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In 1979, former commissioner Bowie Kuhn banned MLB legend Willie Mays for accepting a job at Bally’s Park Place hotel and casino in Atlantic City as a Goodwill Ambassador.
He was not involved in real gambling but was required to show up at corporate and charity events for meet and greets. It was a part-time gig and simultaneously, he was also working as the New York Mets’ hitting instructor.
However, Mays' side hustle didn't go down well with Kuhn. His position with the Mets was terminated by the former commissioner, and Mays was barred from working for any MLB team, saying:
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"A casino is no place for a baseball hero and Hall of Famer.”
After four years, history repeated itself when New York Yankees legend Micky Mantle was offered a job role at the Del Webb Claridge hotel and casino in Atlantic City. Mantle's role required him to attend golf tournaments and charitable functions. However, he was banned by Kuhn too.
"Commissioner Peter Ueberroth reinstates Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle, who had been banned from association with organized baseball by Bowie Kuhn due to their employment by Atlantic City casinos, March 18, 1985." - Baseball In Pics
However, when Bowie was succeeded by Peter Ueberroth, the sixth MLB commissioner reinstated Willie and Micky in MLB in March 1985.
Bowie Kuhn suspended Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain
During his stint in the MLB, former MLB commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspended former Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain indefinitely in 1970.
The ban took place after Sports Illustrated and Penthouse published details concerning McLain's involvement in bookmaking operations. Later, the suspension was extended for the first three months of the 1970 season before Denny returned midseason.
"On this date in 1970, AL Cy Young Award and 30 game winner Denny McLain is suspended for bookmaking. And that’s the way it is." - Honest Larry
McLain was again suspended by Bowie during the 1970 MLB season for carrying a pistol on a team flight.
