July 28, 1909 Harry Pulliam, the National League President, committed suicide. Most say he was an a huge influence in growing baseball and getting it to were it is today. He was a hard worker and cared about his job. He was under a lot of stress and it is believed that he turned a gun on himself and shot himself in the head.
Here are some other things to consider. The previous year during a tied baseball game between the Cubs and the Giants a controvercial call was made. The teams were also tied for first in the standings. Known as the "Merkle Boner", the call aloud the Cubs to advance to the World Series. The Giants had two outs and runners on 1st 
and second in the ninth inning. Fred "Bonehead" Merkle was on 1st. The Giants batter singled and the runner on third scored. But a little known rule at the time was not followed. During the ensuing madness of Giants fans and players on the field, Merkle didn't touch second base. He just walked away. The Cubs noticed this got the ball and stepped on second. The umpire called him out on a force out. It was appealed, of course, all the way to Harry. Harry had to make the final decision on that call. Although it was the right call, it was unpopular. By the way the Cubs would go on to win the World Series, the last one they have won.
and second in the ninth inning. Fred "Bonehead" Merkle was on 1st. The Giants batter singled and the runner on third scored. But a little known rule at the time was not followed. During the ensuing madness of Giants fans and players on the field, Merkle didn't touch second base. He just walked away. The Cubs noticed this got the ball and stepped on second. The umpire called him out on a force out. It was appealed, of course, all the way to Harry. Harry had to make the final decision on that call. Although it was the right call, it was unpopular. By the way the Cubs would go on to win the World Series, the last one they have won.Other things were going on as well. The AL and NL rivalry was a new brewing pot of competion and he was caught smack dab in the middle of that. He was somewhat unpopular with the NL owners because they believed the AL president was more powerful and getting what he wanted at each turn. Harry did not handle the pressure well. With these details it is easy to see why some rumors have been around for years that he was murdered and didn't kill himself.
"Why is Harry Pulliam so important to the Pirates?", you might ask. Well that dates back to 1899 and earlier. He was part of the Louiville Colonels organization and newspaper writer. He helped signed Honus Wagner and other players to this team. The team was disolved and owner, Barney Dreyfuss bought contolling interest in the Pittsburgh Pirates. Alot of the Louisville players were deciding what to do. Harry talked some players into coming to the new team. This included two hall of famers. These two are none other the Fred Clarke and Honus Wagner.
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