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Former Phillies owner Ruly Carpenter dies at 81

Ruly Carpenter, who served as Phillies president and principal owner from 1972 to 1981, died on Monday at the age of 81.

The Delaware native took control of the team in 1972 from his father Bob Jr. Carpenter began working in the Phillies front office in 1963. He is credited with bringing in legendary Phillies farm director Paul Owens into the organization.

Carpenter oversaw the Phillies’ most successful period in its history at the time. The Phillies won three consecutive division titles from 1976-1978 and its first World Series championship in 1980. Carpenter sold the team to Bill Giles and a group of investors in 1981.

Phillies managing partner John Middleton released a statement.

“Ruly Carpenter was a consummate professional sports team owner. A third-generation local businessman, he believed in developing not just your players from within, but also your front office. Ruly was the driving force in promoting both Paul Owens and Dallas Green, and collectively, the three oversaw one of the greatest eras in Phillies history. They built a team anchored by the greatest player and pitcher in Phillies history, Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton, that won four NL East division titles and Philadelphia’s first World Series championship in 1980. Ruly’s influence has been and will continue to be felt for decades in the Delaware Valley. On behalf of the Buck and Middleton families, I extend my deepest condolences to the Carpenters.”