Friday, September 25, 2026

Former Phils owner, chairman Giles dies at 92

Earlier on Friday, former Philadelphia Phillies owner, general manager and chairman William Y. Giles died at the age of 92.

Giles and a consortium of other investors purchased the franchise from Ruly Carpenter and the Carpenter family following the strike-interrupted 1981 season. 

Son of Warren Giles, who spent periods as team president of the Cincinnati Reds as well as the National League, Bill Giles influenced team history before stepping unto the breach at the highest levels. As a member of the marketing team, he was instrumental in creating the Phillie Phanatic and such spectacles as the Flying Wallendas.

Giles was also a significant factor in convincing Reds star Pete Rose to sign a lucrative free-agent contract with the Phils in the winter of 1978 over several other clubs. 

Below is a statement issued by the team earlier this evening, including remarks from John Middleton on Giles' passing:


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