As news came out this morning of the passing of former Phillies president David Montgomery, the outpouring of kind words is an indication of how great a man Montgomery was and how long his legacy will last in a city he truly loved.
Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury put it simply in his article remembering Montgomery, a man who started working for his hometown team in the ticket sales office in 1971. (see story)
"He wasn’t just from the City of Brotherly Love. He lived the concept. He was an amazing example of what a good man should be."
Others who knew him well also paid their respects.
“I am deeply saddened on the passing of my dear friend David Montgomery. David was a first-class representative of his hometown team, the Philadelphia Phillies, for nearly half a century. He never forgot his days as a fan at Connie Mack Stadium, and he carried those lessons to Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park. David’s approach to running the franchise and serving its fans was to treat everyone like family. He set an outstanding example in Philadelphia and throughout our game. David was one of my mentors in baseball and was universally regarded as an industry expert and leader. In recent years, I marveled at his courage as he battled cancer and through it all his amazing ability to think of others. I will remember David Montgomery as a gentleman and a man of great integrity. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to David’s wife Lyn, their children and grandchildren and the entire Phillies organization.”
-Robert D. Manfred Jr., commissioner, Major League Baseball
“David was one of Philadelphia’s most influential business and civic leaders in his generation. For 25 years, he has been an invaluable business partner and, more importantly, an invaluable friend. He was beloved by everyone at the Phillies. Leigh and I are saddened beyond words at David’s passing and extend our love and sympathy to Lyn, his children and grandchildren.”
MLB
- John Middleton, Phillies managing partner
“From the first time I met Dave years ago, I knew that he was destined to become a top executive in the baseball world. Little did I know that he someday would be the president of the Phillies. Stephanie and I pray for Lyn and his family during this time.”
- Ruly Carpenter, former Phillies owner
“David was truly a great man. I have never known a person with more integrity or who truly cared so much about everyone who worked for the Phillies. He and I worked hand-in-hand for over 30 years. During that time, I saw his unparalleled love for his family, the Phillies and the team’s fans, and of course, the City of Philadelphia. David was a big reason why the Phillies won 12 division championships, five National League championships and two World Series championships in that time. He was a fierce competitor in everything he did, including his battle to fight his illness. He will be tremendously missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
- Bill Giles, Phillies chairman emeritus
“I was blessed to have had David as a dear friend for almost my entire life. As everyone who knew him knows, he was an extraordinary human being. In addition to his legendary kindness, warmth and integrity, he was just more fun to be with than anyone I’ve ever known. It was an absolute joy to be around him. My life has been incredibly enriched because of him. It has been recalled that when Harry Kalas died, David said that the Phillies had lost their voice. One could say that the Phillies have lost their heart and soul today, but because his impact is so great - his legacy is so enduring - we will really have that heart and soul forever.”
- Mike Stiles, former Phillies COO
"Today, everyone who knew David Montgomery is feeling a profound loss. He was a humble man whose management style was to treat all employees in the manner that you would like to be treated. He only wanted the best for everyone in the Phillies organization, for their families and for the team's fans. I am honored to have worked closely with him during my time with the Phillies. Doris and I send our condolences to the Lyn and the entire Montgomery family."
- Pat Gillick, Phillies senior advisor
“David Montgomery was a special man. I am very happy that we were fortunate enough to win the World Series in 2008 because I know what it meant to him and how much he cared about everyone that works in our organization. The last couple of years, he probably put up one of the biggest fights I’ve ever seen somebody put up. He was dedicated to this organization, the fans, our team and he loved what he did.”
- Charlie Manuel, Phillies senior advisor to the general manager
“David epitomized and represented all that was family for the Phillies. His humility and kindness was something he showed to everyone he touched. His love of the game of baseball came through with everything he did and his goal to keep making the game great was infectious. His impact on mine and my family’s life was both personal and professional and I owe so much to him. My family and I will miss him deeply but his impact on our lives will be everlasting. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lyn and the rest of his family as well as the entire Phillies family.”
- Ruben Amaro Jr., former Phillies general manager
“David led in a collegial manner, which made everyone feel he was ‘one of us.’ Whether interacting with the commissioner of baseball, an intern in the lunch room or a fan on the street who wanted to talk about the bullpen, David listened and cared. He loved his family, he loved his city, he loved his friends and he loved his Phillies.”
- Ed Wade, former Phillies general manager
“David was a kind and thoughtful man with an abundance of integrity. Thinking about Lyn and his family during this time, they are all special people. I hope we can celebrate a life well-lived knowing that he is in a fairway that is greener on a golf course with no sand traps nor rough.”
- Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians manager
“David Montgomery exemplified all that was good. He was kind, thoughtful, compassionate and cared about people. He was never ‘Mr. Montgomery.’ He was simply David, the kid who grew up in a blue-collar family in Roxborough. He was my boss and we had our differences, but they always were civil and always had a resolution. He was the most honest, ethical person I've ever known. When David told you something, his word was all that was needed. He battled his illness the way he did everything. It never was about him and he wanted no sympathy. He just liked to see people smile and be happy. That will be his legacy to me – always try to find the good. He was the best man I've ever known and we had a friendship I'll always cherish.”
- Chris Wheeler, former Phillies broadcaster
“David’s passing is not only felt by the entire Phillies family, but the city and the baseball industry. He was respected by everyone who encountered him and beloved by everyone, yes, everyone. That is rare. We have lost our very special friend.”
- Larry Shenk, former Phillies vice president of public relations
“David was like a fourth brother to me. My mom would say the same thing about him. He was kind, thoughtful and inclusive to everyone he touched. We worked together for 18 years, had our moments, but our relationship always trumped our disagreements. Just an amazing man.”
- Dennis Lehman, Cleveland Indians vice president, business and former Phillies executive
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lyn and the Montgomery family. David was an extraordinary man. He made those around him better. He always treated me and my family with the utmost respect. Always there to support us. He will be missed. Our hearts are heavy, but know that he is in a better place.”
- Brian Monihan, President NBC Sports Philadelphia
“Heaven just welcomed the ultimate All-Star. Dave was an extraordinary human who possessed a kind and gentle soul. He was class in every aspect of his life, always treating people with the utmost of dignity and decency. His contributions to the Phillies, the City and countless philanthropic programs were done out of pure love. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Dave and more important, to learn from him. My heartfelt prayers go out to Lyn and the rest of his family as well as the entire Phillies family.”
- Stephanie Smith, Former Comcast SportsNet President
"David was a pillar of our community and a friend. He always led by example and his impact on the sport of baseball, the Phillies and on the City of Philadelphia will be felt for a very long time. He will be missed not just for what he did, but for who he was – a leader, a gentlemen and genuine in everything he did. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and the entire Phillies organization."
- Jack Williams, Former Comcast SportsNet President and CEO
"Of all the people that I have met and done business with throughout my career, David Montgomery had to be the nicest. From his personality and manners to the way he conducted himself, he was always courteous. We all have to be firm at times, but he did it in a way that you just respected."
- Ryan Howard
“David was the backbone of what the Phillies organization was run on and that is family because he treated everyone with respect and love.”
- Brett Myers
“It’s a sad day for our Phillies family. Thank you, David, from the Rolens for your unwavering kindness. Our best to the Montgomery family, friends and fans across the country whose lives he has touched, which is undoubtedly a large number.”
- Scott Rolen
“If you’ve ever met David then you were fortunate enough to have met one of the best people you’d ever meet in life. His infectious smile and childlike giggle were always a favorite of mine when I knew I said something that would make him blush. He loved his Phillies more than anyone could and that only took second to the love he had for his wonderful family and beautiful wife, Lyn. He was relentless and passionate about making sure the fans and players knew they were family, and that, together, we were the thread that made this organization and this city so great! Rest easy, my friend. I love you.”
- Jimmy Rollins and the entire Rollins family
“A sad morning to hear of the passing of my good friend Dave Montgomery. Dave probably had an influence on more of our Phillies family than we knew. He will truly be missed. Donna and I pray for Lyn and his family during this time of need.”
- Mike Schmidt
“David Montgomery was one of the kindest and most genuine people I had the honor of knowing in the game. He treated everyone he met with the same respect, regardless of whether they worked in the front office or behind the scenes at the ballpark. He was a true gentleman and knowing him made me a better person. Andrea and I are so saddened to hear of his passing and we send our love and prayers to Lyn, his children and all who loved him.”
- Jim Thome
“Dave Montgomery is one of those rare men who you can’t help but love and admire the moment you meet him. Dave’s ‘family first’ approach resonated throughout the entire Phillies organization and was, in my opinion, a huge reason for our success. The news of his passing is a tragic loss not only for anyone that knew him but for the entire city of his beloved Philadelphia. I pass along my most sincere love and thoughts to his wife Lyn and their family.”
- Chase Utley
“I am beyond crushed by this news. David Montgomery gave a little boy growing up in Maui a chance to live out my dreams. He instilled hard work, dedication and passion into me and every other player who had the privilege to know him. He also showed us the importance of giving back to the community unlike anyone else I have known. He was truly one of a kind and I am blessed to have had a special man like David in my life.”
- Shane Victorino
“Very sad to hear about David, he was a very good man. One of the best individuals I met in baseball.”
- Randy Wolf
“I join all Philadelphians in mourning the loss of Dave Montgomery, who helped build the Phillies into one of the preeminent sports franchises in the nation. Dave was a true local success story, a Philly native who worked his way up from the team’s sales department to become president, co-owner, and later, chairman. I had the pleasure of knowing Dave, and I know that in the past few years he fought his health battle with the same vigor and courage with which he ran the team. Dave left his mark not just on the Phillies but on all of Philadelphia, particularly in his countless contributions to our city’s youth. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends and the millions of Phillies fans who supported the team during his long tenure.”
- Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia
“Dave Montgomery embodied everything great about baseball and sport. He loved and cared about people and their lives, as well as the players and fans. David wanted the Phillies and the ballpark to be the melting pot of our city, bringing all kinds of people from all walks of life to sit together, be together and enjoy each other just as we are. David is Mr. Baseball in Philadelphia, but more importantly, he was the kindest, most gentle and caring man I've ever worked with. God bless you, David, rest in peace.”
- Michael Nutter, former Mayor of Philadelphia
“Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Phillies chairman Dave Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery was a champion for our city and a longtime partner who played a key role in bringing sports and enriching activities to countless Philadelphia youth. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy. This partnership enhances the quality of baseball and softball throughout Philadelphia while creating dynamic youth development opportunities. Last fall, to celebrate Mr. Montgomery’s lifelong contributions to the City of Philadelphia, Daisy Field in Wissahickon Valley Park, where he played baseball in his youth, was renamed David P. Montgomery Field. Last week, he was honored by the Fairmount Park Conservancy as the recipient of the Centennial Award for Civic Leadership. We are deeply appreciative of his leadership and his numerous philanthropic contributions to bring meaningful experiences and spaces to Philadelphians.”
- Ott Lovell, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
“My heart is so very heavy over the loss of one my best friends. David was the model of dignity and courage. David had a special way with people. There are no words to describe his ‘way,’ but for all who knew him, you knew what that way felt like. I’m not sure I’ve known anyone who cared more than David - about everything and everyone. We’re all better for having had him in our lives. He will be missed beyond words.”
- Fran Dunphy, former Temple University men’s basketball coach
“David is among the most recognized, respected, remarkable and loved people in Philadelphia and Major League Baseball over the last 45 years. His heart reached out to all he encountered. He was truly an impact player - he touched thousands in his work and deeds. Truly a man for and with others! Every fan was family to David.”
- Don DiJulia, former Saint Joseph’s University athletic director