Sidney Weil

Sidney Weil

• Born December 23, 1891
• Died January 14, 1966 in Cincinnati, OH USA

Biographical Information

Sidney Weil served as owner, President and General Manager of the Cincinnati Reds from 1929 to 1933.

His background was in the automobile business as the owner of the largest Ford dealership in Cincinnati, OH and he acquired enough shares of the team late in 1929 to become its majority owner. His investment was estimated to be worth $635,000 and came only weeks before the crash of the stock market that caused the Great Depression. He took over the running of the team which went through a very unsuccessful period under his watch, finishing in last place three times in the four full seasons in which he was at the helm. He was very much a fan, which had prompted him to acquire the team in the first place, and was said to have never missed a game or a chance to accompany the team during spring training in Florida during his tenure.

His financial situation was always precarious and on November 6, 1933, the Central Trust Bank of Cincinnati took over his ownership shares as he was unable to meet his financial commitments. Larry MacPhail jumped on the opportunity to acquire shares at a discounted price and as a result was named to the board of directors and in short order replaced Weil in running day-to-day operations. Powel Crosley then bought a majority of shares to become the new pricipal owner. As for Weil, he filed for bankruptcy shortly after selling the team, but eventually bounced back as a successful insurance salesman.

He died in 1966 after a traffic collision. He was of Jewish background, his ancestors having emigrated from Alsace around 1850, and was interred at Clifton United Jewish Cemetery in Cincinnati.

Preceded by C.J. McDiarmid

Cincinnati Reds General Manager 1929-1933

Succeeded by Larry MacPhail

Related Sites

• Find-a-Grave memorial for Sidney Weil