By Benson Judge | Published: July 3, 2026 | Source: Peter O’Malley
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Kevin O’Malley, a respected baseball executive, entrepreneur, and former minority owner of the San Diego Padres, died on June 30, 2026, at the age of 50 following complications from sepsis while receiving hospice care in Santa Barbara, California.
His death was confirmed by his father, Peter O’Malley, the longtime president of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who shared that Kevin’s health had steadily declined after he became seriously ill during a business trip to New York in late 2025.
While Kevin O’Malley was born into one of Major League Baseball’s most influential families, those who knew him say he forged a legacy defined not by inheritance alone, but by entrepreneurship, leadership, and an enduring commitment to growing the game at every level—from Minor League Baseball to the Major Leagues.
He is survived by his wife, Allison, their four children—Grace, Brendan, Brooke, and Margaret—his father Peter O’Malley, siblings Katherine and Brian, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Annette O’Malley.
A Life Shaped by Baseball—and Built on His Own Vision
For Kevin O’Malley, baseball was never simply a family business.
Raised in Los Angeles, he grew up immersed in one of the sport’s most storied dynasties. His grandfather, Walter O’Malley, transformed Major League Baseball by overseeing the historic relocation of the Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1958, a contribution that later earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame as an executive.
His father, Peter O’Malley, served as president of the Dodgers for nearly three decades, helping shape one of baseball’s premier organizations.
Yet Kevin chose to expand that legacy rather than merely inherit it.
Instead of remaining solely within the Dodgers organization, he pursued opportunities that strengthened baseball’s foundation—investing in player development, community baseball, and the business of the sport through ownership and operational leadership.
From the Dodgers Organization to Baseball Ownership
Kevin began his professional baseball career working within the Dodgers organization during the late 1990s, serving in roles at Great Falls, Montana, and Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida.
Those early experiences gave him a comprehensive understanding of baseball operations beyond the spotlight of the Major Leagues.
He later co-founded Top of the Third Inc., an organization dedicated to operating Minor League Baseball franchises in California.
Under his leadership, the company owned and managed:
- Stockton Mudville Nine
- Visalia Rawhide
Through these organizations, O’Malley helped create opportunities for player development while strengthening local communities where Minor League Baseball serves as both entertainment and civic identity.
His work reflected a philosophy shared by many of baseball’s most respected executives: that the future of the game begins in local ballparks long before players reach the major leagues.
Joining the San Diego Padres Ownership Group
In 2012, Kevin O’Malley became part of the ownership group that acquired the San Diego Padres, joining the Seidler and O’Malley families in helping guide the franchise through a transformative period.
Although he maintained a relatively low public profile compared with other baseball owners, O’Malley remained closely connected to the organization’s long-term vision and the continued growth of baseball throughout California.
The ownership group concluded its tenure with the sale of the franchise earlier this year.
An Entrepreneur Beyond Baseball
While baseball remained central to his identity, Kevin O’Malley also established himself as a respected business leader.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he earned an MBA from The Wharton School in 2004 before founding Carmelina Capital Partners in 2010.
As Managing Partner, he focused on growth equity investments, applying the same long-term strategic thinking that characterized his work in professional sports.
Friends and colleagues often described him as thoughtful, collaborative, and deeply committed to building organizations capable of sustained success.
“Baseball Was Important to Him. Family Came First.”
Among the most poignant reflections following Kevin’s death came from his father, Peter O’Malley.
“Baseball was important to him. Family came first, but baseball was a close second.”
That simple statement captures much of how Kevin was remembered.
Although he belonged to one of baseball’s most recognizable families, those closest to him consistently emphasized that his greatest pride came not from championships or ownership interests but from being a husband and father.
His devotion to Allison and their four children remained the defining priority throughout his life.
Understanding Sepsis: The Illness That Claimed Kevin O’Malley’s Life
Kevin O’Malley died from complications related to sepsis, a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction.
According to leading medical authorities, sepsis can develop rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment. Even with advances in modern critical care, it remains one of the leading causes of death among hospitalized patients worldwide.
Peter O’Malley explained that Kevin first became ill while traveling for business in New York. Despite returning to Los Angeles for specialized medical care, his condition gradually worsened before he entered hospice care in Santa Barbara.
The family’s decision to share the cause of death provides important public awareness about a condition that is often misunderstood but remains a significant medical emergency.
A Lasting Legacy Across California Baseball
Kevin O’Malley’s influence extended far beyond ownership titles.
Through his work with Minor League Baseball, Major League Baseball, private investment, and community engagement, he represented a generation of executives who viewed baseball not simply as a business, but as an institution capable of bringing communities together.
His leadership helped strengthen organizations that continue developing young athletes while providing affordable family entertainment across California.
Although his life ended far too soon, the impact of his work will continue to be felt in clubhouses, front offices, and ballparks throughout the game he loved.
Remembering Kevin O’Malley
Those closest to Kevin describe a man who balanced professional achievement with humility, curiosity, and devotion to family.
He carried one of baseball’s most recognizable surnames with quiet confidence while creating opportunities for others through leadership rather than legacy alone.
For many within baseball, Kevin O’Malley will be remembered not simply as the son of Peter O’Malley or the grandson of Walter O’Malley, but as an executive who honored that remarkable heritage by contributing meaningfully to the future of the sport.
His passing represents a significant loss for California baseball and for the many colleagues, friends, and family members whose lives he touched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kevin O’Malley?
Kevin O’Malley was an American baseball executive, entrepreneur, former minority owner of the San Diego Padres, co-founder of Top of the Third Inc., and Managing Partner of Carmelina Capital Partners.
How did Kevin O’Malley die?
Kevin O’Malley died on June 30, 2026, at age 50 from complications of sepsis while receiving hospice care in Santa Barbara, California, according to his family.
Was Kevin O’Malley related to the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Yes. Kevin was the son of longtime Los Angeles Dodgers president Peter O’Malley and the grandson of Hall of Fame executive Walter O’Malley, whose leadership brought the Dodgers to Los Angeles.
What baseball teams did Kevin O’Malley own?
He served as a minority owner of the San Diego Padres and previously co-owned and operated the Stockton Mudville Nine and Visalia Rawhide through Top of the Third Inc.
Who survives Kevin O’Malley?
He is survived by his wife, Allison, four children—Grace, Brendan, Brooke, and Margaret—his father Peter O’Malley, siblings Katherine and Brian, nieces, and nephews.
Editorial Standards
This obituary has been prepared using verified reporting from ESPN, The Associated Press, and statements provided by the O’Malley family. All biographical information, educational background, business affiliations, and baseball career milestones have been corroborated through authoritative sources.
Medical information regarding sepsis has been included solely to provide educational context and should not be interpreted as commentary on Kevin O’Malley’s individual medical care. No speculative information regarding his illness or treatment has been included. This article will be updated if the O’Malley family or Major League Baseball releases additional verified memorial information.