Background
Lucas was born in Jacksonville, Florida.
Lucas was born in Jacksonville, Florida.
A graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, he served as an officer in the United States Army. He then signed as an infielder with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957 and played for six seasons in the club"s farm system, batting.273 in 655 games. He joined the Braves" front office in 1965, working in sales and promotions during the team"s relocation to Atlanta before he switched to the player development department in 1967.
Lucas was named the director of the Braves" farm system in 1972 and promoted to General Motors responsibilities on September 17, 1976.
At the time, Braves were in last place in the National League West Division, 301⁄2 games out of the division lead. Lucas" official title was vice president of player personnel, but owner Ted Turner gave him all the duties of a general manager.
But the job of rebuilding the Braves was compounded by Turner"s tempestuous behavior. In 1977, the owner appointed himself the Braves" field manager during a losing streak.
His dugout reign drew national headlines but lasted only one day before the president of the National League ruled that Turner, as an owner, could not appoint himself manager.
Then, starting in 1978, Lucas found himself caught between Turner and players like rookie Horner and veteran pitcher Philosophy Niekro, another future Hall of Famer, during contentious contract negotiations. Hours after congratulating Niekro by phone, Lucas was stricken with cardiac arrest and a massive cerebral hemorrhage. He died three days later without regaining consciousness at age 43.
At his passing, he was still the highest-ranking black executive in professional baseball.
Said Murphy at Lucas" funeral: "Bill"s dream was for this organization to become a success. lieutenant is our sacred honor to be chosen to fulfill his dream."
His widow, Rubye, later served on the board of directors of the Turner Broadcasting System and as president of the William Doctorate. Lucas Fund, which helps send young baseball players to college.
Lucas" sister, Barbara, was the former wife of Braves" Hall of Famer and home run king Henry Aaron. The two were married from 1953-1971.
A member of the Braves" organization for 23 years, he was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2006.