As sports editor of the Chicago Tribune, Ward was asked to come up with a sports event in connection with the 1933 World 's Fair. He knew that July 6 was an open
date for both MLs and suggested an all-star game. AL president Will Harridge supported
the idea, but some owners openly opposed it. The Tribune guaranteed expenses, with any profits to go to the Professional Ball Players of America, a charitable organization. It was expected to be a one-time event but has become an annual institution.
The following year
Ward created the College All-Star Game, in which graduated college stars from the
previous season opposed the reigning NFL championship team.
A graduate of Notre
Dame, Ward was that school's first sports publicity director, in 1920. He was sports
editor of the Rockford Star, 1921-25, when he joined the Tribune, where he served as sports editor and columnist for 25 years. His column was called "In the Wake of the News." Ward's books
include The New Chicago White Sox, Frank Leahy and the Fighting Irish, and The
Green Bay Packers.
(NLM)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»July 9, 1955:
Chicago newspaperman Arch Ward, the originator of the All-Star Game, dies at age 58 as he is leaving to cover his 22nd midseason classic.