Steve O'Neill (owner)
Encyclopedia
Francis J. "Steve" O'Neill (September 18, 1899 – August 29, 1983) was the principal owner of the Cleveland Indians
of the American League
from through . In 1978, O'Neill purchased the Indians from the ownership group headed by Ted Bonda
. After his death, O'Neill's estate owned the team until Richard Jacobs purchased the Indians in 1986.
O'Neill was a lifelong resident of Cleveland. His family made its fortune in the trucking business. He bought a minority interest in the Indians in 1961, and was a limited partner during the tenures of William R. Daley
, Gabe Paul
and Vernon Stouffer
. In 1973, however, he sold his Indians interest to become a limited partner in George Steinbrenner
's syndicate that bought the New York Yankees
. Five years later, he sold off his Yankees interest and bought a 63 percent stake in the Indians.
O'Neill was an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame
, where he played basketball.
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
of the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
from through . In 1978, O'Neill purchased the Indians from the ownership group headed by Ted Bonda
Ted Bonda
Alva T. "Ted" Bonda was the president of the Cleveland Indians from 1973 to 1978. He was a partner in Nick Mileti's ownership group who assumed control of the team in 1973, though Mileti wasn't completely bought out until 1975...
. After his death, O'Neill's estate owned the team until Richard Jacobs purchased the Indians in 1986.
O'Neill was a lifelong resident of Cleveland. His family made its fortune in the trucking business. He bought a minority interest in the Indians in 1961, and was a limited partner during the tenures of William R. Daley
William R. Daley
William R. Daley was a businessman and owner of two franchises in Major League Baseball's American League.He the principal owner of the Cleveland Indians from through . In 1956, Daley purchased Myron H. Wilson's share of the franchise to become owner...
, Gabe Paul
Gabe Paul
Gabriel Howard Paul was an American executive in Major League Baseball who served as general manager of three teams and, perhaps most famously, as president of the New York Yankees under George Steinbrenner during the 1970s....
and Vernon Stouffer
Vernon Stouffer
Vernon B. Stouffer, owned a national chain of restaurants, motor inns, and food-service operations and the Cleveland Indians from 1966-72. He played a key part in developing frozen foods and microwavable foods. His company Stouffer's was valued at $21.5 million when it was merged with Litton...
. In 1973, however, he sold his Indians interest to become a limited partner in George Steinbrenner
George Steinbrenner
George Michael Steinbrenner III was an American businessman who was the principal owner and managing partner of Major League Baseball's New York Yankees. During Steinbrenner's 37-year ownership from 1973 to his death in July 2010, the longest in club history, the Yankees earned seven World Series...
's syndicate that bought the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Five years later, he sold off his Yankees interest and bought a 63 percent stake in the Indians.
O'Neill was an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
, where he played basketball.