- published: 06 Aug 2014
- views: 289
Andrew Freedman (September 1, 1860 – December 4, 1915) was an American businessman. Freedman was the owner of the New York Giants of the National League from 1895 through 1902. Freedman was also director of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company and the Wright Company. He died in New York City, the place of his birth.
Freedman took over the Manhattan Athletic Club, which fell into receivership in 1893, as its receiver.
In 1895, Freedman became the principal owner of the New York Giants of the National League (NL), purchasing a controlling interest in the club from Cornelius C. Van Cott for approximately $53,000 ($1,480,608 in current dollar terms). During his ownership of the team, Freedman drew the ire of many of his players for various fines and abuses. In one incident, star pitcher Amos Rusie sat out the entire 1896 season during a feud with Freedman.NL presidential candidate Al Spalding called Freedman an "impossibility in baseball", demanding that Freedman retire from the game. Freedman refused.