David Montgomery has passed away - Philadelphia Baseball icon
David Montgomery, one of Philadelphia's most iconic baseball men, passed away this morning after a five-year battle against cancer. He was 72-years-old.

An executive with the Phillies, Montgomery spent nearly half a century in the game and worked his way up within the organization from a position in sales in 1971 to executive vice president after the 1981 season. 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.

Montgomery was the first native of Philadelphia to run the organization in over 60 years. He took a leave of absence in 2014 after his cancer diagnosis and returned as chairman.

“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,” said the team’s chairman emeritus, Bill Giles. “He and I worked hand-in-hand for over 30 years. During that time, I saw his unparalleled love for his family, the Phillies, and the team’s fans, and of course, the City of Philadelphia. David was a big reason why the Phillies won 12 division championships, five National League championships and two World Series championships in that time. 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.”

Montgomery played a pivotal role in the franchise moving from Veterans Stadium to Citizens Bank Park, plus he presided over arguably the most successful run in organization history with the club winning five straight National League East titles, two pennants and the 2008 World Series championship.

A graduate of William Penn Charter, Montgomery went on to study at the University of Penn and graduated from the Wharton Business School. His contributions to the Philadelphia community and the Phillies franchise earned him countless accolades, including the Allan H. (Bud) Selig Executive Leadership Award from the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation, the Ed Snider Lifetime Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, and the Centennial Award for Civic Leadership from the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

“David was one of Philadelphia’s most influential business and civic leaders in his generation,” said Phillies managing partner John Middleton. “For 25 years, 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 at David’s passing and extend our love and sympathy to Lyn, his children and grandchildren.”
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BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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