When diamonds aren't forever

Owner divorces threaten to wreck baseball teams | Mark Bergin

The McCourts/Photo by Larry Goren/Icon Smi/Newscom

Divorce devastates—and not just children. Millions of San Diego Padres fans tasted the foul flavor of marital breakup earlier this year when owners John and Becky Moores parted ways.

The split triggered organizational turmoil as the former couple jostled over their financial settlement. John Moores wound up selling a third of his ownership share to secure the funds needed to pay his ex-wife. And the team's payroll suddenly shrank considerably with stars like Jake Peavy sent packing to save money. The Padres finished the season 20 games out of first place in the National League West.

Now, a second high-profile separation threatens further pain for Southern California's baseball community. L.A. Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt are in the throes of a messy divorce proceeding, both claiming significant rights to the Dodgers franchise. Frank McCourt, who recently fired his wife from her CEO position with the team, claims sole ownership due to a 2005 document both parties signed. Jamie McCourt claims the document was meant only for provisional protection in the event of bankruptcy and that she remains the public face of the team.