As announced today by Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, Major League owners have formally approved the designation of John S. Middleton as the control person of the Phillies. As control person, Middleton will be accountable to Major League Baseball for the operation of the club and for its compliance with the rules of 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. 
"I am both thrilled and honored to assume this important position. I'm grateful that the Buck family, Major League Baseball and the other Major League clubs have confidence in my ability to lead our franchise into the future," said Middleton. "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."
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. "David's leadership during his tenure was certainly distinguished, and we owe him a debt of gratitude. Under his leadership, the Phillies won five consecutive division titles, two National League pennants and the 2008 World Series championship," said Middleton.
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.
Middleton and his wife, Leigh, are actively involved in the community, and have made "giving back" an important part of their lives. They were the recipients of the prestigious Philadelphia Award in 2013 in recognition of their philanthropic endeavors. Middleton is involved with organizations that include Project HOME, Amherst College, Dartmouth College, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Penn Medicine, Teach for America and the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. He has provided support for career and technology education in the City of Philadelphia. Middleton serves as a member of the board of trustees of Amherst College.