Former San Francisco Giants President and Managing General Partner Peter Magowan died Sunday after battling cancer. He was 76. 

The team shared the news on Twitter Sunday saying, “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that former #SFGiants President and Managing General Partner Peter Magowan passed away today, surrounded by his loving family.”

Magowan was born in New York and grew up a loyal Giants fan who rooted from some of the greats like Willie Mays, Bobby Thomson, Monte Irvin and other New York Giants greats at the Polo Grounds. 

It may seem like a coincidence, but in 1958 when he moved to San Francisco, the Giants also moved out West. 

The Stanford graduate went on to become the CEO of Safeway from 1980 to 1993. He stepped down in 1993 when he took over the Giants. 

Magowan was a key player in making sure the team remained in San Francisco. In 1992 former owner Bob Lurie pushed to move the team to St. Petersburg, Florida, in but the National League rejected the sale, according to Bleacher Report.

“The Giants family, the entire Bay Area and the game of baseball lost a man whose passion and loyalty to his favorite team and beloved community made it possible for all of us and future generations to experience the magic of Giants baseball in San Francisco forever,” said Larry Baer, Giants President and CEO.  “…His legacy will be carried on by all those he inspired, including community leaders, our players, the front office, Junior Giants players and, of course, by his devoted family.”

The Magowan family issued the following statement:

“Our family lost a great man today.  We all know how much Peter loved his Giants and San Francisco, and he had that same love and passion for his family.  He was so proud of his children and grandchildren, and we will forever cherish the memories we made together.”

Barry Bonds tweeted: 

The Oakland A’s sent their condolences:

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