Former Reds and Cards GM, founder of NFL's Broncos Howsam dies

DENVER -- Bob Howsam, the man who gave baseball its Big Red Machine and gave Denver its beloved Broncos, died Tuesday in Sun City, Ariz. He was 89.

Howsam lived in Sun City, Ariz., and had been having heart problems, said his son, Robert Howsam of Colorado Springs.

Howsam's career bridged two sports and several leagues, and even his short-time jobs produced success: Between co-founding the Broncos in 1959 and joining the Reds in 1967, he was general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals when they won the 1964 World Series over the New York Yankees.

He built a reputation as a visionary who pioneered the use of film to hone a hitter's swing, expanded the use of artificial turf and orchestrated blockbuster trades -- such as the one that brought Joe Morgan to the Reds in 1971.

But his guiding principle was that the fans came first, his son said.

"He loved the fans. They made his life," the son said.

A Denver native, Howsam started his sports career in 1947 as owner of the Denver Bears of the Single-A Western League, later taking the team to Triple-A as a Yankees affiliate, his son said.

Howsam spearheaded the construction of Bears Stadium, which would later be expanded to become Mile High Stadium, the Broncos' first permanent home.

Howsam helped found the American Football League in 1959 and was principal owner of the Broncos. His co-owners included his brother Bob.

"Without Bob Howsam, the Broncos would not exist, that's all there is to it," Broncos spokesman Jim Saccomano said.

The Howsams sold the team in 1961.

In 1967 he became general manager of the Reds and is credited with building the Big Red Machine, one of the most dominating teams in baseball history.

Led by future Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Morgan, and spurred by Pete Rose, the Big Red Machine won back-to-back World Series in 1975-76. They also captured four NL pennants and won six division titles in the 1970s.