Phil Mickelson withdraws his bid for San Diego Padres’ part ownership- MLB News
Professional Golfer Phil Mickelson who was expected to be a part owner of the along San Diego Padres has withdrawn himself. The ball club was bought by the O’Malley and Seidler families along with local businessman Ron Fowler last summer. The Padres’ vice
president of public affairs, Sarah Farnsworth, has confirmed the news.
Phil grew up in San Diego and is a resident of the city. He did not show any signs of withdrawal from bid until now. In October he said that he was ‘’really excited’’ about the prospect of working with the ownership group. The reason behind the sudden change
of heart is unknown at the moment.
During an NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers at the Qualcomm stadium on October 15, Phil was confident that there will be some positive announcement soon.
"It looks pretty promising and hopefully here in the next few days we'll have something to announce. I think we're getting it worked out,'' Mickelson had said.
Phil notified the Padres within the last six weeks that he will be unable to join the ball club next year. In a statement, Mickelson said that the ownership demanded full time commitment and despite being a resident of the city, it was perhaps not possible
for him.
"I think to be involved with the Padres you have to be fully committed to the long term," Mickelson said. "I've been born and raised here, but at this moment I'm not able to make that kind of long-term commitment to the city and to the team."
The ownership deal was around the $800 million mark. One of the current owners, Peter O’Malley is the former owner of Los Angeles Dodgers. His father, Walter O’Malley had moved Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles as the Los Angeles Dodgers after acquiring it.
Phil perhaps felt that he would be unable to perform his duties as an owner in an appropriate manner due to the demanding nature of his own professional career as a player.
It would have been an interesting move had he decided to go ahead. The World Hall of Fame inductee is an accomplished professional golf player who has reached the World No.2 spot on more than one occasion.
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