When you hear “Wildcats,” names like Dan Issel come to mind. But another Wildcat alumni helped rewrite sports history— Albert B. “Happy” Chandler. Governor. U.S. Senator. MLB Commissioner. And a champion for integration, from Jackie Robinson’s debut to Kentucky’s first Black football player.
From UK athlete to political powerhouse
Born in Corydon in 1898, Chandler played baseball, football, and basketball at UK before entering public life. He served as governor (1935–39, 1955–59) and U.S. senator (1939–45). He would then change the game forever as MLB Commissioner.
Commissioner who broke baseball’s color line
In 1945, Chandler succeeded Landis as MLB commissioner.