KCee Certainly one of the smartest. He proved years ago the fans' love for a team could get the owner whatever deal they wanted. He was able to threaten to move the team to CT, back out of the deal and get Boston to give him everything he wanted and more. It just pissed me off that he was so smug about it.
I remember him possibly moving the team to Rhode Island. Unlike many billionaire owners Kraft paid for the new stadium himself as far as I know and had only the public tax dollars go for infrastructure such as entrances / exits from roads, traffic lights etc. as would any large development get like a mall for example.
Under Kraft's ownership since 1994 this team has been nothing but spectacular. Certainly better than the original owner Billy Sullivan and his sons (Michael Jackson debacle) and then the Budweiser heir owner. Pro sports success starts with ownership and the Patriots success in the last 25 years is directly attributed to Kraft IMO.
Same with the Red Sox. As soon as the John Henry group bought the team that's been a success also with 4 World Series in 15 years. Boston sports fans are extremely lucky to have such good ownership of their sports teams. Like I said before Boston is the real Titletown.
All we need is the Celtics and the Bruins to win and it will be another stellar year for Boston sports.
Just heard Kraft paid $172 million for the team and it's now worth close to $4 billion. Not a bad return for your investment.