Carl Pohlad

Carl Pohlad
Carl Pohlad
Born	August 23, 1915 (age 111); Valley Junction, Iowa, U.S.
Died	January 5, 2009 (aged 93)
Occupation(s)	Financier, Businessman, Sports team owner
Known for	Owner of the Minnesota Twins (1984–2009)

Carl Ray Pohlad (August 23, 1915 – January 5, 2009) was a prominent American financier based in Minnesota, primarily recognized for owning the Minnesota Twins baseball team from 1984—when he took over from Calvin Griffith—until his passing in 2009.

By 2009, Pohlad's net worth was estimated at $3.6 billion, placing him 102nd on Forbes' list of the 400 wealthiest individuals in the United States.

Early life and education

Carl Pohlad was born in Valley Junction, Iowa to Slovak immigrant parents, Mary M. (Sodak) and Michael Pohlad. He was raised in West Des Moines, Iowa and completed his studies at Valley High School in 1934. Initially, he played football at Compton Junior College before being recruited by Bing Crosby to join the football team at his alma mater, Gonzaga University. Pohlad attended Gonzaga but departed following the conclusion of his senior football season.

During World War II, Pohlad was drafted and served from 1943 to 1946 across multiple campaigns in France, Germany, and Austria. He sustained injuries in combat and was awarded both the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal.

After returning from military service, he married Mary Eloise O'Rourke and settled in Edina, Minnesota. Together they had three sons—James, Robert, and William—all of whom remain Executive Board Members of the Minnesota Twins. Eloise died in 2003.

Career

Pohlad’s career began with investments in community banks following the Great Depression, eventually expanding into a significant banking enterprise. After Midwest Federal Savings & Loan failed in 1989, he acquired its deposits. In 1991, he negotiated the sale of Marquette Bank, under Bank Shares, Inc., to First Bank System (now known as US Bank), with the transaction finalizing in 1993. By 2006, Forbes ranked him tied for the 107th position among America's wealthiest individuals with a net worth of $2.6 billion.

He held the position of president at Twin City Rapid Transit during its recovery from corruption issues. As Vice President of Pohlad Companies, he oversaw a diverse portfolio including Marquette Financial Companies, United Properties, River Road Entertainment, Stanton Group Holdings, Arcadia Solutions, Northern Lights Broadcasting’s KTWN FM radio station, JB Hudson's Jewelers, and maintained a controlling stake in PepsiAmericas—the second-largest bottler in the U.S.

Minnesotan sports

In 1984, Pohlad acquired controlling ownership of the Minnesota Twins for $43.5 million from the Griffith family, who had maintained ownership since 1919. Under his stewardship, the Twins secured World Series championships in both 1987 and 1991. In 1997, he nearly sold the franchise to Don Beaver with plans to relocate it to North Carolina; however, failure of a stadium referendum coupled with insufficient interest prevented the move.

During Major League Baseball’s contraction plans in 2001 that threatened to dissolve the team, Pohlad proposed selling the Twins back to MLB for $150 million. Nevertheless, a court injunction enforcing the Metrodome lease ensured the franchise remained operational.

Additionally, from the mid-1980s until 1991, Pohlad held partial ownership of the Minnesota Vikings.

Death

Carl Pohlad passed away due to natural causes on January 5, 2009, at age 93. His funeral services took place at Minneapolis’s Basilica of Saint Mary. His son Jim assumed leadership responsibilities for managing the Twins organization.

In 2010, a bronze sculpture depicting Pohlad alongside his wife was unveiled at Target Field. The statue includes a plaque featuring Pohlad’s words: "The great thing about baseball is the way it brings families and a community together. The chance to spend an afternoon with your kids at the ballpark pulling for your team—well, there's nothing better!"

Honors

1984, Golden Plate Award presented by the American Academy of Achievement
2005, Inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame

References