Phillies chairman Dave Montgomery dies at 72

Bob Hille

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Phillies chairman Dave Montgomery dies at 72 image

Phillies chairman Dave Montgomery, whose career with the team began in 1971, working in the ticket office during the day and helping operate the scoreboard at night, has died. He was 72.

Described by the Phillies as "one of the most respected and admired executives in baseball," he died Wednesday morning after a five-year fight against cancer.

Per the team's release on his death: In his nearly half-century in the game, one of Montgomery’s greatest legacies was his unwavering civic-minded approach to the business of baseball. He was also widely admired for his fierce loyalty to fans, players and front office staff. That loyalty was on par with his passion for the game.

“I believe that whatever capacity you work for us, you determine the Phillies family,” Montgomery said in March 2018, during an emotional ceremony at which the team named a Clearwater, Florida, training facility in his honor (via Philly.com). “I believe that. As a family member, it’s our responsibility to treat you like family and get to know you the best we can. … The best way to treat fans right is to treat the people you work with right.”

Tributes to Montgomery poured in Wednesday after the news of his death, particularly from those with Philly roots but also those sprinkled throughout the game.

"David was one of Philadelphia’s most influential business and civic leaders in his generation," Phillies managing partner John Middleton said in a statement. "For 25 years, he has been an invaluable business partner and, more importantly, an invaluable friend. He was beloved by everyone at the Phillies."

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred also released a statement on Montgomery's death, calling him "an industry expert and leader."

“I am deeply saddened on the passing of my dear friend David Montgomery," Manfred said. "David was a first-class representative of his hometown team, the Philadelphia Phillies, for nearly half a century. He never forgot his days as a fan at Connie Mack Stadium, and he carried those lessons to Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park. David’s approach to running the franchise and serving its fans was to treat everyone like family. He set an outstanding example in Philadelphia and throughout our game.

“David was one of my mentors in baseball and was universally regarded as an industry expert and leader. In recent years, I marveled at his courage as he battled cancer and through it all his amazing ability to think of others."

Montgomery quickly moved up in the organization in the 1970s and was named executive VP after the 1981 season, when Bill Giles put together a group that bought the team from the Carpenter family. He became chief operating officer in 1992 and remained in that position until being promoted to general partner, president and chief executive officer in 1997.

In his role as president and CEO, Montgomery not only became the face of the Phillies front office but also a behind-the-scenes force in MLB. Under his leadership, the Phillies enjoyed one of the longest sustained periods of success in franchise history from 2007-11, winning five consecutive National League East titles, two NL pennants and the World Series in 2008. He also spearheaded the construction of the team's current home, Citizens Bank Park, which opened in 2004.

Per the Phillies: Montgomery was so influential at MLB’s New York headquarters that he was once considered a legitimate candidate to become commissioner.

"David was truly a great man. I have never known a person with more integrity or who truly cared so much about everyone who worked for the Phillies. … He was a fierce competitor in everything he did, including his battle to fight his illness. He will be tremendously missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him," Giles, the team’s chairman emeritus, said in a statement.

Montgomery is survived by his wife, Lyn; three children, Harry, Sam and Susa; one granddaughter, Elizabeth, and two grandsons, Cameron and Will.

Bob Hille

Bob Hille Photo

Bob Hille, a senior content consultant for The Sporting News, has been part of the TSN team for most of the past 30 years, including as managing editor and executive editor. He is a native of Texas (forever), adopted son of Colorado, where he graduated from Colorado State, and longtime fan of “Bull Durham” (h/t Annie Savoy for The Sporting News mention).