Mike Greenwell, lifelong Boston Red Sox outfielder and devoted public servant in his Florida hometown, has died after battling medullary thyroid cancer. He was 62.
Greenwell, known as “The Gator,” revealed his diagnosis of this rare thyroid cancer in August to Gulf Coast News, where he served as a Lee County commissioner since 2022. His death was confirmed on Thursday by Lee County officials and his family.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, a lifelong Lee County resident,” the county’s government page said in a statement. “He was a strong advocate for the people and businesses of Lee County and will be remembered for seeking meaningful solutions to the challenges his community faced. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his leadership.”
Greenwell’s story was one of longevity, loyalty, and quiet excellence. Drafted by the Red Sox in the third round in 1982, the Fort Myers native succeeded Hall of Famer Jim Rice in left field and quickly rose to the challenge. He made his major league debut in 1985 and became a lineup regular by 1987, finishing fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
In 1,269 games with Boston, Greenwell hit .303 with an .831 OPS, 1,400 hits, 130 home runs, and 726 RBIs. Notably, he walked 460 times—nearly 100 more than his strikeouts—a rare feat in an era dominated by power hitting. His peak came in 1988, earning a Silver Slugger, another All-Star appearance, and finishing runner-up for AL MVP to Jose Canseco.
“Mike Greenwell embodied everything it meant to wear a Red Sox uniform,” the team said in a statement. “He was a fierce competitor on the field and a beloved figure in both Boston and Fort Myers. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Greenwell’s career spanned one of the most memorable decades in Red Sox history. He was known for consistent play and leadership both on and off the field. In 1995, after Boston clinched the American League East title, Greenwell famously celebrated by mounting a Boston police horse and raising his fists to the Fenway crowd. This moment captured his personality and passion for the game.
After retiring from Major League Baseball in 1996, Greenwell briefly played for Japan’s Hanshin Tigers before injuries ended his international career. Back in Florida, he stayed active in business and community affairs, running local businesses and later entering politics. In 2022, he joined the Lee County Board of Commissioners and was reelected two years later.
Medullary thyroid cancer, which claimed his life, is among the rarest thyroid cancers and can be hereditary. It develops from thyroid C cells that produce calcitonin and often requires specialized treatment.
Even after his diagnosis, Greenwell continued public service and maintained ties with Red Sox Nation. Inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2008, he secured his place among the franchise’s most respected players. His legacy as a disciplined hitter and civic leader extends from Fenway Park to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
