Gerorge Trautman became assistant athletic director to his alma mater, where he was instrumental in establishing the Ohio Relays, after being a three sport varsity winning athlete at Ohio State University (football, baseball, and basketball). From 1919 to 1922, he served as head coach for the Men’s Ohio State basketball team.

In 1933, Trautman became the president of the Columbus Red Birds, a minor league baseball team. Three years later, he became the president of the league the Red Birds played in, the American Association. Under his leadership, a new relationship was forged between the major and minor baseball leagues.

In 1946, Trautman became the general manager of the Detroit Tigers. After just two season, he was appointed as the president of the National Association of Professional Baseball League, a position he held until his death in 1963.