John McMullen was a successful businessman who made his fortune in the oil and gas industry. However, he also had a passion for baseball and became involved in the sport as an owner and executive.
McMullen's first foray into baseball ownership came in 1979 when he purchased the Houston Astros. He quickly made his mark on the team, investing in new facilities and signing high-profile players like Nolan Ryan. Under McMullen's ownership, the Astros made it to the playoffs several times and were known for their strong pitching staff.
In 1992, McMullen sold the Astros and turned his attention to the New Jersey Devils, a struggling NHL team. He purchased the team and invested heavily in new players and facilities. The Devils went on to win several Stanley Cup championships under McMullen's ownership.
Despite his success in hockey, McMullen remained involved in baseball. In 1993, he became a minority owner of the Colorado Rockies, a new expansion team. He also served on several MLB committees, including the Executive Council and the Finance Committee.
McMullen's impact on baseball extended beyond his ownership and executive roles. He was a strong advocate for revenue sharing among teams, arguing that it was necessary to level the playing field and ensure the long-term success of smaller-market teams. He also supported the use of instant replay to review umpire calls, a controversial issue at the time.
Overall, John McMullen was a prominent figure in baseball during the late 20th century. His ownership of the Houston Astros helped to establish the team as a contender, and his involvement in the Colorado Rockies and MLB committees demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the sport. While he may be better known for his success in the oil and gas industry and his ownership of the New Jersey Devils, McMullen's impact on baseball should not be overlooked.
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