James Mulvey

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James Ausley Mulvey (April 23, 1899 – December 3, 1973) was an American film industry executive and co-owner of the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers from 1938 until his death. He gained his stake through his wife, Marie “Dearie” McKeever, daughter of Dodgers co-owner Stephen McKeever. The Mulveys held 25% of the team from 1938 to 1968; after Dearie’s death, their heirs kept the stake until 1975, when Walter O’Malley bought the remaining shares and became sole owner.

Mulvey was born in Yorkville, Manhattan. He attended All Saints Parochial School in Harlem and later Columbia University. He started as an accountant and became president of Samuel Goldwyn Productions (1923–1960). He also led the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers.

Dodgers ownership: After Stephen McKeever died in 1938, the Mulveys inherited their share from his estate. At that time, 75% of the Dodgers were controlled by the Brooklyn Trust Company. In 1944–45 the bank sold its holdings to Walter O’Malley, Branch Rickey, and John L. Smith, each taking a 25% stake and joining with the Mulveys as minority partners. The Dodgers began integrating baseball by signing Jackie Robinson, followed by Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe.

In 1950, O’Malley bought Rickey’s share to become 50% owner and club president. The Mulveys and Smith’s widow remained minority partners as the team moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. In 1958 O’Malley increased his stake to 75% by purchasing Mary Louise Smith’s stock.

Dearie Mulvey died in 1968. James Mulvey died in 1973 in Vero Beach, Florida, at age 74. He is buried in Brooklyn; his survivors included son-in-law Ralph Branca, a former Dodgers pitcher.

In 1975, O’Malley bought the Mulveys’ 25% stake to become sole owner. The Mulveys were involved with the Dodgers for 37 years, during which the team won 12 National League pennants and four World Series titles.