Theo Epstein
Epstein in 2010
Born (1973-12-29) December 29, 1973
New York City, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Alma materYale University
University of San Diego School of Law
OccupationConsultant
OrganizationMajor League Baseball
SpouseMarie Whitney (m. 2007)
Children2

Theo Nathaniel Epstein (born December 29, 1973) is an American Major League Baseball executive, who currently works for MLB as a consultant.[1] He was the vice president and general manager for the Boston Red Sox and then the president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs. He worked for each team for nine seasons.

While working for both teams, Epstein became notable for helping to end two of the longest World Series droughts in the history of Major League Baseball.[2] In 2004, the Red Sox won their first World Series championship in 86 years; in 2016, the Cubs won their first World Series championship in 108 years.

Early life

Epstein was born to a secular Jewish family in New York City and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts.[3][4][5] He attended Brookline High School (a 1991 graduate),[6] and played baseball for the Brookline High School Warriors, but dreamed of working for the Red Sox.

Epstein attended Yale University, where he lived at Jonathan Edwards College. He served as sports editor of the Yale Daily News. He graduated in 1995 with a degree in American Studies. During his time as an undergraduate, he wrote letters to several teams expressing interest in working for them. His letter to the Baltimore Orioles reached team executive Calvin Hill, a Yale alumnus and head of personnel, who invited him for an interview. Epstein interned for three consecutive summers for the Orioles.[7] Eventually he was hired as the public relations assistant for the Orioles.

Career

San Diego Padres

Epstein then moved with Larry Lucchino to the San Diego Padres as director of player development. While working for the Padres, he also studied at the University of San Diego School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor degree at Lucchino's suggestion.[8] Epstein based his class selection on which professors seemed to be the most lenient with attendance policies given the Padres' often-late work hours. By studying law Epstein was invited to take part in high-level negotiations and discussions by then-GM Kevin Towers since few in the Padres' small operations division had a legal background to understand contract language.[7] Epstein worked his way up to become the team's director of baseball operations.[9]

Boston Red Sox

Epstein at the 2007 World Series victory parade

After leaving the position as the Padres' President, Lucchino became president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Red Sox on November 15, 2001[10] and hired Epstein to work under him. At the end of the 2002 season, Lucchino appointed Epstein to replace interim general manager (GM) Mike Port. Epstein is credited with trading away Nomar Garciaparra and acquiring Bill Mueller and Curt Schilling,[9] moves that helped break the "Curse of the Bambino" when the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series, their first championship since 1918.[11]

On October 31, 2005, Epstein resigned, rejecting a three-year, $1.5-million-per-year contract for personal reasons. According to The Boston Globe, "This is a job you have to give your whole heart and soul to", he said. "In the end, after a long period of reflection about myself and the program, I decided I could no longer put my whole heart and soul into it." Because it was Halloween the night he resigned from the Red Sox, Epstein left Fenway Park wearing a gorilla suit in an attempt to avoid reporters.[12] A witness reported spotting a person wearing a gorilla suit driving a Volvo similar to Epstein's that night. The suit was loaned to him and was later auctioned for $11,000. The money raised was given to The Jimmy Fund and the Foundation to be Named Later (FTBNL).[13]

Epstein remained in contact with the team's front office and in January 2006, he and Red Sox management announced he would return, resuming the role of general manager and adding the title of executive vice president.[14] The Red Sox went on to win the 2007 World Series, Epstein's second championship with Boston.[15] In November 2007, Epstein announced, at the annual general manager meeting, that he had signed a new contract with the Red Sox but declined to disclose the terms of the deal.[16]

Chicago Cubs

Epstein talks to reporters before the 2016 NLCS Game 6

On October 12, 2011, Epstein agreed to a five-year contract worth $18.5 million with the Chicago Cubs.[17] On October 19, 2011, it was reported that Epstein's official title with the Cubs would be president and that San Diego Padres general manager Jed Hoyer would take the GM position with the Cubs.[18]

On October 23, 2011, he took out a full-page ad in The Boston Globe, thanking Red Sox fans and the team's owners for their support.[19] Two days later, the Cubs officially introduced Epstein as president of baseball operations.[20] The Cubs finished in last place in the National League Central for the first three years of Epstein's presidency, as the focus was to acquire young talent rather than maximize short-term competitiveness.[21] After a three-year rebuild, the Cubs clinched a playoff berth in 2015 and advanced to the National League Championship Series, where they were swept by the New York Mets.[22]

Epstein signed an extension with the club on September 28, 2016, with a contract estimated to be worth up to $25 million.[23] The Cubs would proceed to break the so-called "Curse of the Billy Goat" by defeating Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series, their first championship since 1908.[24]

Epstein stepped down from his role on the Cubs on November 20, 2020. Jed Hoyer, Epstein's long-time deputy, took over his position.[25]

MLB consultant and private equity

In January 2021, MLB hired Epstein as a consultant for "on-field matters".[1] Later that year, he joined private equity firm Arctos Sports Partners.[26]

Personal life

Epstein has a twin brother, Paul, who is a social worker at Brookline High School in Brookline, Massachusetts. He and Paul are co-founders of "The Foundation to be Named Later", established in 2005.[13]

Epstein's grandfather, Philip G. Epstein, and great-uncle, Julius J. Epstein – with Howard E. Koch – won Academy Awards for the screenplay of Casablanca,[13] while his father, novelist Leslie Epstein, heads the Creative Writing Program at Boston University.[27] His mother, Ilene (Gradman), opened a clothing store.[28] Epstein's sister, Anya, is a screenwriter and television producer (Homicide: Life on the Street and Tell Me You Love Me).[29]

On January 12, 2007, Epstein married Marie Whitney, a Roman Catholic, who is the founder and creative director of Two Penny Blue.[30][31] The couple have two sons, Jack and Andrew.[32] Boston Globe sportswriter Gordon Edes reported that the wedding took place at Nathan's Famous hot dog stand at Coney Island, then later published a correction, noting that he had fallen for a prank by Theo's father Leslie. The site and actual date of the wedding was never released, but the Boston Herald later reported that the wedding took place on Red Sox owner John Henry's yacht in Saint Thomas.[33][34]

Charity

Epstein's "Hot Stove Cool Music" are biannual Boston and Chicago benefit concerts that have raised millions of dollars for the "disadvantaged youth and families" of the respective cities. Before the 2015 event, Epstein said, "We've collectively raised more than $6 million and look forward to increasing that total this year through another great night of music, baseball and giving back."[35]

Honors and awards

As a front office executive, Epstein is a three-time World Series champion, winning twice with the Red Sox (2004 and 2007) and once with the Cubs (2016).

In 2007, the United States Sports Academy named Epstein the recipient of its "Carl Maddox Sport Management Award."

In December 2008, Baseball America named Epstein its Baseball America Major League Executive of the Year.[36]

In March 2009, the book Theo-logy: How a Boy Wonder Led the Red Sox to the Promised Land is published.

In September 2009, Epstein was named Sporting News Executive of the Decade.[37] At the same time, the Red Sox were named Sporting News Team of the Decade. In December, Sports Illustrated named him MLB's Best General Manager of the Decade and number 3 on its list of the Top 10 GMs/Executives of the Decade (in all sports).[38]

In November 2016, Epstein was named the Sporting News Executive of the Year.[39] Also in November, Epstein won the Esurance MLB Award for Best Executive.[40]

In March 2017, Epstein was announced as Yale's Class Day Speaker.[41] Fortune Magazine also ranked Epstein #1 in their 2017 list of the "World's Greatest Leaders".[42] In April 2017, Time Magazine named Epstein one of the world's 100 most influential people.[43]

References

  1. 1 2 Rogers, Jesse (14 January 2021). "MLB hires former Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein as consultant to 'on-field matters'". Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  2. ↑ "With Red Sox, Cubs, Theo Epstein ends 2 longest World Series droughts, becomes sure Hall of Famer". 3 November 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  3. ↑ Foer, Franklin; Tracy, Marc (2012-10-30), Jewish Jocks: An Unorthodox Hall of Fame, Grand Central, ISBN 9781455516117
  4. ↑ Jewish Journal: "The Epstein Family: True Team Players" by Sheila Barth June 18, 2014
  5. ↑ Times of Israel: "Theo Epstein vs. Mike Chernoff: The Jewish brains behind the Cubs and the Indians" By Gabe Friedman 28 October 2016
  6. ↑ Beggy, Carol; Shanahan, Mark (November 6, 2003). "Monet goes to Vegas; Kerry goes out on the town". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 17, 2008.
  7. 1 2 Fox, Nathan, "Prospectus Q&A: Theo Epstein, Part I", baseballprospectus.com, February 9, 2004.
  8. ↑ Gopisetty, Smita, "For Epstein ’95, a dream fulfilled at 28", Yale Daily News, December 11, 2002.
  9. 1 2 Hohler, Bob, "Epstein was an old pro", boston.com/NESN, October 29, 2004.
  10. ↑ Shaughnessy, Dan, "Red Sox CEO Lucchino to leave at season’s end", Boston Globe, August 02, 2015. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
  11. ↑ "TBT: The Curse of the Bambino Is Broken". Boston Magazine. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  12. ↑ Snyder, Matt (October 31, 2014). "Happy Anniversary: Theo Epstein resigns, wears gorilla suit". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  13. 1 2 3 "FTBNL: Theo Epstein: Paul Epstein: Founders". Foundation To Be Named Later. Retrieved 2017-03-10.
  14. ↑ Kepner, Tyler (20 January 2006). "After 80 Days, Red Sox Return Epstein to Full-Time Role". New York Times. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  15. ↑ Kepner, Tyler (29 October 2007). "Red Sox Sweep World Series Again". New York Times. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  16. ↑ "Epstein says he, Red Sox agreed to new deal 'few weeks ago'". ESPN.go.com. November 4, 2008. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
  17. ↑ Olney, Buster; Gordon Edes (October 12, 2011). "Theo Epstein, Cubs agree". ESPN. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Sources: Jed Hoyer, To Join Cubs as GM". Sports Illustrated. October 20, 2011. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  19. ↑ Jackson, Scott. "Epstein classy on the way out". Bleacher Bum Sports. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
  20. ↑ "Cubs introduce Theo Epstein". espnchicago.com. ESPN. 25 October 2011. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Tom Ricketts Recalls Why He Hired Theo Epstein Originally: 'Living Year To Year Wasn't Going To Change The Prospects'". CBS Chicago. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  22. ↑ "Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs clinch first MLB playoff berth since 2008". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  23. ↑ Gonzales, Mark (September 28, 2016). "Cubs give Theo Epstein a five-year extension". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  24. ↑ Phillips, Steve (4 November 2016). "Epstein proves to be the ultimate curse-buster". TSN.ca. TSN. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  25. ↑ "'Incredibly grateful' Epstein steps down". MLB.com.
  26. ↑ Diamond, Jared (February 2021). "Theo Epstein Joins Private-Equity Firm That is Buying Stakes in Teams". Wall Street Journal.
  27. ↑ Brotman, Barbara (7 November 2011). "The Natural: Baseball remains a literary hit in Theo Epstein's family". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Ilene Epstein - Jewish Women's Archive". jwa.org.
  29. ↑ "Dinner & Discussion On The Film & TV Industries". columbia.edu. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  30. ↑ "This day in Jewish history/Red Sox manager who removed 'curse of the Bambino' moves on", haaretz.com, October 21, 2013.
  31. ↑ "About Us". Two Penny Blue. Archived from the original on 2015-02-06.
  32. ↑ "Founders – Foundation To Be Named Later: FTBNL: Theo Epstein: Paul Epstein". Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  33. ↑ Edes, Gordon (January 31, 2007). "Hitch was in his plan: Epstein took a wife, left media in dark". Boston Globe. Retrieved November 2, 2007.
  34. ↑ Edes, Gordon (January 31, 2007). "A frank explanation". Boston Globe. Retrieved November 2, 2007.
  35. ↑ Bloom, Barry M. "Theo Epstein's Hot Stove Cool Music Heats Up With Special Guest "Headliner To Be Named Later" at Wrigleyville's Metro July 9". mlb.com/news. MLB.com. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  36. ↑ Speier, Alex (December 22, 2008). "Setting Up Success: Epstein is our Major League Exec of the Year". Baseball America. Retrieved September 26, 2010.
  37. ↑ Stone, Larry, "Ichiro on Sporting News All-Decade team. Who is the Player of the Decade?", The Seattle Times, September 24, 2009. The Seattle Times Co. Retrieved September 26, 2009.
  38. ↑ The list's only other MLB GMs were Seattle and Philadelphia's Pat Gillick (No. 7) and Oakland's Billy Beane (No. 10). Friedman, Dick (December 22, 2009). "2000s: Top 10 GMs/Executives". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
  39. ↑ "Cubs curse-killer Epstein voted top MLB executive". Yahoo! Sports. 2016-11-08. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  40. ↑ Footer, Alyson (2016-01-20). "Esurance MLB Awards announced | MLB.com". M.mlb.com. Retrieved 2017-03-10.
  41. ↑ "Theo Epstein '95 to speak at Class Day". Archived from the original on 2017-03-06. Retrieved 2017-03-06.
  42. ↑ "Theo Epstein". 23 March 2017. Archived from the original on 23 March 2017.
  43. ↑ "Theo Epstein: The World's 100 Most Influential People". Time.

Further reading

  • Ruttman, Larry (2013). "Theo Epstein: The Youngest General Manager in Major League Baseball History". American Jews and America's Game: Voices of a Growing Legacy in Baseball. Lincoln, Nebraska and London, England: University of Nebraska Press. pp. 403–409. ISBN 978-0-8032-6475-5.
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