Former MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent’s first wife sadly passed away after a brief illness.
Francis T. “Fay” Vincent, who served as the eighth Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1989-92, died on February 1, 2025, at 86.
Highlights
- Fay Vincent passed away on February 1, 2025, from complications of bladder cancer at 86.
- Vincent was married to Valerie McMahon before getting married to Christina Clarke Watkins.
- He had three children, Anne, William, and Edward, with Valerie McMahon.
Vincent had undergone radiation and chemotherapy for bladder cancer and developed complications that included bleeding. He asked that treatment be stopped and died Saturday at a hospital in Vero Beach, Florida.
MBL Commissioner Ron Manfred poured a small tribute. He said,
“Fay Vincent played a vital role in ensuring that the 1989 Bay Area World Series resumed responsibly following the earthquake prior to Game Three, and he oversaw the process that resulted in the 1993 National League expansion to Denver and Miami,” “Mr. Vincent served the game during a time of many challenges, and he remained proud of his association with our National Pastime throughout his life. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Fay’s family and friends.”
Rob Manfred
Vincent, a lawyer who became a movie studio executive at the behest of a college friend, had retired for three decades. He lived in New Canaan, Connecticut, and Vero Beach.
During his three-year tenure as commissioner, he had a string of “three-cigar days,” angering owners by becoming the first management official to admit the collusion among teams against free agents following the 1985, 86, and 87 seasons.
He suspended the Yankees’ George Steinbrenner, divided expansion fees among both leagues, attempted to force National League realignment, and negotiated a settlement that ended a 1990 spring training lockout.
Born May 29, 1938, Vincent was a securities lawyer when he was hired in 1978 as president and chief executive officer of Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. by Herbert Allen Jr., who had known him their time as undergraduates at Williams College.
He remained a corporate executive for a decade, then had been with a law firm for only a few months when he was asked to become deputy commissioner by Giamatti, a friend since they met at Princeton in the 1970s.
However, Fay will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions to baseball as a commissioner.
Fay Vincent Married Christina Clarke Watkins After Separating From Valerie McMahon
Eighth baseball commissioner Francis Thomas “Fay” Vincent Jr. tied the knot with Valerie McMahon on July 3, 1965, after dating for several years.
Sadly, their married life ended after 29 years following their divorce in 1994.
According to the source, Valerie McMahon died on October 26, 2007. She grew up with her sister, Elise McMahon, who married Bob Furer.
Her funeral services were held on November 1, 2007, at Fred D. Knapp and Son, 267 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT. Mass of Christian Burial, St Mary’s Church, 178 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT, November 2, 2007.
After separating from Valerie, Fay Vincent married Christina Clarke Watkins in 1998. Their married life ended after 27 years following Fay’s tragic death.
Christina has avoided social media, so only a little information about her life is available.
She is mourning the tragic death of her husband, Fay Vincent.
Fay Vincent Had Three Children With Valerie Vincent
Fay Vincent and Valerie Vincent were blessed with a daughter, Anne, and twin sons, William and Edward.
According to the source, his daughter Anne is married to Patrick.
In addition, Vincent had three stepchildren: Jake, Ned, and Nilla Watkins, from his second wife Christina’s previous relationship.
Fay also had several grandchildren whose identities had been made private.
However, his children have remained out of the media spotlight, so little is known about their lives.
They are mourning the loss of their devoted and supportive father, Fay Vincent.
Additional Information
- Fay attended Williams College, where a near-fatal accident left him with a crushed spine and paralyzed legs. He had been locked inside his dorm room as a prank; climbing onto the roof to escape, he slipped off a four-story ledge.
- He had an estimated net worth of around $10 million at the time of his passing.
- Fay is survived by his sisters, Dr. Joanna Vincent and Barbara Vincent.
