From constructing billion-dollar technology startups to making the calls in MLB, Ken Kendrick’s is much more than a standard owner’s narrative. But behind the ballparks and the boardrooms is a hidden world of scarce baseball cards, low-key family values, political power plays, and community-oriented philanthropy. Interested in how a low-key West Virginia boy turned into one of the most powerful people in sports, business, and politics? Let’s dive into the compelling world of Ken Kendrick—and the people, passions, and plays that define him.
Who is Ken Kendrick? All to know about the managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks
Ken Kendrick is a distinguished businessman and the managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Born in 1943 in Princeton, West Virginia, he earned a business administration degree from West Virginia University. Kendrick spent his early years working at IBM, where he developed his technical skills in the then-emerging technology field. His entrepreneurial venture soon saw him co-founding Datatel, a software company that provided software solutions to institutions of higher education. Under his management, Datatel grew into a merger with SunGard Higher Education to create Ellucian, one of the foremost providers of technology solutions to educational institutions.
Outside of his business ventures in the technology sector, Kendrick has also revealed a keen sense of investment potential. He became a principal investor for Woodforest National Bank, further diversifying his holdings and establishing himself as an astute financier. His love for baseball became a major contribution to the world of sports when he became a part of the ownership team of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1995. By the year 2004, Kendrick had become the managing general partner, where he has remained an instrumental voice in the team’s management and direction.
Kendrick’s reach is not limited to the boardroom; he is also famous for having an impressive collection of baseball memorabilia. His collection boasts some of the most unique and valuable baseball cards, including the rare T206 Honus Wagner card. Some of the most prestigious venues, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Phoenix Art Museum, have showcased the collection, highlighting Kendrick’s deep-rooted passion for the game and its history.
What is his net worth? All you need to know about Ken Kendrick and his business empire
As of March 18, 2025, Ken Kendrick’s net worth is approximately $1.2 billion, making him one of the most prominent sports owners. His fortune is the result of shrewd investments and entrepreneurial activities in different fields. Datatel’s success laid a solid financial basis, which he further augmented with smart investments in banking and real estate.
Kendrick’s entrepreneurial skill is reflected in his varied portfolio. His partnership with Woodforest National Bank shows his strategic thinking when it comes to bank investments. His real estate activities, too, such as large developments such as CityScape in downtown Phoenix, reflect his interest in urban development and economic growth.
Meet Ken Kendrick
The Arizona Diamondbacks owner and mastermind behind a $100 million sports card empire.
How did a baseball mogul build the world’s most jaw-dropping collection?
His story starts here: pic.twitter.com/Bmtb6Goesn
— MOTGCards (@MotgCards) March 22, 2025
In 2021, Kendrick diversified his interests further by joining a consortium of investors, including sports figures like Larry Fitzgerald and Kevin Durant, to acquire Collectors, a leading memorabilia authentication company, for $850 million. This move not only reflects his passion for collectibles but also his foresight in recognizing the burgeoning value of authenticated memorabilia in the digital age.
Journey with Diamondbacks: Timeline of Kendrick’s association with Arizona’s baseball franchise
Ken Kendrick became involved with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1995 as one of the original partners who helped to make the MLB expansion team a reality. His initial role played an important part in establishing the fiscal and organizational foundations for the opening of the franchise in 1998.
In 2004, Kendrick upgraded his position to that of managing general partner, thus taking a more active role in the team’s strategic decision-making. Under his leadership, the Diamondbacks have seen significant success, including National League West Division championships in 2007 and 2011 and a National League Championship in 2023. His leadership has been characterized by an emphasis on competitive excellence as well as fiscal responsibility.
Kendrick has also prioritized improving the team’s fan base and infrastructure experience. Building Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, known as one of baseball’s finest spring training complexes, is a testament to his vision. In addition, his commitment to keeping ticket prices in check has endeared the franchise to the fan base, demonstrating a synergy between business goals and public engagement.
Impact on the Arizona Diamondbacks? A glimpse of his reign
Ken Kendrick’s time with the Arizona Diamondbacks has deeply impacted the direction of the franchise. His fiscal stewardship has kept the team in financial health, enabling investments in player development and operational improvement. In particular, under his leadership, the Diamondbacks’ payroll peaked at a franchise-high level of around $184 million in 2025, marking an investment in competitiveness.
Outside of the economic arena, Kendrick’s charitable activities have had a profound impact on society. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, which he oversees, has contributed more than $90 million to local causes since its founding, focusing on youth development, education, and health initiatives. This dedication demonstrates Kendrick’s commitment to utilizing the franchise’s platform for wider societal gain.
Nevertheless, his leadership has been marred by no shortage of controversy. Staff payroll and roster construction decisions have sometimes raised hackles from observers and fans. Despite controversy over these choices, Kendrick’s focus continues to be on creating a competitive and long-term sustainable enterprise, finding an equilibrium between immediate performance and sustainability.
Who is Randy Kendrick? Meet the politician wife of Ken Kendrick
Randy Kendrick actively supports conservative causes and Republican candidates through substantial political donations, earning recognition as a prominent political donor and philanthropist. She matches her political influence with hands-on involvement in numerous charitable initiatives, particularly those that emphasize education and community development. Working alongside her husband, Randy has been an integral part of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, managing major charity projects that have helped underdeveloped communities. Her commitment to charity has drawn respect from political and social quarters alike, underscoring her commitment to positive change.
In spite of her high-profile connections, Randy Kendrick maintains a fairly low-key lifestyle. She and Ken live in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where they maintain their business, charitable, and political obligations while keeping a high emphasis on family. Despite their public stature, the couple maintains a low media profile and lets their actions—rather than headlines—speak for themselves.
Randy’s activism has extended to legal and constitutional causes, such as defending institutions such as the Goldwater Institute and the Federalist Society. She has been an outspoken defender of individual freedom and small government, which reflects her political philosophy. Through charitable gifts and advisory capacities, she’s become an influential force molding the conservative legal environment in Arizona and nationwide. Together, Randy and Ken Kendrick make a formidable team that crosses politics, sports, and philanthropy. Whether they are working on a stadium project, supporting a Senate candidate, or financing a youth program, the two are a team. Their partnership is a combination of common values, strategic thinking, and mutual support—a force that has multiplied their power in several arenas.
Who are other members of his family: kids, brothers, and more
Ken and Randy Kendrick have two children, Cal and Catie Kendrick, who have been generally out of the public eye. Though their working lives are not well-documented, both have been active in the background of family business and philanthropy. The Kendricks have taken a conscious effort to keep their children away from the harsh limelight of public life, promoting seclusion and earthy values.
Despite little being made public regarding Ken Kendrick’s larger family, his upbringing in West Virginia is a common theme in interviews and biographies. He frequently credits his small-town beginnings for teaching him an indefatigable work ethic, humility, and an appreciation of the sport of baseball. That country sensibility has accompanied him into the boardrooms of billion-dollar companies, informing his choices with an unflashy but resolute hand.
The Kendrick family—whether giving charitably, cheering at games, or running businesses—has fostered a profound respect for tradition and legacy. Their focus on community, education, and values-based leadership runs deep in everything they do. Without constant media coverage, their family story quietly reiterates the values that built Ken Kendrick’s empire: concentration, loyalty, and mission.
The post Who Owns the Arizona Diamondbacks? All You Need to Know About the Billionaire Ken Kendrick appeared first on EssentiallySports.
