George Dovey

George B. Dovey

• Born April 18, 1862 in Pottsville, PA USA
• Died June 19, 1909 in Xenia, OH USA

Biographical Information

George Dovey was co-owner of the Boston Doves (later known as the Braves) along with his brother John Dovey. He died at age 46 after suffering a hemorrhage while on a train during a scouting trip in Ohio.

The family fortune came from coal mines in central Pennsylvania, owned by his father. He played baseball in Paducah, KY for Barney Dreyfuss, later the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates and President of the National League. He gave the mines when they flooded, and later worked in the railroad business and as an automobile dealer. He purchased the Boston Braves (known under various nicknames at the time) in 1906 and was also the team President, with his younger brother serving as secretary and treasurer. Sportswriters quickly dubbed the team the "Doves" in his honor, but the name was never official.

All National League games were cancelled in mourning on the day of his funeral, June 22nd. Dreyfuss served as one of his pallbearers.

Related Sites

• Find-A-Grave Memorial for George Dovey