Later Life & Legacy
In 1970, 68 year old Ray Kroc became the owner of the San Diego Padres after the previous owner C. Arnholt Smith decided not to purchase the baseball team. Kroc decided not to move the team all around, so they played primarily in San Diego. The team was not good enough to play in the Washington Nationals; this would be the first time that the team had not made it. "I've never seen such stupid ball-playing in my life," Ray Kroc stated, "I found much more interest in hamburgers than I did in baseball." (TIME 100) In 1978, he published his book, "Grinding It Out," about his struggles and obstacles that he had to overcome in creating his multi-million dollar business.
Sadly, on January 14th, 1984 Ray Kroc died in San Diego, California leaving behind his wife, Joan B. Kroc. His San Diego Padres baseball team would later have to become newly-managed. His death resulted from his medical history including diabetes and arthritis. Kroc stated "Luck is the dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get," (Wiley Online) This saying is now etched in the window of the McDonald's in Oak Park, Illinois which is his hometown. He is a well-known man that worked hard and had dedication; he was recognized in the "TIME 100: Most Important People of the Century," along with Bill Gates, Henry Ford, and Walt Disney. (TIME: 100 Online) Ray Kroc has provided a chain of restaurants that have and will continue to provide us with good, affordable food worldwide. Without "Mr. Big Mac" there would not be the concept of "fast food". He was inventive in mechanizing the "hamburger assembly line" and generous in passing the idea on to other rival companies. McDonald's is the largest fast food company in the world today because of Ray Kroc. Hard-working mothers and fathers fraught by their mortgage payments and stressed with their busy lifestyles can have an affordable, warm meal. He has made it possible for young and striving families to feed their children and save money through tough times. Kroc put it all into perspective by opening The Ronald McDonald House which would provide kids and teens a private bedroom, a playroom, and a warm home-cooked meal. Without the foundation to help kids, most would not have a meal to eat and might be living on the streets. His perseverance to make a business ended up leading him to provide a foundation that would take care of kids. Ray Kroc was an ingenious and amazing man and has left an incredible legacy.