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Mike Greenwell, a two-time All-Star with the Boston Red Sox who played 12 years in the majors, has died after a battle with thyroid cancer, Florida officials announced Thursday. He was 62 years old.
Lee County officials announced Greenwell’s death in a Facebook post. He has been a county commissioner since 2022.
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Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell at bat against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on April 16, 1991. (RVR Photos/USA TODAY NETWORK)
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, a longtime resident of Lee County. He was a strong advocate for the citizens and businesses of Lee County and will be remembered for seeking meaningful solutions to the challenges facing his community,” the message read.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who were touched by his leadership.”
The Red Sox selected Greenwell in the third round of the 1982 draft, straight out of high school. He made his debut during the 1985 season and never played for any other team.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer Mike Greenwell,” the Red Sox wrote on
Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell cheers from atop a police horse as he walks around Fenway Park in Boston, Wednesday, September 20, 1995, after the Red Sox won the American League East championship. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, file)
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We send our love to the Greenwell family.”
Greenwell was part of the 1986 team that won the American League pennant and lost to the New York Mets in seven games.
He earned his first All-Star selection in 1988 and his second in 1989.
In 1988, Greenwell hit 22 home runs, had a career-high 119 RBIs and batted .325. He was the runner-up in American League MVP voting, finishing behind Oakland Athletics slugger Jose Canseco that season.
He hit .308 in 1989 with 14 home runs and 95 RBIs.
Greenwell, an outfielder, played in 1,269 games during his career. He had 130 home runs and 726 RBIs.
Former Boston Red Sox player Mike Greenwell prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Red Sox-New York Mets spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Tuesday, March 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, file)
“Mike was an incredible teammate and an incredible friend,” Greenwell’s former teammate Ellis Burks told MLB.com. “He and I have been friends since day one. This is a huge loss, not only for his family, but for me as well. It’s difficult when you have a friend dealing with an illness during a time like this. My condolences go out to his family.”
