Bill Giles, a former Philadelphia Phillies owner, CEO, and chairman who helped create the team's beloved mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, died Friday at his home in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, at age 92. Giles began his tenure with the Phillies in 1969 as a business executive and later led a group that purchased the team from the Carpenter family in 1981. He served as president and CEO until 1997, then became chairman and later chairman emeritus in 2015.

The Phillies honored him with a moment of silence before a game against Tampa Bay. Giles played a key role in building the 1980 World Series-winning team and was instrumental in the openings of Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park. He also pushed for the creation of the Phanatic, which debuted in 1978.

Phillies managing partner John Middleton and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt praised Giles' lasting impact on the franchise. Giles, son of former National League president Warren Giles, received the Bud Selig Executive Leadership Award in 2010 and served as honorary NL president starting in 2001.