Charles Bidwill Jr.
Charles W. Bidwill Jr. | |
|---|---|
Bidwill Jr. in 1953 | |
| Born | June 9, 1928 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | November 3, 2025 (aged 97) Northfield, Illinois, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Georgetown University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1962–2025 |
| Known for | Co-Owner of St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) President of Sportsman’s Park |
| Children | 5 |
| Parent(s) | Charles Bidwill Violet Bidwill |
Charles W. "Stormy" Bidwill Jr. (June 9, 1928 – November 3, 2025) was an American businessman who was the president of the now defunct Sportsman’s Park horse track in Cicero, Illinois, from 1967 to 1995, and co-owner of the National Football League (NFL)'s Chicago and St. Louis Cardinals franchise with his younger brother, Bill Bidwill, from 1962 to 1972.
Life and career
Early life and education
Charles Jr. and his younger brother Bill were adopted by Charles and Violet Bidwill, the 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[1] observed him having a temper tantrum.[2]
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, the relationship between the Bidwill brothers became strained. The animosity reached a climax when Stormy forced the dismissal of Cardinals head coach Charley Winner against Bill's wishes after a 1970 campaign in which the ballclub squandered an opportunity to win the NFC East title by losing its last three regular-season games.[3] Stormy eventually sold his share of the Cardinals to Bill for $6,500,000 in 1972.[4]
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.[5][6]
Death
Bidwill died in Northfield, Illinois, on November 3, 2025, at the age of 97.[7]
References
- ^ According to the Chicago Cardinals media guide, it was his father who bestowed the nickname. See: Eddie McGuire (ed.), Chicago Cardinals: 1951 Press, Radio and Television Guide. Chicago: Chicago Cardinals Football Club, 1951; p. 4.
- ^ Broeg, Bob (August 31, 1962). "Sports Comment". St. Louis Post Dispatch. p. 4C. Retrieved October 24, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Wallace, William N. "Stormy Bidwill Sells Out Share of Football Cards to His Brother," The New York Times, Wednesday 6 September 1972. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ Meyers, Jeff (September 3, 1972). "Stormy to Sell Big Red Share to Brother Bill". St. Louis Post Dispatch. pp. 8B. Retrieved October 24, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Kogan, Rick (April 29, 1993). "Thoroughbreds: The little-known Bidwills of Sportsman's Park are the true stretch runners of Chicago sports families". The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 24, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ McEwen, Tom (September 19, 1964). "It's Only Money". Tampa Tribune. p. 1-C. Retrieved October 24, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Charles W. "Stormy" Bidwill, Jr". Donnellan Family Funeral Services. Retrieved November 6, 2025.