Cincinnati - Former Cincinnati Reds majority owner Marge Schott died today in a Cincinnati hospital at age 75. The cause of death was not announced. Schott was a controversial and outspoken owner. She bought the team in 1984 and sold all but one share in 1999. Though she knew little about baseball, she ran the club tightly. She established an office at the team’s ballpark, required her approval for any expense over 50 dollars, and let her dogs have the run of the park. At her very first news conference she suggested women should not be allowed to run a business because they’re too emotional. Her team won a World Series in 1990, but two years later that glow was wiped out by racial slurs from Schott. She praised Adolph Hitler publicly, saying he was “good at the beginning” but then “went too far.” In the 1990s, she cut funds for the Reds’ farm program and scouting, eliminated fan promotions and much of the team’s marketing. Starting in 1992 she had five managers in six years. In 1996 she expressed disappointment that opening day was postponed because umpire John McSherry died. She spent her last years at her suburban Cincinnati estate.
Marge Schott, former owner of the MLB Cincinnati Reds, has died
Schott was a controversial and outspoken owner. She bought the team in 1984 and sold all but one share in 1999. Though she knew little about baseball, she ran the club tightly.
