Stern was the controlling owner of the Red Stockings at two different points in time.[8] He initially owned the team during the 1884 season, preceded by Thorner and followed by George Herancourt, and later owned the team during the 1887–1890 seasons, preceded by John Hauck and followed by John T. Brush.[9][c][d] Although personally generous, as an owner Stern was considered a penny-pincher, cutting salaries and costs in order to keep the team afloat.[citation needed]
^When Stern was born is unclear. His obituary stated that he was born in June 1853.[1] His gravestone, as seen in online photos, reads 1854. Ancestry.com records suggest January 1855.[2]
^It is unclear if Stern was team president continuously from 1883 to 1890.
^Al Johnson briefly owned the team during the 1890–91 offseason, between Stern and Brush.
^Stern's obituary stated that he was the team's president "when they won the pennant in the American Association in 1882 and retained his interest until 1887".[1]
