Jerry Colangelo

B: Nov 20, 1939, Chicago Heights, IL

Jerry Colangelo was named the Most Influential Sports Figure in the state of Arizona during the 20th century, and The Sporting News ranks him among the most powerful people in sports. Colangelo became professional sports youngest general manager in 1968, running the Phoenix NBA franchise. He brought baseballs Diamondbacks to Arizona in 1998. In 2001, the franchise became World Series champions more quickly than any expansion team in history. Colangelo also helped the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets become the Phoenix Coyotes, and founded the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. Colangelo chairs the National Italian-American Foundation and supports numerous charitable causes.