James D. Burns
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James D. Burns (born July 28, 1865) was an American businessman, sheriff, delegate, and owner of the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball.
Born in Springwells, Michigan, which was located outside Detroit city limits, Burns operated a Detroit brick manufacturing plant. In 1901, he became the first owner and president of the American League's Detroit Tigers, which had formally been a member of the Western League. The team continued to play at Bennett Park except on Sundays, when Detroit's blue laws forbade the team from playing there; Burns Park in Springwells served as the Tigers' Sunday home ball park. The Tigers had a 74-61 win-loss record after the first season and Burns sold his interest in the team to Samuel F. Angus.
Burns was elected sheriff of Wayne County and served a four year term. He also served three times as delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Michigan, in 1908, 1912, and 1916. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose.
[edit] Bibliography
- Burton, Clarence. "James D. Burns," The City of Detroit, Michigan: 1701-1922, vol. VI. Detroit: S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1922. pp. 329-30.
