CINCINNATI -- Marge Schott called it a sad day Friday as she formally transferred control of her beloved Cincinnati Reds to three partners who had been limited owners of the ballclub.

"It's a sad day, yes it is, honey," she said. "I don't like to sell things. I'm a keeper, not a seller."

The feisty businesswoman couldn't resist a swipe at the men who control baseball, who suspended and scolded her for remarks offensive to minorities and women during her 15 years as controlling owner of baseball's oldest professional team.

"I don't know what I would have done differently -- except for stood up and fought with the boys a little more," Schott said.

She made her comments in a telephone interview after completing the $67 million deal to pass control of the Reds to Carl Lindner, whose role is changing from limited partner to chief executive officer.

During her tenure, Schott managed to offend some Reds players and employees, including a former team controller who sued her. But she said they are all part of fond memories now.

"I always cared about my people who work for me," she said. "The Reds have been a very dear thing to me."

The Cincinnati auto dealer became a limited partner of the team in 1981, bought the controlling share in 1984 and watched the team win the 1990 World Series. Schott, 72, said selling the Reds as they contend for the playoffs is particularly difficult.

"I was very much hands-on. I did try and bring some good players in and everything," she said.

Asked what she plans to do next, she replied: "I don't know, honey."

Baseball's owners approved the sale on Sept. 15, clearing the way for Friday's closing of the deal.

Lindner, who has known Schott for years, noted her accomplishments as managing partner.

"She has always kept the fans first in her mind. For that, all of Cincinnati should thank her and join me in wishing her the very best."

Schott remains as a limited partner, holding one of the 13 shares in the Reds' new partnership. The other partners are Cincinnati businessman George L. Strike; Wall Street money manager William Reik Jr.; Multimedia of Cincinnati Inc., a subsidiary of Gannett Co. Inc.; Louise Nippert Trust, Carl A. Kroch Trust and the Lindner-controlled Great American Insurance Co.

John Allen, installed by baseball to run the Reds' daily operations while Schott was suspended, remains the team's managing executive.