National Commission

The National Commission was a three-person committee which oversaw organized baseball from 1903 to 1920. The membership consisted of a chairperson, the American League president, and the National League president. The Commission was created by the National Agreement of 1903, which gave it the power to interpret and carry out the terms and provisions of the National Agreement, as well as the ability to enact and enforce fines and suspensions.

The Commission was plagued with problems as many of its members were often club presidents while they held their post on the body. This often raised suspicions of conflicts of interest and that self-interest influenced some of its decisions. The Commission was replaced in 1920 by the Commissioner of Baseball.

Commission Members

• August Herrmann (chairperson); 1903 to 1920
• Ban Johnson (AL); 1903 to 1920
• Harry Pulliam (NL); 1903 to 1909
• John Heydler (NL); 1909
• Thomas Lynch (NL); 1910 to 1913
• John K. Tener (NL); 1913 to 1918
• John Heydler (NL); 1918 to 1920