One of the most influential businessmen in Chicago sports over the past 40 years has passed away.
Andrew McKenna, a former chairman of the Cubs and White Sox, and part owner of the Chicago Bears, died at the age of 93 on Tuesday, the Bears announced.
Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey said the following on McKenna’s passing:
“This afternoon we lost a friend of more than 40 years to our family and the Bears. Few people have had a larger impact on our great city. Andy spent his life dedicated to institutions across sports, media, museums, academia, health care and more sharing his insights and leadership. His guidance helped us make sound business decisions, most recently with our selection of Kevin Warren as our next President & CEO. We are grateful for his many contributions to the Bears and his wisdom will be missed. Our prayers are with his family.”
McKenna was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the DePaul University College of Law. In 1975, McKenna was part of the group that, along with Bill Veeck, bought the Chicago White Sox, and he worked as the chairman of the franchise until it was sold in 1981 to the group headed by Jerry Reinsdorf which currently owns the franchise.
After selling the White Sox to Reinsdorf’s group, McKenna became the Cubs’ chairman after they were purchased by the Tribune Company, a position he held from 1981 to 1985.
Steven R. Strahler of Crain’s Chicago Business wrote Tuesday night that McKenna was “a consummate networker and inexhaustible dynamo who was among Chicago’s most consequential business leaders of his day…McKenna’s clout extended through corporate Chicago and into the city’s cultural and charitable institutions and its sports teams.”
Both the Cubs and Bears have released statements on McKenna’s passing. Sox On 35th extends our condolences to McKenna’s family and loved ones.
Featured Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
