This Day In History: Ben Shibe Dies
January 14th, 2009 by MattPhiladelphia Athletics co-owner and the namesake of the Athletics’ and Phillies’ ball park, Ben Shibe, died on January 14, 1922.
Ben Shibe was largely responsible for bringing the American League to Philly and making the City of Brotherly Love a 2 team town. Shibe is credited with making advancements in the manufacturing of baseballs, and made enough doing it to buy 50% of the Athletics and build the first steel and concrete stadium at 21st and Lehigh in Philadelphia. Connie Mack owned the other 50% of the A’s.
Connie Mack took over sole ownership of the Athletics in 1936 once Ben Shibe’s sons had also died, but did not change the name from Shibe Park. Mack sold the Athletics in 1954, which resulted in the franchise’s move to Kansas City, but not before the park was renamed Connie Mack Stadium in the long-time manager/owner’s honor.
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