Bob Howsam
Cardinals GM who built 1967–68 contenders, then engineered Big Red Machine.
Bob Howsam, born in Denver and raised in La Jara, Colorado, was a sports executive and entrepreneur. In 1959, he helped create both the American Football League, which later merged with the NFL, and the Continental League, a baseball venture that never played but forced MLB to expand from 16 to 20 teams in 1961–62. He was general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from August 1964 to January 1967, contributing to their 1967 title and 1968 pennant. He then served as GM and president of the Cincinnati Reds from January 1967 to February 1978, overseeing the Big Red Machine that won four National League pennants and two World Series.
Quick Facts
- Born
- February 28, 1918
- Birthplace
- Denver, Colorado, U.S.
- Died
- 19 February 2008
- Place of death
- Sun City, Arizona, U.S.
- Occupation
- Major League Baseball executive; American Football League co-founder and team owner
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Howsam and the seven other original AFL owners called themselves the 'Foolish Club' for daring to take on the established NFL.
- Howsam first sought an expansion NFL team for Denver; when that bid was turned down, he met with Lamar Hunt and founded the Denver Broncos.
- The Denver Broncos played in the AFL from 1960 to 1969 and then joined the NFL with completion of the NFL/AFL merger in 1970.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Bob Howsam born?
Bob Howsam was born on February 28, 1918 in Denver, Colorado, U.S.
When did Bob Howsam die?
Bob Howsam died on 19 February 2008 in Sun City, Arizona, U.S.
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