Categories: News

MLB: John Middleton has ‘control’ of Phillies

Jim Salisbury reports that Major League Baseball owners designated John Middleton as the Phillies’ “control person.” Or, in other words, he’s the guy baseball looks at to ensure the Phillies are running smoothly.

More in a press release, from Ryan Lawrence at Philly Voice:

“I am both thrilled and honored to assume this important position. I’m grateful that the Buck family, Major League Baseball and the other Major League clubs have confidence in my ability to lead our franchise into the future. Our fans should know that the Phillies organization is committed to restoring the Phillies to its recent dominant past. We will approach the 2017 season and the years to follow with even greater intensity and determination, knowing our fans are eager to bring a championship back to Philadelphia. We intend to accomplish that goal.”

In essence, the Phillies now have a completely public face for ownership, a change from the last few years, with David Montgomery fading from the forefront and the franchise in major transition. It’s good news in that someone is accountable. And Middleton, of all the owners (he has a 48 percent stake), wants to be accountable. He spoke with Salisbury about his ambitions for the Phils and his love of the franchise.

Of anyone who could be the public face of Phillies ownership, Middleton is the best possible option.

Tim Malcolm

Tim first found the Phillies as a little infant at Veteran’s Stadium, cheering on a Juan Samuel game-winning home run in his very first game. With the pinstripes in his blood, he witnessed Terry Mulholland’s 1990 no-hitter, “Steve Carlton Night” at the Vet, game three of the 1993 World Series, countless games during the charmed 2008 championship season and various road excursions. Since November 2007 Tim’s been writing about them daily at Phillies Nation, becoming one of the world’s most popular Phillies scribes. You can catch him on Twitter and Facebook, as well. When he’s not talking about the Phils he’s relaxing with a St. Bernardus ABT 12 or one of his many favored brews.