Warren Giles

Warren Crandall Giles

• School Washington and Lee University
• High School Staunton Military Academy

• Born May 28, 1896 in Tiskilwa, IL USA
• Died February 7, 1979 in Cincinnati, OH USA

Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1979

BR page

Biographical Information

Warren Giles started out as a general contractor after serving in the Army, making first lieutenant in infantry during World War I. Living in Moline, IL, he attended a meeting aimed at saving the near-bankrupt Moline Plowboys in November 1919 and spoke so eloquently that he was elected team president. He moved on to the St. Joseph Saints from 1923 to 1925. Branch Rickey then hired Giles to be president of the Syracuse Stars in 1926-1927, then Rochester Red Wings until 1936.

Giles was General Manager of the Cincinnati Reds from 1936 to 1951 and National League president from 1951 to 1969. He is also the father of Philadelphia Phillies owner Bill Giles.

Quote

• "The easiest way to kill interest in baseball is is to make it fancy, a dressy sport. Baseball prospers in an atmosphere of relaxation, a picnic type of background." Warren Giles.

Preceded by Larry MacPhail

Cincinnati Reds General Manager 1936-1951

Succeeded by Gabe Paul

Related Sites

• Warren Giles at the SABR Bio project
• Baseball Almanac Graphic on HOFers who Served in the U.S. Armed Services