie sat out the entire 1896 season during a feud with Freedman.NL presidential candidate Al Spalding called Freedman an "impossibility in baseball", demanding that Freedman retire from the game. Freedman refused.
With the financial backing of John T. Brush, principal owner of the Cincinnati Reds, Freedman purchased controlling interest in the Baltimore Orioles of the rival American League (AL) on July 17, 1902. The Orioles were in significant debt, reportedly owing $12,000 ($332,169 in current dollar terms). As a result, part-owner and team president John Mahon purchased shares in the team from players John McGraw, Joe Kelley, and Wilbert Robinson, becoming principal shareholder of the Orioles. Mahon, with the controlling interest in the Orioles, comprising 201 of the team's 400 total shares, sold his shares to Freedman.
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