Former Kansas City Royals owner and chairman David Glass died last week of complications from pneumonia at the age of 84, the team announced.
Glass was named interim chairman and CEO of the Royals in 1993 when then-owner Ewing Kauffman died. He and his family bought the team in 2000.
Under Glass’ ownership, the team went to the World Series in 2014 and won the title in 2015. Since then, however, the Royals have struggled, with back-to-back 100-loss seasons.
The Royals were sold in November to a new ownership group led by Kansas City-native John Sherman in 2019 for an estimated $1 billion.
“Like so many Kansas Citians, I am deeply saddened by the news of David’s passing,” Sherman said in a statement. “His voice among other owners was so respected; he served on and led several Major League Baseball committees to better our game. His passion for baseball and love for Kansas City was the driving force in bringing success on the field for this franchise.
“Personally, I will be forever indebted to David for reaching out to offer the generational opportunity to be part of this proud and storied franchise,” added Sherman. “On behalf of the entire ownership group, I want to express deepest gratitude to the heart of a man who carefully placed a treasure in the hands of Kansas Citians. We pledge to carry it forward with his passionate commitment and selfless spirit.”
Glass began his business career in the 1960s in Springfield, Missouri. He was later recruited by Walmart found Sam Walton to become the company’s chief financial officer, and he was promoted to president and CEO in 1988. He served in that capacity for 12 years, helping Walmart through a period of extraordinary expansion.
Glass died Jan. 9, the family said, adding that a memorial will be held Jan. 27 at Northwest Arkansas Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers, Arkansas.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.