Phillies' Montgomery returns as chairman

Jan 28, 2015 - 8:39 PM Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pat Gillick will continue as the Philadelphia Phillies' president and David Montgomery, the club's longtime president who had been on a medical leave of absence, will return as the team's chairman, the Phillies announced Wednesday.

Gillick assumed the role of president back in August when Montgomery took a leave of absence. He has served as a senior advisor to the president and general manager for the Phillies since 2009.

"I am fortunate to be healthy enough now to resume some of my previous responsibilities," Montgomery said in a statement.

"I am very appreciative that Pat Gillick is willing and available to remain as the club's president. Pat and I have become very close since he joined us in the fall of 2005. I look forward to returning to work as Phillies chairman."

Montgomery was named president of the Phillies in 1997, succeeding Bill Giles. He first joined the Phillies in 1971 at an entry-level position and advanced through the sales and marketing departments to become the executive vice president in 1981, then was named chief operating officer in 1992.

Giles, the team's current chairman, will take on the role of chairman emeritus.