John Middleton named Phillies control person

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- John Middleton has been named the control person for the Philadelphia Phillies, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Thursday.

Major League owners formally approved the designation of Middleton.

As control person, Middleton will be accountable to Major League Baseball for the operation of the team and for its compliance with the rules of Major League Baseball.

Middleton, 61, who has been a limited partner of the team since 1994 and has served as chairman of the Phillies' advisory board since 1998, holds a 48 percent stake in the franchise.

"Our fans should know that the Phillies organization is committed to restoring the Phillies to its recent dominant past. We will approach the 2017 season and the years to follow with even greater intensity and determination, knowing our fans are eager to bring a championship back to Philadelphia. We intend to accomplish that goal," Middleton said in a statement.

David Montgomery has served as the Phillies control person since 1997. Montgomery, who was appointed chairman in January 2015, will continue to serve in his current role.

Middleton graduated from Amherst College in 1977 with a bachelor's degree and from Harvard Business School in 1979 with a master's degree in business administration.