Former PCL president Cutler dies at 92

William S. Cutler, former president of the Pacific Coast League, passed away on Saturday in his home in Mesa, Ariz. He was 92 years old.

Cutler served as the PCL president from 1979 to 1997, marking the longest tenure in the league's 109-year history. Overall, he spent 50 years in the baseball industry after starting in the American League office following World War II.

"Bill Cutler is a name synonymous with Minor League Baseball and especially the Pacific Coast League," said Pat O'Conner, current President of Minor League Baseball. "His experience at virtually every level of our game gave him insights and perspectives not many possess. Bill represented his teams and league with integrity and dignity. He was well liked and admired by his peers and set the standard for league presidents for years to come. Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's friends and family."

During his presidency, Cutler saw the PCL expand to 10 teams, including three in Canada -- Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. He also saw the PCL add a number of new venues, with Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Edmonton all building new ballparks.

For his efforts, Cutler was elected to the PCL Hall of Fame in 2005.

"What a special human being, what a warmly liked baseball figure, so able to treat others with respect even when there were considerable differences to be resolved," said current PCL President Branch Rickey. "He honored the Pacific Coast League with his exemplary fairness and professionalism, his commitment to making the league better. I am, in turn, truly blessed to follow in his footsteps, privileged to carry on that special legacy. The successes of his almost-20-year tenure are embedded everywhere in the current prestige of the PCL. He will be missed -- but long remembered and genuinely admired."

A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., Cutler first got involved in baseball after a chance meeting in a taxi with then-President of the American League, Will Harridge, while he was serving in the military. When Cutler finished his service six months later, he obtained a job in the American League office in Chicago. From there, he moved to the front office of the Oakland A's and also served as a scout for the Montreal Expos.

In 1970, Cutler purchased a PCL franchise in Portland, Ore., which he relocated to Spokane, Wash. in 1973. He served as the general manager for the club in both locations, then sold it in 1978. He was named the president of the PCL the following year.

"Bill was one of the great people of the game," former Minor League Baseball President Mike Moore said. "He cared deeply about the game and his many friends he made along the way. He shall be missed."

Cutler had 12 children with his wife, Delores. His baseball legacy continues through his family, as grandsons Brett Bordes and Jimmy Patterson both currently play in the Minor Leagues.