PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Long-time Phillies executive Bill Giles has died at 92.
The Phillies announced Friday that he died at his home in Gladwyne.
Giles began his Phillies career in 1969 as a vice president of business operations, and by 1981, he organized a new ownership group and served as president until 1997.
He was named chairman emeritus in 2015.
Giles was instrumental in opening Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park, and in creating the legendary Phillie Phanatic.
Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt called Giles "the heart and soul" of the organization.
“He was a close personal friend to so many of us. He will always be a big part of Phillies history. Prayers go to the Giles family in this time of mourning,” Schmidt said.
Giles served on several boards, including the Philadelphia Convention and Tourism Bureau, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Salvation Army.
He is survived by his three sons, Michael, Joseph and Christopher, and eight grandchildren.
Funeral arrangement details will be announced at a later date.
