The league awarded the Orlando Magic an expansion spot in 1987, with the team making its debut in 1989. Williams invested in convincing NBA commissioner David Stern and the league owners of the viability of the small-town Florida city in supporting an NBA franchise. Īs the year before Orlando executive Jim Hewitt told Williams of his idea of bringing an NBA team to his city, he decided to join Hewitt's investment group.

Frustrated at his failure to build a 76ers dynasty despite bringing new talent such as Charles Barkley, Williams left the organization in 1986. Williams then remained in Philadelphia for 12 years as their general manager, helping to build the team that won the 1982–83 NBA season, by trading for Julius Erving and Moses Malone, and drafting Maurice Cheeks and Andrew Toney. He spent just one year in Atlanta, where his most notable action was trading star Pete Maravich for two players and five draft picks.Īs the Sixers had become one of the worst teams in the NBA, owner Irv Kosloff invited Williams to return in 1974. He succeeded Richie Guerin as general manager of the Atlanta Hawks on August 6, 1973, in that the Hawks had felt the need for a GM who specialized in promotion.

Williams immediately revamped the team's roster, trading with the Sixers for Chet Walker, and invested on the promotion, including the creation of mascot Benny the Bull. Afterwards the faltering Chicago Bulls hired Williams to become their general manager. With promotions that included elaborate halftime shows and a successful 55-27 performance, the 76ers were third in attendance of the 1968–69 NBA season. Williams moved into basketball in 1968, becoming the Philadelphia 76ers business manager. He was also president of Orlando's Double-A Southern League team from 1990 to 1993. Įven after moving to basketball, Williams is still active in baseball-every winter, he plays in Major League Fantasy Camps. Afterwards he spent three years in the Minnesota Twins organization. As the Phillies became a powerhouse of the Western Carolinas League, Williams was later elevated to the position of president of the organization in 1967, and was chosen the Minor League Executive of the Year by The Sporting News. One year later, the Phillies appointed him to be the general manager of the Spartanburg Phillies. Marlins general manager Bill Durney still saw in Williams an eager and natural leader with a marketing degree, and invited him to be the team's business manager. He was a catcher for two years then retired and moved in to a front office role. Williams' baseball career began when the Carpenters signed him in 1962 to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, their minor league team in the Florida State League. įormer Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck is credited by Williams as his mentor, with a visit to Veeck in 1962 starting their friendship and giving Williams principles followed in his career, such as 'Don’t announce promotions in advance, be out on the speaking circuit, stand at the gates when fans leave, open your own mail and don’t screen your calls'. Additionally, Pat served for seven years in the United States Army and later got a doctorate in Humane Letters from Flagler College. Williams would later earn a master's of science degree in physical education from Indiana University in 1964. There Williams earned a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1962 while being a catcher on the Demon Deacons baseball team. His interest in baseball would earn Williams a scholarship to Wake Forest University. He became a friend of Ruly Carpenter, son of Philadelphia Phillies owner Bob 'R.R.M.' Carpenter, who would bring Williams to the Phillies’ dugout and clubhouse, as well as to the team's spring training in Clearwater, Florida.

He was raised in Wilmington, Delaware, attending Tower Hill School where his father coached and taught. Williams was born in 1940 in Philadelphia, the second oldest of four children and the only son. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. Pat Williams (born May 3, 1940) is a former American sports executive, who most recently served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic.

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