Former Kansas City Royals owner and chairman David Glass passed away last week, the team announced on Friday. He died due to complications from pneumonia at the age of 84.
Glass began his business career in the 1960s. He was eventually recruited by Walmart founder, Sam Walton, and soon became Walmart’s chief financial officer. In 1988, he was promoted to president and CEO of Walmart. Glass held these roles for 12 years.
In 1993, Glass was named interim chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Royals. Glass and his family bought the Royals in 2000. The Royals, under Glass, went to two World Series, in 2014 and 2015. They won the World Series in 2015 but since then have struggled and have had back-to-back 100-loss seasons.
In November, Glass sold the Royals to former Cleveland Indians minority owner and Kansas City native, John Sherman, 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.”
Sherman added, “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. 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.”
It is with great sadness that we announce former Royals Owner and Chairman David Glass passed away last week. pic.twitter.com/lDkVRuFHVg
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) January 17, 2020
The mayor of Kansas City, Quinton Lucas, tweeted about Glass’s passing.
I read this news with a heavy heart. You’ll hear much about his accomplishments, but I’ll remember his kindness and decency. In a world of big egos, he was as down to earth and genuine as they come. I’ll miss him. Kansas City will miss him. My thoughts are with his loved ones. https://t.co/WxLWWWMZMV
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) January 17, 2020
A memorial for Glass will be held at Northwest Arkansas Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers, Ark., on Jan. 27.
