Marge Schott was an American businesswoman and philanthropist, primarily known for her controversial tenure as the owner of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Born on August 18, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Schott became an influential figure in the professional sports domain during her ownership of the Reds from 1984 to 1999.
However, Schott's legacy is marred by various controversies. She was known for making racially insensitive remarks, including derogatory slurs against African Americans and Japanese Americans, which led to her being suspended from any involvement with the Reds for the 1993 season. Despite this setback, she maintained partial ownership and eventually reclaimed full control of the team.
Schott's behavior also extended beyond racial prejudice. She faced accusations of fostering a hostile work environment, abusing her power, and leading with an authoritarian style. Her actions resulted in numerous fines and penalties from Major League Baseball.
Outside of baseball, Schott maintained several charitable efforts and was a well-known philanthropist, particularly in her hometown of Cincinnati. However, her generous acts often struggled to overshadow the controversies and negative reputation she had garnered throughout her ownership.
Marge Schott's impact on the sports world is recognized for both her successes as a businesswoman and her highly controversial behavior. She passed away on March 2, 2004, leaving behind a complex legacy that serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of unchecked prejudices and inappropriate conduct in professional sports.
