Phillies Name Clearwater Facility for Chairman David Montgomery

The Phillies named their indoor training facility at the team's minor league Carpenter Complex for the club's chairman, David Montgomery, during a ceremony today.
 
The newly named David P. Montgomery Baseball Performance Center opened in 2013 as the first indoor climate-controlled training center at a major league spring training facility.
Montgomery, 71, has been an ardent advocate for player development. Because of this, the club determined it would be a fitting tribute that his legacy be associated with a building that plays a vital role in the development of its minor league players.
"Our minor league complex in Clearwater has many Phillies legends attached to it. Among them are Ruly Carpenter and Paul Owens, two key architects of the Phillies' first World Series title in 1980," said Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton. "David's steadfast commitment to player development, combined with his role in helping the club win its second World Series championship in 2008, makes this tribute doubly meaningful."
"David Montgomery has always spoken of the importance of player development, and the City of Clearwater is proud to join with the Phillies in not only honoring Mr. Montgomery, but also in acknowledging his desire to help players reach their full potential in the major leagues," said Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos.
Montgomery worked closely with the City of Clearwater in planning and developing the $4 million facility from its conceptual phase in 2010 through its completion in 2013. The 20,921-square-foot facility is a hub for year-round programs which include daily workouts, conditioning, rehabilitation, hitting, long-toss programs, infield instruction and video coaching.  
Montgomery began his career in 1971 in the Phillies sales office selling season and group tickets, advancing to positions as marketing director and then director of sales before becoming executive vice president after the 1981 season. He was elevated to chief operating officer in 1992. In 1994, Montgomery was designated as co-general partner and acquired an ownership interest in the team, and in 1997, he succeeded Bill Giles as general partner, president and chief executive officer. He assumed the position of chairman in January 2015. In this role, Montgomery is actively involved in charitable endeavors and maintains his close association with the team's fans, customers and sponsors.