When a World Series Wasn't Enough for Marge Schott

Published on July 13th, 2025 9:15 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


Marge Schott was not happy.

Her team, the Cincinnati Reds, had just swept the Oakland Athletics in the 1990 World Series. Four games. Total domination. No drama. No Game 5. No Game 6. No Game 7.

That's where the problem started.

Schott was furious. Not because of how her team played. Not because of any scandal or controversy. She was angry because the sweep cost her money.

Home games in Games 5 and 7 would have meant big ticket sales. Concessions. TV money. Instead, the Reds wrapped it up on the road. Fast. Efficient. Financially disappointing.

She didn't hide her feelings. Schott reportedly complained that the sweep had hurt her bottom line. Said it out loud. Publicly.

Then came the kicker - she refused to pay for a team celebration.

No victory party. No team-funded festivities. Nothing from ownership. The players had done their job. Dominated the World Series. Made baseball history. But they'd have to celebrate on their own dime.

It was a bizarre reaction. Tone-deaf. A moment when the business side of the game overpowered the human side. A World Series win should be remembered for joy. For legacy. For a championship parade. Instead, it came with a cold shoulder from the top.

Marge Schott's legacy is full of controversy. This was just one more chapter.