Howsam, who was to turn 90 on Feb. 29, died of heart failure at his home in Sun City, Ariz. Funeral arrangements were incomplete.

In 1967, Howsam joined the Reds organization as GM, replacing Bill DeWitt, and later became president and chief executive officer from 1973-78. During his tenure, the Reds returned to greatness after decades of not winning anything. The club won six division titles, four National League pennants and back-to-back World Series championships in 1975-76.

"Cincinnati was his second home," said son Robert Howsam Jr. in a statement. "He had some of his greatest successes there, and the city was always dear to him. While Pops recognized the importance of the players and ownership in baseball, he always felt pleasing the fans should be the No. 1 goal, whether it be concessions, parking or the experience at the ballpark. That was his guiding light, his main message."

Among the players developed under Howsam's leadership were Davey Concepcion, Ken Griffey Sr. and Don Gullett. He also hired manager Sparky Anderson and traded for Joe Morgan and George Foster.

The Sporting News' Major League Executive of the Year in 1973, Howsam also presided over the Reds' move from Crosley Field to Riverfront Stadium in 1970. He expanded the front office and created public relations programs like the Straight-A Student Program that rewarded hard work in school.

Senior clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe, who has been with the Reds since 1947, said Howsam's family had been planning a 90th birthday party. Stowe said he and his wife, Priscilla, had signed a baseball last week and sent it to Arizona.

"He treated you like a human," Stowe said. "He liked the little guys that worked for him. If I screwed up on a uniform and made one without a last name, he'd cover it up for me. You always went out of your way just for him."

Before joining the Reds, Howsam's baseball resume dated back to 1948, when he ran the Minor League Denver Bears after his family purchased the team. In 1964, he was hired by Branch Rickey to be GM of the Cardinals, where he remained until 1966.

Howsam resigned from leading the Reds' baseball operations on Feb. 16, 1978, and was replaced by Dick Wagner. He held the title of vice chairman of the board until he returned to running the club from 1983-85 upon Marge Schott becoming the owner.

In 2004, Howsam was elected to the Reds Hall of Fame.

"Mr. Howsam played a very important role in the long history of this proud franchise," Reds owner/CEO Bob Castellini said in a statement. "He put together an organization that became the model for all of baseball. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.