Former Twins Owner Griffith Dies

Calvin Griffith, a tight-fisted owner who inherited the Washington Senators and moved them to Minnesota, died Wednesday in Melbourne, Fla. He was 87.

Griffith developed pneumonia, a kidney infection and a high fever Monday, said Sima Griffith, his daughter-in-law. She said he had a pacemaker put in three to four weeks ago and had been in a rehabilitation center.

Griffith moved the Senators after the 1960 season and the team was renamed the Minnesota Twins. He sold the club for $36 million to Carl Pohlad in 1984, ending 65 years of franchise ownership by the Griffith family.

Griffith, is survived by his wife, Belva Block; a son, two daughters, three grandchildren, a sister and a brother.