John Galbreath, Former Owner of Pirates, Dies
John Galbreath, former owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates and breeder of two Kentucky Derby winners, died Wednesday at his farm near Columbus, Ohio. He was 90.
Galbreath died of complications of a weakening heart, said Richard Pickett, executive vice president of the John W. Galbreath Co.
Forbes Magazine in 1986 estimated the Galbreath family fortune, which was made in real-estate development, at $400 million.
Twice, Galbreath’s horses won the Kentucky Derby: Chateaugay in 1963 and Proud Clarion in 1967. Another Galbreath horse, Little Current, won the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes in 1974.
Galbreath, along with three partners including singer Bing Crosby, bought the Pirates in 1946. He was named president in 1950 and served until 1969, when he was succeeded by his son, Dan. Under his ownership, the Pirates won the World Series in 1960, 1971 and 1979. The Galbreaths sold their interests in the club in 1985.
Galbreath was widowed twice. He is survived by a son, a daughter and seven grandchildren. Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday.
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