It's a safe bet that Paul Beeston won't be wearing socks when he's in Cooperstown, N.Y., this weekend to witness the induction of longtime Toronto Blue Jays colleague Pat Gillick.
Known for going sockless and smoking cigars, the Jays president and CEO isn't much for formality, but don't let that mislead you. With or without socks, the hardworking Welland, Ont., native might be the most respected man in baseball. And as deserving as Gillick is of his plaque in Cooperstown, Beeston is equally worthy of being honoured.
No Canadian has had a greater impact on Major League Baseball than Beeston. Without the gregarious executive, it's safe to say there would be no Rogers Centre and no World Series banners flying in Toronto.
And in his role as president and chief operating officer of MLB, Beeston played a crucial role in preventing a devastating work stoppage in 2002.
Born in 1945, Beeston attended the University of Western Ontario and became a chartered accountant in 1971. The offbeat, personable number cruncher was working for Coopers & Lybrand in London, Ont. when the Blue Jays hired him as their first employee on May 10, 1976.
Beeston quickly ascended through the Jays ranks, becoming vice-president of business operations in 1977 and executive VP of business in 1984. By the time the Jays were contenders in the mid-'80s, Beeston had blossomed into one of the organization's most valued voices. For his efforts, he was named the club's president & COO in 1989 and CEO in 1991.
The outgoing executive often wooed free agents, and it was under Beeston's reign that the Jays became the first team to draw four million fans in a season. Beeston also strongly advocated hiring Cito Gaston when the Jays were looking for a full-time manager after Jimy Williams was fired in 1989.
Together with Gillick, Beeston masterminded the perfect blueprint for an expansion franchise. By endorsing a patient approach that emphasized scouting and player development, Beeston helped transform the club from perennial bottom dwellers into perennial contenders.
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