BOWIE KUHN: A HERITAGE AS BAD AS NIXON

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn died yesterday and, implausible as it may seem, probably someone actually loved him and is grieving. I'm sorry for that. I also try to find something good to say about a person who passes on. Unfortunately, in the case of Bowie's public life, it was impossible.

He presided over the first substantial work stoppage in modern MLB. In the words of Furman Bisher "This wouldn't have happened if Bowie Kuhn were alive today" (Bowie was, of course, alive and Commissioner at the the time.)

He moved the World Series games to late prime time instead of day time, thus cutting out viewing opportunities for more than two thirds of the USA's children. Is it any wonder that's about the time soccer took hold as a summer sport?

Finally, he arranged for the fans to "vote" on the All- Star team, that is, to vote as many times in as many ways as is humanly possible, without restriction, leading to ballot box stuffing that makes Cook County look like Ding-Dong School.

I'm sure he probably used the right fork at supper and wouldn't be surprised if he brushed and flossed regularly but his heritage is 1) weak or no leadership during labor tensions; 2) taking the Fall Classic away from the children of America; and 3) a chaotic, uncontrolled election for participation in what was then a treasured event.

Rest in peace, which is pretty much what you did as Commissioner.