This Week in Oregon Sports History: 7/29/1934

On top of all the other terrible things going on in the world (John Dillinger running rampant, Adolf Hitler becoming Fuhrer, The Great Depression, The Dust Bowl), July 29th, 1934 was sad day in the history of Oregon sports. Walter Henry McCredie, considered by many to be the "Founding Father" of the Portland Beavers, passed away in Portland.

McCredie played one year of Major League ball for the Brooklyn Superbas, hitting .324 in 56 games, but it was in the Minors where he would have his greatest impact. After his uncle purchased the Beavers in 1906, McCredie led them to their first ever Pacific Coast League title as a player manager. Portland went 115-60, with McCredie hitting .309 for th season. Michael Mitchell led the league with a .351 average. McCredie would go on to manage the Beavers for another 17 years and two more championships. After his tenure with the Beavers was finished, he managed the Salt Lake City Bees for one season.