Robert Ruliph Morgan “Ruly” Carpenter III has died. He was 81.
Carpenter was best known as the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies during one of their most successful periods in the history of the team, culminating in the team winning the World Series in 1980.
He was also known as a long-time supporter of the University of Delaware athletic program.
The DuPont family and Yale graduate took over the team from his father after working in the front office, with the Phillies winning it all eight years later.
Ruly Carpenter, who owned the #Phillies when they won the 1980 World Series, dies at 81 https://t.co/mI22rsy96x
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) September 14, 2021
It was the first time the team had won the title in its long history mainly marked by losing seasons.
The Carpenter family sold the team a year later after free agency entered the picture.
His latter career included serving as a volunteer and donor for UD athletics. He also served on the university’s board of trustees.
He was instrumental in raising funds for the Carpenter Center, the university’s basketball arena.
