Gene Budig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gene Budig
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Gene Budig, in his office at Illinois State University, 1973.
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| President of Illinois State University | |
| In office 1973–1977 |
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| Preceded by | David K. Berlo |
| Succeeded by | Lloyd Watkins |
| President of West Virginia University | |
| In office 1977–1981 |
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| Preceded by | James Gindling Harlow |
| Succeeded by | Harry Bruce Heflin |
| Chancellor of the University of Kansas | |
| In office 1981–1994 |
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| Preceded by | Archie Dykes |
| Succeeded by | Del Shankel |
| President of American League of Professional Baseball Clubs | |
| In office 1994–1999 |
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| Preceded by | Bobby Brown |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 25, 1939 McCook, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Died | September 8, 2020 (aged 81) Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
Gene Arthur Budig (May 25, 1939 – September 8, 2020) was an American baseball leader and university administrator. He was the last president of the American League (AL). He served in this role from 1994 to 1999. After his time, the American League and National League (NL) presidencies were ended by Major League Baseball (MLB). Budig later became a part-owner of a minor league baseball team. He held this position until he passed away.
Before working in baseball, Budig was a chancellor at the University of Kansas. He was also a president at Illinois State University and West Virginia University.
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Early Life and Education
Gene Arthur Budig was born on May 25, 1939. He was adopted as a baby and grew up in McCook, Nebraska. His childhood dream was to play second base for the New York Yankees. He attended the University of Nebraska. There he earned a degree in journalism in 1962. He continued his studies at the same university. He earned a master's degree in English and a PhD in education.
He was active in the Air National Guard. Budig retired as a major general in 1992.
Leading Universities
Gene Budig led several universities during his career. He served as president of Illinois State University from 1973 to 1977. Then he was president of West Virginia University from 1977 to 1981. From 1981 until 1994, he was the chancellor of the University of Kansas (KU). A lecture hall at KU, Budig Hall, was named in his honor.
Time at Illinois State University
Before becoming president of Illinois State University, Budig was the dean of students. One of his first actions was to bring back academic colleges. He also restored Student Services, which had been removed. Under Budig, new degrees were added. These included programs in farming business and teaching methods.
During his presidency, he faced challenges. In 1977, a rock concert on campus caused property damage. Many students needed medical help.
Time at the University of Kansas
Gene Budig was KU's fourteenth Chancellor. He served from 1981 to 1994. During his time, the university grew a lot. Many new buildings were constructed. These included the Dole Human Development Center and the Anschutz Science Library. The Lied Center and the Regents Center were also built.
The university also saw more students enroll. The number of special teaching positions, called endowed professorships, more than tripled. In 1991, Hoch Auditorium was hit by lightning and burned down. Chancellor Budig helped get money to rebuild it. The new building was named Budig Hall in 1997.
Baseball Career
Budig was named president of the American League on June 8, 1994. He held this important role for six seasons. The position was later officially ended. From 1992 to 1998, the top job of Commissioner of Baseball was empty. During these years, Bud Selig acted as the Commissioner. This meant the league president of the winning team gave out the Commissioner's Trophy.
Budig presented the trophy to New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. This happened after the Yankees won the 1996 World Series. He also presented the trophy to the Yankees after their wins in 1998 and 1999.
Key Actions as AL President
During his time as president, Budig brought in Larry Doby. Doby was the AL's first African-American player. He became Budig's special assistant in 1995. Budig said that "few have done more for Major League Baseball than Larry Doby."
Budig also suspended pitcher Mike Stanton. This was for Stanton's part in a fight between the Yankees and Baltimore Orioles in 1998. This made George Steinbrenner very angry. Budig did not argue back. Instead, he had friends send him a very large jockstrap. He signed it and sent it to Steinbrenner as a joke. The position of American League President was ended when Commissioner Bud Selig changed how Major League Baseball was organized.
In January 2007, Budig became a part-owner of the Charleston RiverDogs. This is a minor-league team linked to the New York Yankees. They play in the South Atlantic League.
Death
Gene Budig passed away on September 8, 2020. He was 81 years old. He was in hospice care at his home in Charleston, South Carolina, before his death.
