Charles W. Stage | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ohio House of Representatives | |
| In office 1902–1903 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 26, 1868 Painesville, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | May 17, 1946 (aged 77) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Alma mater | Adelbert College of Western Reserve (B.A., M.A.) Western Reserve School of Law (J.D.) |
| Occupation | Attorney, baseball umpire |
Charles Willard "Billy" Stage (November 26, 1868 – May 17, 1946) was an American attorney, politician, professional baseball umpire and amateur track athlete. A native of Painesville, Ohio, Stage attended Western Reserve University, where he tied an amateur world record in the 100-yard dash. After briefly becoming a National League baseball umpire in 1894, he finished law school and became a private practice attorney. Stage served in the Ohio House of Representatives in 1902–03 before returning to law practice.
In the early 20th century, Stage was an ally of Cleveland mayor Tom L. Johnson, and he held several local government posts. He was the Cuyahoga County Solicitor, ran the Municipal Traction Company, and served as Cleveland's public safety director and utilities director. His law practice largely consisted of representing railroad and real estate barons O. P. and M. J. Van Sweringen (known as the Van Sweringen brothers).
Stage was married to Miriam Kerruish, one of the first women to practice medicine in Cleveland. She died in the Cleveland Clinic fire of 1929. Stage retired after the Van Sweringen brothers lost their fortune in the Great Depression. He was sometimes known as Billy Stage, particularly in collegiate athletics and in baseball circles.