What Happened to Mike Veeck's Daughter?

Rebecca Matthews Veeck was a remarkable young woman who touched the lives of many with her smile, humor, and passion. She was the daughter of Mike Veeck, the owner and president of the St. Paul Saints baseball team, and Libby Veeck, a former teacher and artist.

She was also the sister of William “Night Train” Veeck, a musician and producer. She passed away on September 30, 2019, in Charleston, South Carolina, at the age of 27, after a long battle with Batten disease, a rare and fatal genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.

Early Life, and Family

Rebecca was born on December 12, 1991, in St. Paul, Minnesota, into a baseball family. Her grandfather was Bill Veeck, a legendary baseball executive and innovator who owned several major league teams, including the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Her father, Mike, followed in his footsteps and became a successful owner and promoter of minor league teams, known for his creative and fun-filled marketing strategies. He co-owned the St. Paul Saints with actor and comedian Bill Murray, who became a close friend of Rebecca.

Rebecca grew up around baseball and loved the game. She started working for the Saints at the age of two, greeting fans and staff from her playpen in the front office. She later became a team mascot, wearing matching tutus with the team’s pig mascot and delivering baseballs to the home plate umpire. She also enjoyed playing catch with her father and brother on the field.

Rebecca moved with her family to Florida in 1998, where her father ran another minor league team, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. She continued to be involved in baseball and attended games regularly. She also developed other interests, such as dancing, riding horses, and making art.

A Rare Diagnosis

When Rebecca was seven years old, she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that causes gradual vision loss. Her parents were devastated by the news, but Rebecca remained optimistic and resilient. She said to them, “I’ll be fine, I’m a Veeck.”

Rebecca did not let her condition stop her from pursuing her dreams and hobbies. She learned to use a cane and read braille. She continued to dance, ride horses, and make art. She also traveled with her family to see the wonders of the world, such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park.

In 2006, the family moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where Mike became the chief executive of another minor league team, the Charleston RiverDogs. Rebecca became a fan favorite at the ballpark, working at the guest services booth and playing games with fans. She also formed a special bond with Bill Murray, who often visited Charleston and spent time with her. They would play board games like Candyland or just goof around. Rebecca was one of the few people who could call him “Uncle Murray.”

A Fatal Disease

When Rebecca was about 20 years old, she began to have trouble finding words and expressing herself. She also started to have seizures and lose motor skills. Her parents took her to various doctors and specialists, but no one could explain what was wrong with her.

Finally, in 2014, when Rebecca was 22 years old, she was diagnosed with Batten disease at the University of Iowa Hospitals. Batten disease is a rare inherited disorder that affects the brain and other parts of the nervous system. It causes progressive deterioration of cognitive abilities, motor functions, vision, speech, and behavior. There is no cure or effective treatment for Batten disease, and most patients die by their late teens or early twenties.

Mike said that he did not make Rebecca’s diagnosis public until after her death because he wanted her to live as normally as possible. He said that he considered it a blessing that they did not know about her condition earlier because they were able to enjoy their time together without worrying about the future.

Rebecca continued to live with joy and courage despite her disease. She never complained or gave up hope. She kept making art, which became her main outlet for expression. She worked on ceramics, pottery, painting, and other forms of art. Her works were displayed in a gallery called The Show in Charleston. She was proud of her achievements and said that she felt like she was in “the big leagues.”

Rebecca also kept making people laugh with her witty jokes and funny remarks. She had a great sense of humor and timing that made everyone around her feel happy and relaxed. She was constantly telling stories about her memories and experiences with her family and friends.

Rebecca Veeck’s Death, Obituary & Funeral

Rebecca passed away peacefully on September 30, 2019, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 27 years old. Her family and friends mourned her loss, but also celebrated her life and legacy.

On December 12, 2019, what would have been her 28th birthday, her family hosted a “Rebecca Fest” at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, the home of the RiverDogs. The event was a tribute to Rebecca’s spirit and personality, featuring music, art, games, food, and fireworks. Hundreds of people attended the event and shared their stories and memories of Rebecca.

Mike said that Rebecca taught him and others how to live with joy and courage in the face of adversity. He said that she was his hero and inspiration. He said that he hoped that Rebecca’s story would raise awareness and support for Batten disease research and treatment.

Rebecca is survived by her parents, Mike and Libby Veeck, her brother, William “Night Train” Veeck, and many other relatives and friends. She is also remembered by countless fans and admirers who were touched by her smile, humor, and passion.

BIO/Wiki

NameRebecca Matthews Veeck
Birth DateDecember 12, 1991
Birth PlaceSt. Paul, Minnesota
Death DateSeptember 30, 2019
Death PlaceCharleston, South Carolina
Cause of DeathBatten disease
Age27 years
OccupationBaseball mascot, artist
ParentsMike and Libby Veeck
SiblingsWilliam “Night Train” Veeck
GrandfatherBill Veeck

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