Steve O'Neill (owner)

Francis Joseph O'Neill
(Steve)

• School University of Notre Dame

• Born September 18, 1899 in Cleveland, OH USA
• Died August 29, 1983 in Cleveland, OH USA

Biographical Information

Steve O'Neill purchased the Cleveland Indians in 1978 and owned the club until his death. Previously, O'Neill had owned a minority share in the Indians from 1961 to 1973 in a group led by Vernon Stouffer. He sold that stock to become a limited partner of George Steinbrenner, who was also from Cleveland, in the New York Yankees from 1973 to 1978.

His fortune came from transportation, a business originally started by his father that eventually became Leaseway Transportation, of which he was the Chairman of the Board. He also bought the Sheraton Cleveland Hotel, which he leased to Stouffer, another Indians owner. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and played basketall at the University of Notre Dame. His nickname came from Indians catcher Steve O'Neill, who was not related.

Further Reading

• David Bohmer: "Cleveland Indians team ownership history", Team Ownership History Project, SABR. [1]

Related Sites

• Biography from Case Western Reserve University