Dan O'Dowd is a former Major League Baseball executive who spent over two decades working in the sport. He began his career as a minor league player in the 1980s before transitioning to the front office. O'Dowd worked for the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Indians before being hired as the general manager of the Colorado Rockies in 1999.

During his tenure with the Rockies, O'Dowd oversaw the team's transition from a perennial bottom-dweller to a playoff contender. He was known for his emphasis on player development and building through the draft, which led to the emergence of stars like Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. O'Dowd also made several key trades and free agent signings that helped the Rockies reach the World Series in 2007.

Despite the team's success, O'Dowd faced criticism for his handling of the pitching staff and his reluctance to spend big money on free agents. He stepped down as general manager in 2014 but remained with the organization as a senior advisor.

Overall, O'Dowd's career in baseball was marked by a commitment to building teams through the draft and player development. While he faced criticism for some of his decisions, his impact on the Rockies cannot be denied.

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