Ruly Carpenter, who served as Phillies president and principal owner from 1972 to 1981, died on Monday at the age of 81.
The Delaware native took control of the team in 1972 from his father Bob Jr. Carpenter began working in the Phillies front office in 1963. He is credited with bringing in legendary Phillies farm director Paul Owens into the organization.
Carpenter oversaw the Phillies’ most successful period in its history at the time. The Phillies won three consecutive division titles from 1976-1978 and its first World Series championship in 1980. Carpenter sold the team to Bill Giles and a group of investors in 1981.