Jimmie Lee Solomon facts for kids

Jimmie Lee Solomon (born March 11, 1956 – died October 8, 2020) was an American lawyer and a top leader in baseball. He worked for Major League Baseball (MLB) for many years. From 2005 to 2010, he was the executive vice president of baseball operations. Later, from 2010 to 2012, he was the executive vice president for baseball development. Jimmie Lee Solomon helped shape how baseball was played and developed.

Early Life and Education

Jimmie Lee Solomon was born and grew up in Thompsons, Texas. This was a small town near Houston. In 2010, only 246 people lived there. He was one of six children. His father, Jimmie Lee Solomon Sr., was a farmer. His mother, Josephine, worked at K-Mart in Houston.

His grandfather, Jeremiah, was a very important person in his life. Jeremiah had gone to college. He always told young Jimmie Lee to work hard in school. This helped Jimmie Lee want to do well in his studies.

Solomon went to Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, Texas. He later went to Dartmouth College. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also played for the Dartmouth football team. He even set a school record for the sixty-meter dash. After college, he earned a law degree (J.D.) from Harvard Law School.

Baseball Career Highlights

Jimmie Lee Solomon started working for MLB in 1991. His first job was Director of Minor League Operations. He moved up quickly in the company. He became the executive director of Minor League Operations. Then, he became the senior VP of Baseball Operations.

In these roles, he managed many important parts of baseball. He oversaw major league, minor league, and international baseball. He also managed the MLB scouting bureau. This group finds new talent for teams. He helped launch the MLB Youth Academy in Compton, California. This academy helps young players develop their skills.

Creating the All-Star Futures Game

Jimmie Lee Solomon came up with the idea for the All-Star Futures Game. He wanted a special event to show off talented players from the minor leagues. He also wanted to add more fun to the All-Star week. He got the idea from similar games in basketball and football.

The Futures Game started in 1999. It has become a very popular event. It helps teams see how their young players are growing. It is also a great chance for players to show their skills. The players for the game are chosen by Baseball America magazine. They work with MLB and all 30 baseball clubs. Each team can have up to two players in the game.

In 2003, Sports Illustrated magazine recognized Solomon's importance. They included him on their list of the 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports.

Leading Baseball Operations

On June 1, 2005, Solomon became the executive vice president of Baseball Operations. Commissioner Bud Selig announced this big promotion. In this new role, Solomon was in charge of even more areas. These included player discipline on the field and security. He also managed baseball facilities.

On August 7, 2007, Solomon attended a very special game. He was there when Barry Bonds broke the all-time home run record. Commissioner Selig was not able to be there, so Solomon represented MLB.

In June 2010, Solomon took on a new role. He became MLB's executive vice president for baseball development. This meant he was in charge of baseball academies. These academies were in the United States and Puerto Rico. He also oversaw minor league operations. He was also involved with the Civil Rights Game, an annual event.

Solomon left his role with Major League Baseball on June 12. Joe Torre, a famous former manager, took over his position.

Later Life and Legacy

In late September 2020, Solomon announced new plans. He was going to become president of Playrs. This was a part of a company called Turn2 Equity Partners. This group planned to invest in new technology companies related to sports. Other well-known baseball figures were part of this group, like manager Dusty Baker.

However, Jimmie Lee Solomon passed away a few weeks later. He died at his home in Houston on October 8, 2020. He was 64 years old. His contributions helped shape modern baseball.