Carl Pohlad, one of richest men in America and owner of baseball's Minnesota Twins, died Monday at his Minnesota home. He was 93.
Forbes valued Pohlad's net worth at $3.6 billion in its most recent list of the richest Americans calculated in late August. The father of three was ranked No. 102.
After a stint selling used cars and serving in the Army during World War II, Pohlad launched his financial rise in Minneapolis. The Gonzaga University dropout bought Marquette Bank in 1955. He sold the company to
Pohlad bought the Minnesota Twins from the team's original owner for around $40 million in 1984. Forbes now values the franchise at $328 million. As owner, he saw the club capture the World Series in 1987 and 1991. (See "The Business Of Baseball.")
"Since purchasing the club in 1984, Carl's leadership, vision and passion for Twins baseball inspired the franchise to win two World Series championships, two American League pennants and six division titles," said the team in a statement. "That on-field success would never have been possible without the loyalty and support from Mr. Pohlad and his family."
Pohlad had a long relationship with sports. According to MLB.com, Pohlad won a football scholarship to Gonzaga University and occasionally boxed semi-professionally. As owner of the Twins, he frequently attended home games at the Metrodome.
Twins fans will soon have something to remind them of Pohlad. He was instrumental in persuading Minnesota lawmakers to build the team a new ballpark. Target Field will open next year.