Final answer:
Walter O'Malley, former owner of the Dodgers, is credited with influencing the development of sport management as an academic field. O'Malley's contribution to professional sports management paved the way for it to become a recognized field of study in colleges and universities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The baseball industry professional who played a pivotal role in the initial discussions of developing sport management as an academic field is often credited to Walter O'Malley, who was the owner of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1950 to 1979. O'Malley is recognized for his efforts in transforming the Dodgers into a powerful and profitable franchise, laying the foundation for the modern business of sports. His vision for professional sports management practices later influenced academic discourse, leading to the establishment of sport management as a distinct field of study. Notably, educational institutions saw the emerging commercialism of sports as an opportunity to prepare individuals for roles in the business side of athletic organizations.
While the provided references give valuable insight into the economics of sports and significant historical context, they do not specifically mention the individual involved in the origin of sport management education. Nonetheless, O'Malley's innovative management and influential business model in professional baseball provide a historical framework for the concepts that underline the field of sport management studies today.
Today, sport management is a well-recognized discipline at colleges and universities, with courses available that cover a wide range of topics from economic impact to organizational leadership within the sports industry. Research and literature, such as the works of John J. Siegfried and Andrew Zimbalist, continue to explore the intricate economic and community impacts of sports and serve as vital resources for students and professionals in the field.