Ben Shibe

Benjamin Franklin Shibe
(Uncle Ben)

• Born January 23, 1838 in Philadelphia, PA USA
• Died January 14, 1922 in Philadelphia, PA USA

Biographical Information

Along with his sons John Shibe and Tom Shibe, Ben Shibe was half-owner of the Philadelphia Athletics of the American League from 1901 until his death in 1922.

His first connection with baseball came as a manufacturer of balls; he soon partnered with A.J. Reach, forming a joint sporting goods company in 1882 and was a minority owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, owned by Reach. He then invested in the newly-formed Athletics at the urging of Connie Mack, who controlled the remaining 50% of the team.

Shibe Park in Philadelphia was named in his honor.

Related Sites

• Ben Shibe at the SABR Bio Project
• 1922 Spalding Guide Obit