The San Francisco Giants said former club president and managing general partner Peter Magowan died on Sunday. He was 76.
The Giants said in a statement that Magowan had cancer.
“The Giants family, the entire Bay Area and the game of baseball lost a man whose passion and loyalty to his favorite team and beloved community made it possible for all of us and future generations to experience the magic of Giants baseball in San Francisco forever,” said Giants president and CEO Larry Baer in a statement.
“Peter was my mentor and dear friend, and I will forever be grateful for his guidance, support and love. His legacy will be carried on by all those he inspired, including community leaders, our players, the front office, Junior Giants players and, of course, by his devoted family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Debby and his children and their families.”
A group of investors, led by Magowan, bought the Giants for $100 million in 1992.
Heralded as a players’ owner, Magowan signed star Barry Bonds to a $90 million contract, and he was responsible for moving the Giants out of Candlestick Park. On March 31, 2000, the then-named Pacific Bell Park was open on the edge of San Francisco Bay, becoming the first privately-funded baseball stadium since Dodger Stadium in 1962.
Magowan retired as the club’s managing partner in 2008.