Max Effgen

@maxeffgen

1h

Max Effgen

@maxeffgen

29 Jul 2025

In all my research, Roland Hemond's name shows up again and again in researching MLB MLBPA pension issues. There may have been no one more helpful to baseball.

Roland Hemond was a transformative figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), whose 70-year career left an indelible mark s innovative leadership, mentorship, and commitment to its growth. Born on October 26, 1929, in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Hemond’s journey began humbly, sweeping stands at Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium for the minor league Hartford Chiefs in 1951. This entry-level role ignited a lifelong passion, propelling him to become one of baseball’s most respected executives.
Hemond’s career spanned seven MLB teams, with significant roles including scouting director for the California Angels (1961–1970), general manager of the Chicago White Sox #WhiteSox (1970–1985) and Baltimore Orioles #Birdland (1988–1995), senior executive vice president of the Arizona Diamondbacks #Dbacks (1996–2000), and special assistant to the Diamondbacks’ president (2007–2020). His ability to build competitive teams was evident in his three MLB Executive of the Year awards (1972, 1983, 1989), reflecting his success with the White Sox and Orioles. Notably, he revitalized the White Sox, leading them to the 1983 American League West title, their first playoff appearance in 24 years, and orchestrated a dramatic 1989 turnaround for the Orioles, nearly winning the AL East after a 107-loss season.

Beyond team-building, Hemond’s vision reshaped baseball’s infrastructure. He is credited with founding the Arizona Fall League, a developmental platform for top prospects, showcasing his foresight in player development. As president of the Association of Professional Ball Players of America, he championed financial aid and scholarships for players and scouts, while co-founding the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation to support veteran scouts. These initiatives underscored his commitment to the sport’s broader community, earning him the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his profound impact on baseball’s societal contributions.

Hemond’s mentorship was equally impactful. He groomed future executives like Dave Dombrowski, Walt Jocketty, Doug Melvin, and Dan Evans, fostering a legacy of leadership. His personal touch—never forgetting a name and thanking stadium ushers—endeared him to all levels of the baseball world. As Tony La Russa noted, Hemond’s influence was unmatched, blending kindness with strategic acumen.

A French-Canadian from a textile mill community, Hemond’s early life shaped his work ethic. After serving in the Coast Guard @uscoastguard (1947–1951), he joined the Boston Braves #BravesCountry, later moving with them to Milwaukee, contributing to their 1957 World Series win. His family, including wife Margo and five children, shared his baseball journey, with son Bob becoming a minor league GM and son Jay appearing in Field of Dreams.

Hemond’s legacy endures through awards named in his honor by the White Sox, Baseball America, and the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), where he was a longtime member. His death on December 12, 2021, at age 92, prompted tributes from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and others, celebrating a “baseball lifer” whose innovations and humanity transformed the game.

Photo: @ronvesely