Hector Racine

Hector Racine was the principal owner of the Montreal Royals of the International League from the time he purchased his first shares in 1933 until his death 1956. He also served as team President starting in 1935.

A prominent local businessman, he was born in nearby La Prairie, QC on October 8, 1866. During his time as President, he arranged for the Royals to become the top farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers, which in turn provided the team with a steady flow of excellent young players. He played a prominent role in bringing Jackie Robinson to Montreal for his only minor league season in 1946, as he was present at the press conference announcing his signature the previous October, and made sure the young star was welcomed with open arms by the community. The Royals were one of the most successful franchises in all of the minor leagues during his time at the helm, winning six league championships and three Junior World Series. He also served as Vice-President of the International League and served on the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

He died in Bal Harbour, FL on March 12, 1956. He was inducted in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021 as part of its class of Canadian baseball pioneers.