Los Angeles Dodgers: Have We Argued About Frank McCourt, Dodgers for 100 Years?

The legal match over whether or not Frank McCourt will continue to own the Los Angeles Dodgers continues to intensify. One of the primary triggers to the current dispute was the divorce between Frank and Jamie McCourt.

Oddly enough, the ongoing battle between the McCourts over ownership of the Dodgers is not the first time a Los Angeles baseball team owner has had control of their club contested during a divorce. It’s also not the first time a professional baseball league maneuvered the ownership situation, following the divorce.

In 1900, former California League franchise owner George Vanderbeck lost the Detroit franchise of the new American League to his wife as part of a divorce settlement. However, Vanderbeck’s baseball demise included a drawn out legal battle. 

Western League—soon the American League—president Ban Johnson suggested that “[Vanderbeck’s] joint partners can take [the Detroit franchise] away from him if they wish.”

Ultimately, Ban Johnson and his comrades recognized James Burns as the new owner of the Detroit franchise, and forced a sale.

Here are some comparisons between the McCourt and Vanderbeck situations.

Legal Issues

McCourts
- Two versions of post-nuptial—which one is valid?
- Who owns the Dodgers?
- Can MLB reject a Regional TV Network contract?

Vanderbecks
- Property settlement (alimony) can’t be paid by husband—can team serve as part of property settlement?

Marriage Tenure

McCourts
- 30 Years

Vanderbecks
- ~7 Years

Wife's Involvement with Team Prior to Divorce

McCourts
- CEO
- Possible Co-owner

Vanderbecks
- None known
- As part of divorce, became (for a very short time) the first known woman owner of a MLB team

Ownership Tenure

McCourts
- Began: January 30, 2004
- Ended: ???

Vanderbecks
- Began: December, 1893
- Ended: February 17, 1900

Fan Reaction (Generally Speaking)

Los Angeles Dodgers Fans
- The Dodgers have been mismanaged *
- Frank and Jamie McCourt are both greedy
- Sell our team! Help!

Detroit Franchise Fans
- The Detroit team has been mismanaged
- George Vanderbeck is greedy
- Sell our team! Help!

* This may also represent MLB's reaction

Team Future

Los Angeles Dodgers Under McCourt Ownership
- Regional television network?
- Sale of team?

Detroit Franchise Under Vandberbeck Ownership
- Part of newly-formed American League
- Sale of team