Steve O'Neill (owner) explained

Francis J. "Steve" O'Neill (September 18, 1899 – August 29, 1983) was the principal owner of the Cleveland Indians of the American League from through . In 1978, O'Neill purchased the Indians from the ownership group headed by Ted Bonda. After his death, O'Neill's estate owned the team until Richard Jacobs purchased the Indians in 1986.

O'Neill was a lifelong resident of Cleveland. His family made its fortune in the trucking business. He bought a minority interest in the Indians in 1961, and was a limited partner during the tenures of William R. Daley, Gabe Paul, and Vernon Stouffer. In 1973, however, he sold his Indians interest to become a limited partner in George Steinbrenner's syndicate that bought the New York Yankees. Five years later, he sold off his Yankees interest and bought a 63 percent stake in the Indians. He was the controlling partner of the team until his death in 1983.

O'Neill attended the University of Notre Dame, where he played basketball.

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