Hockey Hall of Fame Team Owner. In 1940, he became a member of the Maple Leafs Hockey Team organization, was a senior executive in 1957, became part-owner of the team in 1961 and was majority owner from February 1972 until his death at age 86. Many fans consider the Ballard era to be the darkest period in team history, even after winning four Stanley Cups in the 1960s. However, the Maple Leafs under Ballard were one of the league's most financially successful teams. Although the Leafs were barely competitive for much Ballard's tenure, every game at Maple Leaf Gardens was sold out and he was well known for his charitable activities. He also was the owner of the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League (1978-89), which won the 1986 Grey Cup. In 1977, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and into the Canadian Football hall of Fame in 1987.
Hockey Hall of Fame Team Owner. In 1940, he became a member of the Maple Leafs Hockey Team organization, was a senior executive in 1957, became part-owner of the team in 1961 and was majority owner from February 1972 until his death at age 86. Many fans consider the Ballard era to be the darkest period in team history, even after winning four Stanley Cups in the 1960s. However, the Maple Leafs under Ballard were one of the league's most financially successful teams. Although the Leafs were barely competitive for much Ballard's tenure, every game at Maple Leaf Gardens was sold out and he was well known for his charitable activities. He also was the owner of the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League (1978-89), which won the 1986 Grey Cup. In 1977, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and into the Canadian Football hall of Fame in 1987.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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