Owner of Astros Minor League Team Dies of COVID-19

The coronavirus has imposed its wrath on the sports world on several occasions since its arrival, and it tragically just claimed the life of another important figure in the industry.

Per reports, Bill Gladstone, longtime owner of the Houston Astros' minor-league affiliate the Tri-City ValleyCats, passed away on Thursday following a battle with COVID-19. He was 88 years old.

Damn, rest easy Bill Gladstone. Gladstone, who was the owner of the Tri-City ValleyCats, died yesterday at age 88 from COVID-19.
— Mike Gwizdala (@MikeGwizdala) May 1, 2020

Gladstone started with the Pittsfield Mets in 1992 and later moved the franchise to Troy, NY in 2002 as an affiliate of the Astros, where he's also long been a Baseball Hall of Fame board member. The ValleyCats have since enjoyed tremendous success under Gladstone's tutelage. Attendance has increased by 30% over the years and Tri-City is actually now Houston's longest-tenured minor league affiliate.

On top of that, Gladstone's club has produced some great talent. Current stars like Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Dallas Keuchel were all ValleyCats in the early stages of their respective careers.

Since relocating, Tri-City has captured two New York-Penn League championships, and eight NYPL Stedler Division titles.

Here’s the Astros World Series ring given to @ValleyCats principal owner Bill Gladstone, who said it’s valued at $17,400: pic.twitter.com/Hvr9F9frpN
— Mark Singelais (@MarkSingelais) June 15, 2018

This is a gutting loss for the Astros, and we send our sincerest condolences to Gladstone's loved ones as they attempt to reckon with his tragic passing.