FSG advisor given Jurgen Klopp replacement task broke 98-year 'curse'
Theo Epstein, the man appointed by FSG to help replace legendary Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp this summer, helped break a 98-year baseball curse at the Chicago Cubs.
Epstein, 50, a senior advisor, was one of the masterminds behind World Series wins at two different franchises: The Boston Red Sox and the Cubs. However, his time as president of Chicago saw the team end a 98-year hoodoo called the Curse of the Billy Goat.
The Curse of the Billy Goat was supposedly placed on the Cubs in 1945 by Billy Goat Tavern owner William Sianis. His pet goat, named Murphy, was bothering other fans, so the pair were asked to leave the stadium, leading to Sianis allegedly declaring: "Them Cubs, they ain't gonna win no more."
The Cubs lost the 1945 World Series to the Detroit Tigers and had to wait 98 years until 2016 to finally be crowned champions. Chicago defeated the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 that year with Epstein as president.
Additionally to helping Liverpool replace Klopp, who has brought a Premier League, Champions League, an FA Cup, and two League Cups to Anfield, Epstein has also become a minority owner in Fenway Sports Group and he will provide guidance for all of the group’s sporting teams.
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FSG, of course, owns the Red Sox, as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey club, the motorsport RFK Racing team, and Boston Common Golf. "I am thrilled and honoured to return to FSG,” Epstein said. “This is truly a unique opportunity for me - a chance to partner with people who mean a lot to me; a chance to challenge myself in new arenas; and a chance to use my experience and perspective to help others succeed and win at the highest level.
“FSG is a dynamic, groundbreaking organisation with an incredible track record of accomplishment across sports. The special connection I feel toward this organisation and the ownership group has stayed with me through the years. I am proud and humbled to return as a minority owner and adviser.
The Curse of the Billy Goat was supposedly placed on the Cubs in 1945 but they won the World Series in 2016 (Getty)
Theo Epstein oversaw the Cubs' breaking of the curse (Getty)“In this role, I will not be the one making decisions; rather, I’ll be the one asking questions, offering opinions, building trust, and supporting the terrific people at FSG to help us reach new heights.”
SG chief John Henry said: “There is no question that Theo left an indelible mark on our history that represented a transformative era. Welcoming him as a member of our ownership group and in the role of senior advisor to the broader company brings with it a sense of completion. With his strategic mind, leadership, and unwavering passion for sports, Theo brings invaluable assets that will drive us forward across our diverse enterprises, especially in our sporting operations across hockey, EPL football, and baseball.
“We take great pride in welcoming him to the FSG family and eagerly anticipate the insights and contributions he will bring as we continue to build on the legacy of success he played a pivotal role in helping us shape.”
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