Brad Corbett. (NYT. Fort Worth Startlegram.)
Mr. Corbett founded, and made his money with, a plastic pipe manufacturing company. But he’s noteworthy here because he owned the Texas Rangers from 1974 to 1980, part of the Seasons in Hell
era that I’ve written about before. (Yes, Corbett was the owner during 10 Cent Beer Night; he bought the team on May 29, 1974, and that took place June 4th. Heck of an introduction to MLB.)
Corbett, a Fort Worth businessman, might be best remembered for his time with the Rangers for the 1977 season when they had four managers – Frank Lucchesi, Eddie Stanky, Connie Ryan and Billy Hunter.
Lucchesi managed the first 62 games, but his season got off to a rocky start when second baseman Lenny Randle punched him during spring training. Stanky then managed only one game, followed by Ryan, who managed six, before Hunter managed the final 93.
Also:
Throughout Corbett’s tenure, the Rangers traded away three future Hall of Fame pitchers — Ferguson Jenkins, Gaylord Perry and Bert Blyleven — as well as Mike Hargrove, Jeff Burroughs and Toby Harrah.
[Jim] Sundberg, in fact, was the only player to remain with the Rangers throughout Corbett’s time as owner from start to finish.
One story about Corbett, recounted in the obit, involves him making a trade with another owner while they were both standing at the urinal in a Fort Worth restaurant. Corbett is also one of the men who fired Billy Martin.
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