Philadelphia Phillies chairman and former president David Montgomery passed away at the age of 72 on Wednesday morning after a five year battle against cancer.
One of the most respected and admired executives in baseball, Phillies Chairman David P. Montgomery passed away this morning at the age of 72 after a courageous five-year battle against cancer.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 8, 2019
Montgomery was hired as a member of the Phillies' sales department in 1971 and, along with co-owner Bill Giles, purchased the Phillies for $30 million in 1981. Montgomery was named the executive vice president of the team by Giles. Montgomery replaced Giles as team president in 1997.
A Roxborough native, Montgomery attended William Penn Charter School and then went to the University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate studies and then went to Wharton Business school as a graduate student.
In August of 2014, Montgomery took a leave of absence while undergoing treatment for jaw bone cancer.
"David was one of Philadelphia's most influential business and civic leaders in his generation," said Phillies managing partner John Middleton. "He has been an invaluable business partner and, more importantly, an invaluable friend. He was beloved by everyone at the Phillies. Leigh and I are saddened beyond words"
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, a close friend to Montgomery, announced that Philadelphia would host the 2026 MLB All-Star game on April 16th.
"We've been talking to David about it for a while, and I think this was something that was really important to him for the City of Philadelphia," said Manfred. "He was passionate about it."
"I really don't believe we would've made this announcement today without David being the driving force behind it."
Montgomery is beloved by his family, friends, colleagues, Phillies' personnel and everyone who has come in contact with him, including Angelo Cataldi and the 94WIP Morning Show, who had lunch with him less than two months ago.
The @WIPMorningShow had a close relationship with David Montgomery. Here's a photo from their lunch less than two months ago. ❤️ "A true class act," says Angelo #RIPDavidMontgomery pic.twitter.com/0rVk0kxFya
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 8, 2019Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney called Montgomery the "nicest man in pro sports," on Wednesday's 94WIP Morning Show.
"People were touched by David, moved by David, and inspired by David and it's a huge loss for the entire Phillies organization," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said on Wednesday's 94WIP Morning Show.
Very sad day for myself and many others. #Phillies Chairman David Montgomery is no longer with us. He lost his battle with cancer, but anybody that knew Dave was a winner. One of the classiest people you would ever meet. We will all miss David. How was 72. #RIPDavidMontgomery
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) May 8, 2019So sorry to hear of the passing of David Montgomery, who spent 48 years making the @Phillies an organization we could all respect. Class act who cared about the fans and the people who worked for him - from star players down to the vendors. RIP, David. pic.twitter.com/JjPEwUdtaL
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) May 8, 2019David Montgomery was one of the kindest men I have ever known. He made every single person he ever met feel special. He truly cared. He is one of the main reasons I have loved @Phillies all of my life. This void is huge. Prayers to Lyn and his family.
— Cindy Webster (@CindyWeb94) May 8, 2019When I met Dave Montgomery at Spring Training this year, the first thing he did was ask about my dad. He seemed incredibly sweet and selfless. RIP Dave ❤️
— Ava Graham (@_avagraham) May 8, 2019Absolutely heartbroken. The most genuine, caring, and compassionate man I've ever been around. Thank you for welcoming us into your @Phillies family. Gone, but certainly not forgotten. Rest easy, David Momtgomery
— Rhys Hoskins (@rhyshoskins) May 8, 2019In 2017, Daisy Field in Wissshickon Park was renamed David Montgomery Field.
"The 2017 season marks 47 years that Montgomery has been part of the Phillies organization," the city said when renaming the field in Roxborough after Montgomery. "During that time, particularly in his role as president, he became one of the most recognizable philanthropic sports executives in the city."
And on March 22nd, 2018, the Phillies honored Montgomery by renaming the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida the "David P. Montgomery Baseball Performance Center."
David Montgomery is survived by his wife, Lyn; three children, Harry, Sam and Susa; one granddaughter, Elizabeth and two grandsons, Cameron and Will.
