Former Cubs general manager Eldred Saltwell passes away at age 96

In this June 19, 1981, photo, Chicago Cubs' Eldred "Salty" Saltwell, vice president of park operations at Wrigley Field, points out something to Andrew McKenna, left, Chairman of the Board of the Cubs, during a guided tour of the park in Chicago. In the background is William Hagenah, president, chief operating officer and treasurer of the team. Eldred “Salty” Saltwell, who worked in a variety of roles including general manager and vice president over 30 years with the Chicago Cubs, has died, the team said Tuesday, May 5, 2020. He was 96. The Cubs said his death Sunday was not related to the novel coronavirus. (Chicago Tribune via AP)

CHICAGO — Eldred “Salty” Saltwell, who worked in a variety of roles including general manager and vice-president over 30 years with the Chicago Cubs, has died, the team said Tuesday. He was 96.

The Cubs said his death Sunday was not related to the novel coronavirus.

Saltwell arrived in Chicago in 1958 and served as concession manager, travelling secretary, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, secretary, general manager, vice-president and consultant. He replaced John Holland as GM following the 1975 season and lasted one year in that role, drawing criticism for trading shortstop Don Kessinger and first baseman Andre Thornton as the Cubs finished fourth in the NL East at 75-87.

Saltwell worked as an usher, trainer, play-by-play announcer, travelling secretary and business manager for Sioux City of the Western League from 1947-54. He moved to the Western League office in 1954 and began work in the Cubs’ organization a year later with stops Des Moines, Los Angeles and Fort Worth before arriving in Chicago.

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