Pioneering female MLB executive Katy Feeney continued her family's baseball legacy
Over the weekend, the baseball world received some sad and shocking news. Katy Feeney, MLB’s legendary, longtime scheduling guru, died on Saturday at the age of 68.
Feeney had been MLB’s senior vice president for scheduling and club relations, a position she had retired from at the end of 2016. Her retirement brought an end to her 39-year MLB career — she was hired by the National League as a temp worker in the PR office in 1977, and worked her way up to being one of the highest ranking women in baseball. Feeney’s job entailed many diverse responsibilities, but she was most recognizable to fans for running the postseason news conferences with players and managers.
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Feeney had baseball in her blood. Her father was Charles “Chub” Feeney, who was the president of the National League from 1969-1986, and served as an executive for the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres. Her grandfather was Charles Stoneham, who was the controlling owner of the New York Giants (of baseball) from 1919 to 1936. In 1936, ownership of the Giants passed to Feeney’s uncle Horace Stoneham, who owned the team until 1976. Horace’s reign as owner also included the move of the team from New York to San Francisco.
Feeney was a baseball lifer, but there was more to her life than just the game. She loved the theater, and saw the Off-Broadway production of “Hamilton” before it became pop-culture phenomenon. She loved to travel and she had a huge collection of hats.
In many ways, the baseball world is a huge family. And when they heard about the sudden passing of Feeney, one of their own, they responded with kind words and poignant feelings.
So saddened to hear of the shocking passing of MLB legend Katy Feeney. A wonderful person. Put up with us media types & always there to help
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 2, 2017
Stunned, saddened at Katy Feeney's passing. What she and Phyllis Merhige have done for all of us and the game is immeasurable unforgettable
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) April 3, 2017
Katy Feeney was a great example of how to treat everyone with respect in every situation, and baseball won’t be the same without her. RIP.
— Jesse Spector ???? (@jessespector) April 3, 2017
"Baseball is designed to break your heart," Bart Giamatti wrote. It did today, for our beloved Katy Feeney passed. R.I.P., gentle lady.❤️????❤️ pic.twitter.com/QPRskcz4eV
— Claire Smith (@MzCSmith) April 3, 2017
There was never a kinder or gentler or more graceful presence in major league baseball than Katy Feeney. Loved baseball and was loved.
— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) April 3, 2017
If you were in baseball and you knew Katy Feeney, you loved her. Devastated to hear about her death.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) April 2, 2017
Hail and farewell, Katy Feeney. It was an honor to know you.
— John Thorn (@thorn_john) April 2, 2017
Feeney leaves an impressive legacy in the game, but it’s clear that she’ll be remembered for so much more than baseball.
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Liz Roscher is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at lizroscher@yahoo.com or follow her on twitter! Follow @lizroscher
