Phil Ball

Philip DeCatesby Ball

• Born October 22, 1864 in Keokuk, IA USA
• Died October 22, 1933 in Battle Lake, MN USA

Biographical Information

Phil Ball owned the St. Louis Terriers of the Federal League and then purchased the St. Louis Browns in 1916 as part of the agreement that allowed for the dissolution of the Federal League (Charles Weeghan became the owner of the Chicago Cubs as a result of that same deal). He owned the team until his passing in 1933. He also owned half of the capital of the minor league Milwaukee Brewers.

Belying the reputation as permanent doormats, the Browns were actually quite competitive during Ball's tenure, especially in the early 1920s when they were led by 1B George Sisler and P Urban Shocker. The team quickly went south during the Great Depression, however, as they started a stretch of 12 consecutive losing seasons in 1930, with Ball's passing only making things worse.

Related Sites

• Phil Ball at the SABR Bio Project