DENVER -- Paul Jacobs, a Denver attorney who was instrumental in bringing together the Rockies' original owners and helped save the franchise when the original group collapsed, died on Monday night at 78.
Jacobs' death occurred three days shy of the 27th anniversary of the day the franchise was granted -- July 5, 1991.
"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Jacobs," Rockies owner, chairman and CEO Dick Monfort said in an official statement. "I've been fortunate to have gotten to know him well over the last few years.
"Paul was very instrumental in bringing Major League Baseball to Denver, and he's one of the strongest and toughest guys I have ever met. Above all, he was a man of integrity and honor. He will be missed."
Denver had been approved for a franchise and the stadium funding deal was in place. Jacobs, after being appointed by then-Colorado Gov. Roy Rohmer, helped put together a group that included Mickey Monus and John Antonucci. That group collapsed when Monus was accused, and eventually imprisoned, over a fraud scheme. But Jacobs was instrumental in bringing together Jerry McMorris, Oren Benton and Charlie Monfort to own the franchise.