David Samson (baseball)
David Samson is an American sports executive and commentator, most notably known for his tenure as the president of the Miami Marlins baseball team from 2002 to 2017. His leadership role coincided with the Marlins' controversial public financing deal for Marlins Park, and his involvement in the team's subsequent trades of high-profile players, often described as "fire sales," drew significant criticism.
Samson's career in baseball began after graduating from Tufts University and earning a law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He joined Jeffrey Loria's business operations and later became integral to Loria's purchase of the Montreal Expos and subsequent relocation and renaming of the franchise to the Miami Marlins.
During his time with the Marlins, Samson was often the public face of the ownership group, conducting media interviews and representing the team in business matters. His outspoken and sometimes confrontational style made him a polarizing figure among fans and in the baseball community. He was known for his blunt assessments of player performance and the team's financial situation.
Following the sale of the Marlins to a group led by Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter in 2017, Samson transitioned into media and commentary. He has appeared on various sports television and radio programs, offering his opinions on baseball and other sports topics. He also hosts a daily podcast, "Nothing Personal with David Samson," where he discusses sports business and current events.