C. Arnholt Smith

Conrad Arnholt Smith

• Born March 13, 1899 in Walla Walla, WA USA
• Died June 8, 1996 in Del Mar, CA USA

C. Arnholt Smith purchased the San Diego Padres of the Pacific Coast League in 1955 and was the original owner of the expansion San Diego Padres of the National League. In 1973, caught in allegations of fraud, tax evasion and illegal political donations, he attempted to sell the team to a group wanting to move it to Washington, DC, but the city of San Diego threatened to sue over the break up of the team's lease on San Diego Stadium, and the sale offer was withdrawn. Shortly thereafter, he sold the club to McDonald's restaurant magnate Ray Kroc.

Outside of baseball, Smith was active in California Republican politics and was a close friend of President Richard Nixon. He was eventually convicted of embezzlement and served eight months in prison.

Padres Owners
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expansion club	C. Arnolt Smith (1969-74)	Ray Kroc