Bill Giles Dies at 92, Former Phillies Owner and Executive Helped Create Phanatic Mascot

Former Philadelphia Phillies executive Bill Giles, who led the team to a pair of National League titles during his tenure as president and played an instrumental role in the creation of the legendary Phillie Phanatic, has died at the age of 92.

Giles, a son of former National League president Warren Giles, enjoyed a long and successful career with the Phillies beginning in 1969, when he began serving as a vice president (business operations).

Giles began his rise in the organization three years later thanks to a promotion to executive vice president. Giles then organized a group that bought the Phillies in 1981, and he then served as the team's president and CEO until 1997. He moved into a chairman role before the Phillies named him chairman emeritus in 2015.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com provided more commentary on Giles' strong and long-lasting impact.

"Giles, once called the P.T. Barnum of baseball because he tried just about anything to get people to the ballpark, joined the Phillies to help them close Connie Mack Stadium and open Veterans Stadium in 1971. He quickly hired the legendary Harry Kalas from Houston to be one of the team's broadcasters. He later helped create the Phillie Phanatic, convinced free agent Pete Rose to come to Philadelphia, and in 1981 led a group that bought the Phillies from the Carpenter family. As team president from 1981-97, he led the Phillies as they won National League pennants in 1983 and '93."

Phillies third baseman (and Baseball Hall of Famer) Mike Schmidt was the team's big star (and one of the biggest stars in baseball) in the 1980s while Schmidt , and he provided a statement after news of Giles' passing.

"Sad news today as we learned of the passing of a dear friend of the Phillies family, Bill Giles," Schmidt said in the statement, per Zolecki.

"Bill was the heart and soul of the organization for over two decades. He was a close personal friend to so many of us. He will always be a big part of Phillies history. Prayers go to the Giles family in this time of mourning."

Numerous people offered their condolences and remembrances upon his passing.

The Phillies held a moment of silence for Giles prior to their home game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday evening.

Giles was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, of 64 years. He is survived by his three sons and eight grandchildren.