MLB news: David Montgomery to return as Phillies chairman

The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that former president and CEO David Montgomery is back with the team as Chairman.

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ESPN reported that after nearly fourth months since taking medical leave to get treatment for jaw cancer, Montgomery will be back with the team that he served with as President and CEO since 1981. He will now serve in the less-stressful function as Chairman of the team.

Pat Gillick took over as interim team President for Montgomery after he declared his leave of absence. Gillick will stay on as President and will no longer have “interim” in his title.

“I am fortunate to be healthy enough now to resume some of my previous responsibilities,” Montgomery said on Wednesday. “I am very appreciative that Pat Gillick is willing and available to remain as the club’s president. Pat and I have become very close since he joined us in the fall of 2005. I look forward to returning to work as Phillies chairman.”

A Philadelphia native, Montgomery purchased the team along with his partner, Bill Giles, for $30 million back in 1981. After decades of futility, the Phillies finally won a World Series title in 2008 with a 4-1 series win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Phillies have not played in the postseason or posted a winning season since 2011 – when they lost in the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2.