Bill Giles, the longtime Philadelphia Phillies executive who became a part-owner and CEO, died Friday at his home in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, at age 92. He helped build the club’s 1980 World Series-winning team and remained chairman emeritus until his death.
Giles joined the Phillies in 1969 as vice president of business operations. In 1981, he organized the group that bought the club from the Carpenter family; he served as president and CEO until 1997, then became chairman. He also persuaded then-owner Ruly Carpenter to sign free agent Pete Rose for the 1980 championship team.
The Phillies held a moment of silence for Giles before Friday’s game against Tampa Bay. Managing partner and CEO John Middleton said Giles helped transform the franchise into a highly visible entertainment and business operation.
