Marge Schott, the controversial owner of the Cincinnati Reds, was a larger-than-life figure in the world of baseball. Known for her outspoken personality and her fiery temper, she was a lightning rod for controversy throughout her time at the helm. Schott’s tenure as owner was marked by both success and scandal, and she left an unforgettable legacy on the team and the sport.
Born Margaret Hendrickson in 1928, Schott grew up in a wealthy family in Cincinnati. She married Charles Schott, a successful businessman, in 1952, and they had two children. When Charles died in 1990, Schott inherited his majority ownership stake in the Reds. She quickly became known for her hands-on approach to running the team, and for making impulsive decisions that often surprised her staff and the fans.
Schott’s ownership was marked by both success and controversy. The Reds won the World Series in 1990, and she became known for her lavish spending on players. However, she also made a number of controversial statements and actions, including using racial and ethnic slurs. Her behavior led to several suspensions by Major League Baseball, and she was eventually forced to sell the team in 1999.
Marge Schott: A Life in Baseball
Early Life and Career
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 18, 1928, Margaret Helen Schott’s life was intertwined with baseball from an early age. Her father, William Schott, was a successful businessman who owned a beer distributorship and was a minority owner of the Cincinnati Reds. Growing up, Marge frequented Crosley Field, the Reds’ home stadium, and developed a deep passion for the game.
In her early twenties, Marge joined the Reds organization as a part-time employee. She initially worked in the team’s ticket office and concession stands, but her hard work and dedication quickly earned her promotions. By the mid-1950s, she had risen to the position of assistant general manager, becoming one of the first women to hold such a high-level role in Major League Baseball.
In 1966, Marge’s father passed away, leaving her as the inheritor of his shares in the Reds. While she did not immediately assume control of the team, her influence within the organization grew steadily. In 1984, following the controversial ownership of Bill DeWitt, Marge Schott became the majority owner of the Cincinnati Reds.
As the owner, Marge Schott made a number of significant changes to the team. She hired Pete Rose as manager in 1984, a move that initially proved successful as the Reds won the World Series that year. However, Rose’s controversial behavior and eventual gambling suspension tarnished Schott’s reputation as an owner.
Schott’s tenure as owner was also marked by a number of controversial statements and actions. She was accused of making racist and anti-Semitic remarks, and she often clashed with players, managers, and the media. In 1993, Major League Baseball suspended Schott for a year for her racially insensitive comments.
Despite the controversies, Marge Schott remained a polarizing figure in Cincinnati. Some fans supported her for her love of the Reds and her willingness to speak her mind, while others condemned her for her offensive comments and her erratic behavior. In 1999, Schott was forced to sell the team due to declining health and pressure from Major League Baseball.
Schott’s Return and Legacy
Return to Ownership
After serving her suspension, Marge Schott was reinstated as owner of the Cincinnati Reds in 1998. Despite her past controversies, Schott received a warm welcome from the Reds’ fan base, who had long admired her passion for the team. With her reinstatement, Schott resumed her active role in team affairs, attending games and interacting with players and fans. She remained the team’s owner for the next eight years, overseeing a period of both success and controversy.
Legacy
Marge Schott’s legacy is a complex and multifaceted one. As the first female owner in Major League Baseball history, she broke down barriers and paved the way for other women in the sport. She was known for her outspoken personality and her unwavering loyalty to the Cincinnati Reds. However, her history of racially insensitive remarks and her confrontational style also cast a shadow over her tenure as owner.
Racial Controversies
Schott’s racial controversies stem back to the 1990s, when she was first accused of making racially insensitive comments. In 1993, she was recorded using a racial slur during a conversation with a Black employee. This incident led to a formal investigation by the MLB, which resulted in a one-year suspension for Schott. Despite apologizing for her remarks, Schott continued to face allegations of racism throughout her ownership tenure. In 1997, she was again suspended for six months after making racially insensitive comments to a Japanese reporter. These controversies overshadowed her contributions to the Reds and left a lasting stain on her legacy.
Confrontational Style
Schott’s confrontational style often led to conflict and controversy both within the Reds organization and in the wider baseball community. She had a reputation for being outspoken and abrasive, clashing with players, managers, and fellow owners. In 1998, she fired manager Davey Johnson just days before the start of the season, citing philosophical differences. This move sparked widespread criticism and led to a rift between Schott and many Reds fans. Throughout her ownership, Schott’s combative approach created an atmosphere of tension and instability within the organization.
Sale of the Reds
In 2006, at the age of 86, Schott sold the Cincinnati Reds to a group of investors led by Bob Castellini. The sale ended her 22-year tenure as owner and marked a new era in the history of the team. Despite her controversial legacy, Schott remained a polarizing figure in Cincinnati. Some fans hailed her as a colorful and passionate owner, while others criticized her insensitive remarks and confrontational style. Regardless of her polarizing nature, Marge Schott left an undeniable mark on the Cincinnati Reds and the history of Major League Baseball.
Schott’s Impact on Baseball
Improved Finances
Marge Schott’s leadership played a pivotal role in the financial resurgence of the Cincinnati Reds during her ownership tenure. Her astute business acumen and unwavering dedication to the franchise’s prosperity were instrumental in transforming the Reds into a financially stable organization. Under her stewardship, the team witnessed unprecedented growth in revenue streams and overall profitability.
Schott’s shrewd financial management led to significant improvements in the Reds’ financial performance. She implemented innovative marketing strategies and partnered with lucrative sponsorships, generating substantial revenue for the team. Her keen eye for talent and frugal spending habits allowed the Reds to acquire and retain top-tier players, enhancing the team’s competitiveness and attracting a larger fan base. The result was a substantial increase in ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and broadcast deals.
In addition to her financial wizardry, Schott also oversaw the construction of a new state-of-the-art stadium, Great American Ball Park. This modern facility not only provided a comfortable and thrilling baseball experience for fans but also generated significant revenue through various offerings, such as premium seating, luxury boxes, and concessions. Great American Ball Park became a thriving entertainment destination, further boosting the Reds’ financial well-being.
Schott’s transformative impact on the Reds’ finances left a lasting legacy on the organization. Her financial savvy and unwavering commitment laid the foundation for the team’s sustained success in the years to come, ensuring its long-term viability and competitiveness in the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.
Schott’s Legacy Today
Mixed Reviews
Margaret Schott’s legacy is a complicated and multifaceted one. She is remembered for both her significant contributions to baseball and her controversial and offensive behavior. Her legacy continues to be a topic of debate, with some arguing that she should be celebrated for her accomplishments, while others believe that her racism and bigotry should overshadow her achievements.
Schott’s supporters point to her many positive contributions to the sport of baseball. She was a successful owner who helped to bring a World Series championship to the Cincinnati Reds. She was also a pioneer for women in sports, becoming the first female owner of a professional baseball team.
However, Schott’s legacy is also tarnished by her racist and bigoted remarks. She was often heard making derogatory statements about African Americans, Jews, and other minority groups. In 1992, she was suspended from baseball for two years after making a series of racist comments. Despite her suspension, Schott remained the owner of the Reds until her death in 2004.
The debate over Schott’s legacy is likely to continue for many years to come. While there is no doubt that she made significant contributions to baseball, her racist and bigoted remarks cannot be ignored. It is up to each individual to decide how they will remember Margaret Schott.
Remembering Marge Schott
Historical Importance
– A significant figure in baseball history due to her ownership of the Cincinnati Reds from 1984 to 1999
– A controversial figure known for her outspoken and often controversial comments
– Her story serves as a reminder of the sport’s complex history, particularly regarding race and gender
– Her legacy continues to shape the way we think about baseball and its role in society
Marge Schott’s Legacy: A Complex Examination
Marge Schott’s legacy is complex and multifaceted, marked by both her unwavering love for baseball and her controversial actions and statements. While she was a staunch supporter of the Reds and dedicated to the sport, her ownership tenure was marred by repeated incidents of insensitive and racially insensitive behavior. These included making disparaging remarks about African American and Jewish players, as well as using racial slurs. Her actions led to multiple suspensions and fines from Major League Baseball and ultimately resulted in her being forced to sell the team in 1999.
Marge Schott’s Childhood and Early Life
Margaret Norma Schott was born on August 18, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father, Charles Henry Schott, was a successful businessman who owned a chain of grocery stores. Her mother, Norma Foerster Schott, was a homemaker. Marge had a close relationship with her father, who instilled in her a love of baseball. She grew up attending Reds games and developed a deep affection for the team.
Marge Schott’s Business Career
After graduating from high school, Marge Schott worked in her father’s grocery business. She eventually became a successful businesswoman in her own right, owning several businesses, including a bowling alley and a restaurant. In 1984, she purchased a majority stake in the Cincinnati Reds, becoming the first female owner of a Major League Baseball team.
Marge Schott’s Ownership of the Cincinnati Reds
Marge Schott’s ownership of the Reds was a tumultuous period marked by both success and controversy. Under her leadership, the Reds won the World Series in 1990 and made several playoff appearances. However, her tenure was also marred by her controversial comments and actions, which led to multiple suspensions from Major League Baseball. In 1996, she was suspended for one year after making racially insensitive remarks. In 1998, she was suspended indefinitely after using a racial slur. The suspensions and negative publicity eventually led to her being forced to sell the team in 1999.
Marge Schott’s Death and Legacy
Marge Schott died on March 2, 2004, at the age of 75. Her death sparked a renewed debate about her legacy. Some argued that her contributions to baseball and her love for the Reds should overshadow her controversial actions. Others maintained that her behavior was inexcusable and that her legacy should be tarnished by her racism. Regardless of one’s opinion, Marge Schott remains a significant figure in baseball history, a reminder of the sport’s complex and often troubling past.