Charles Bidwill Jr.

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Charles W. Bidwill, Jr.
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Born (1928-06-09) June 9, 1928 (age 95)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Alma materGeorgetown University
OccupationBusinessman
Years active1962 - Present
Known forSt. Louis Cardinals
President of Chicago Motor Speedway
Children5
Parent(s)Charles Bidwill
Violet Bidwill Wolfner

Charles W. “Stormy” Bidwill, Jr. (born on June 9, 1928) in Chicago, Illinois is an American businessman and was the president of the now defunct Chicago Motor Speedway horse track in Cicero, Illinois from 1967-1995 and co-owner of the St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) with his brother Bill Bidwill from 1962-1972.

Early Life and Education

Charles Jr. and his younger brother Bill were adopted by Charles Bidwill|Charles and Violet Bidwill owners of the then-Chicago Cardinals. Bidwill attended Georgetown University where he obtained a law degree. He was given the nickname “Stormy” when he was one year old after an uncle observed him having a temper tantrum.[1]

Football and Horse Racing

Prior to the 1960 season, Violet Bidwill moved the Cardinals to St. Louis, Missouri and Charles Jr. and Bill inherited the team after their mother’s sudden death in 1962. In addition to the football team, the brothers inherited other business interests including Sportsman’s Park. Charles Jr. was named president of Sportsman's Park in 1967 and remained in Chicago to run the horse track while his brother Bill lived in St. Louis and essentially ran the football team. Over the years, their relationship became strained and in 1972, Charles Jr. sold his share of the team to Bill for $6,500,000.[2]

Other Business Interests

Along with Sportsman’s Park, Bidwill owned a beer distributorship and had financial interests in four Florida dog tracks. For many years, he was the largest stockholder in Churchill Downs and a member of its Board of Directors.[3]

References

  1. Broeg, Bob. "Sports Comment". newspapers.com. St. Louis Post Dispatch. p. 4C. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  2. Meyers, Jeff. "Stormy to Sell Big Red Share to Brother Bill". newspapers.com. St. Louis Post Dispatch. pp. 8B. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  3. Kogan, Rick. "Thoroughbreds: The little-known Bidwills of Sportsman's Park are the true stretch runners of Chicago sports families". Newspapers.com. The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 31 August 2022.

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