Chris Von Der Ahe was a German-American businessman and baseball pioneer who is best known for his ownership of the St. Louis Browns, a team that would later become the St. Louis Cardinals. Von Der Ahe was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1875. He began his career as a grocer in St. Louis, and soon opened his own saloon. It was here that he first became interested in baseball, and he soon became a fan of the St. Louis Brown Stockings.

In 1882, Von Der Ahe purchased the team and became its owner. He was an innovative owner, introducing the first beer garden at a baseball stadium, as well as the first team mascot. He also changed the team's name to the St. Louis Browns. Under his ownership, the team won four American Association championships.

Von Der Ahe was also a major figure in the development of the National League. He was one of the original owners of the league, and he was instrumental in the formation of the Players' League in 1890. He also helped to establish the American Association as a major league in 1892.

Von Der Ahe's career as an owner ended in 1898, when he sold the St. Louis Browns to the St. Louis Perfectos, who would later become the St. Louis Cardinals. He continued to be involved in baseball, however, and was a major figure in the development of the minor leagues. He died in 1913, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of baseball.

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