C. Arnholt Smith

From BR Bullpen

Conrad Arnholt Smith

Born March 13, 1899 in Walla Walla, WA USA
Died June 8, 1996 in Del Mar, CA USA

C. Arnholt Smith purchased the San Diego Padres of the Pacific Coast League in 1955 and was the original owner of the expansion San Diego Padres of the National League. In 1973, he was unsuccessful in his attempt to move the team to Washington, DC, and the following year, he sold the club to McDonald's restaurant magnate Ray Kroc.

Outside of baseball, Smith was active in California Republican politics and was a close friend to President Richard Nixon. In the late 1970s, he faced charges of bank fraud and tax evasion. He was convicted of embezzlement and served eight months in prison.