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May 2, 2007
Associated Press
Les Otten, the former ski industry mogul who became a part owner of the Boston Red Sox, has sold his share back to the team ownership group he helped form, he said Wednesday.
“I always wanted to own part of a baseball team,” Otten said. “I had a great time, and I've got some other things in my sights that I want to do.”
Otten said he sold his share last month, but wouldn't say what percentage of the team he owned or the selling price.
He also wouldn't say what businesses he wants to pursue and, citing a confidentiality agreement, wouldn't comment on reports that he'll return to the American Skiing Co. he founded. The company forced him out in 2001, shortly before Otten and a group of investors led by John Henry bought the Red Sox for $660 million.
Otten did say that after spending months every year with the Red Sox, he was ready for a more active role in his next venture.
“I'm sort of an active participant in whatever I want to do and I was never going to be given permission to have (manager Terry Francona's) job,” he said, laughing.
“At the end of the day, I'd rather be driving the race car and playing the baseball game and there are only so many hours in the day,” he said.
Henry and co-owners Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino did not immediately return messages for comment.
Otten, a native New Yorker, founded American Skiing Co. after starting in the business at the Sunday River in Maine. By 1997, the company had holdings from Vermont to California. But in 2001, the company was heavily in debt and Otten resigned as chairman and chief executive.
A few months later, Otten helped build the partnership that in 2004 would bring the Red Sox its first championship since 1918.
The best memory for the former New York Yankees fan was rushing onto the field at Yankee Stadium after the Red Sox completed their comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the 2004 American League Championship Series. Otten remembered posing for pictures on the pitchers mound with the other owners as the home team grew impatient with their lingering.
“That still brings shivers up my spine,” he said. “What a great moment to be part of that.”
Otten also advocated for the ongoing restoration on Fenway Park, including new seats and vending options that have ended all talk of replacing the stadium.
Though he's looking forward to what's next, the decision to sell was tough, Otten said.
“When I came to the realization that, whether I owned a piece of the team or I was just a fan of the team, that my love of the team and the game wouldn't change, I realized that I was just absolutely fine to be out of the dugout,” he said.
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