Phillies Chair David Montgomery died this morning at age 72 after a five-year battle against cancer. Montgomery in August '14 took a leave of absence as team President & CEO following his diagnosis in May of that year. He returned as Chair in January '15 and remained active in his role until his passing. He attended many of the team's Spring Training games in Clearwater, Fla., as well as this year's home opener at Citizens Bank Park ( Phillies ). Montgomery was "hired as a sales apprentice" in '71, and then "ascended rapidly through the Phillies front office." He "never lost his corner-bar congeniality" ( PHILLY.com, 5/8 ).

Fox Sports'  Ken Rosenthal  tweeted, "Montgomery elevated the game with his class and sheer decency. No executive was more beloved by his employees." NBC Sports Philadelphia's Amy Fadool Kane : "The @Phillies & Philadelphia have lost a great man, one who gave his heart to the team & the city and to anyone he met." NBC Sports Philadelphia's Brian Brennan : "One of the nicest people you could meet in any profession." WPVI-ABC's Jamie Apody : "Such a kind, wonderful man who did so much for so many."