Red Sox Icon Mike Greenwell’s Untamed Spirit Crushed by Cancer at 62

Deadspin | Red Sox legend Mike Greenwell dies at 62Apr 15, 1991; Boston, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Red Sox left fielder Mike Greenwell at bat against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell died on Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 62.

Greenwell, a two-time All-Star, revealed he was battling medullary thyroid cancer in August. His wife, Tracy, said he died in Boston.

“With a heavy heart, I lost my best friend today,” Tracy Greenwell said on social media, according to WINK. “It was Mike’s time to be an angel. At 10:30 a.m. in Boston’s General Hospital. We are forever grateful for the life he has given us.”

Greenwell’s death was also announced by officials in Lee County, Florida. Greenwell was commissioner of the county in southwestern Florida that includes Fort Myers, where Greenwell lived most of his life.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, a lifelong Lee County resident,” Lee County announced on Facebook. “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.”

Of course, Greenwell was better known for his baseball career with the Red Sox from 1985-96. The player known as “The Gator” enjoyed his best season in 1988 when he was runner-up for American League MVP honors after batting .325 with career-highs of 22 homers and 119 RBIs.

 

Greenwell batted .300 or better five times beginning with his full rookie season in 1987 while becoming a fan favorite at Fenway Park. He drove in more than 70 runs on seven occasions.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer Mike Greenwell,” the Red Sox said on social media. “The Gator” spent his entire career in a Red Sox uniform and was a beloved fixture of Fenway and Fort Myers. He gave so much to Lee County and Sox Nation.

“We send our love to the Greenwell family.”

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer Mike Greenwell.

“The Gator” spent his entire career in a Red Sox uniform and was a beloved fixture of Fenway and Fort Myers. He gave so much to Lee County and Sox Nation.

We send our love to the Greenwell family. pic.twitter.com/WyA14dYu0E

— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 9, 2025

Greenwell recorded a .303 career average with 130 homers and 726 RBIs in 1,269 games. He finished with 1,400 hits and struck out just 364 times in 4,623 at-bats.

He was fourth in AL Rookie of the Year balloting in 1987 and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1988.

Greenwell was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2008.

 

–Field Level Media

Related Posts

BREAKING NEWS: 2-Tіme World Serіeѕ Chаmріon аnd “Nаѕty Nаte” Hero Seekѕ Fenwаy Return After Beіng Pаѕѕed Over by 6 Teаmѕ…

Boѕton, Mаѕѕаchuѕettѕ – а fіgure of unраrаlleled рoѕtѕeаѕon grіt, а mаn whoѕe 2018 World ѕerіeѕ heroіcѕ eаrned hіm а рermаnent рlаce іn New englаnd folklore, іѕ reрortedly lookіng…

🔥 BLOCKBUSTER BREWING IN ATLANTA? The Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly discussed a stunning trade that could bring a $131 million All-Star starter to Atlanta — a move that would send shockwaves across Major League Baseball. Sources say the Braves are aggressively exploring ways to strengthen their rotation with a proven ace, a deal that could dramatically reshape the NL playoff race overnight. As talks intensify, fans are already buzzing about what this potential blockbuster could mean for October. 👇👇👇

🚨 BRAVES’ TRADE PITCH COULD LAND $131 MILLION ALL-STAR STARTER: JOSE BERRIOS ON THE MOVE?👇 The Atlanta Braves’ front office is no stranger to trade rumors, especially…

🚨GAME CHANGER: Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago White Sox at American Family Field – You Won’t Believe the New Kickoff Time

A Late-Night International Showcase Meets Midwest Baseball Tradition 4 Opening week intensity continues as the Milwaukee Brewers host the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field. The…

🚨GAME CHANGER: Atlanta Braves vs Kansas City Royals at Truist Park – You Won’t Believe the New Kickoff Time!

Early-Morning International Spotlight Meets Prime-Time Energy in Atlanta Opening week in Major League Baseball continues with a compelling interleague clash as the Atlanta Braves host the Kansas…

🚨GAME CHANGER: Cincinnati Reds vs Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park – You Won’t Believe the New Kickoff Time!

Prime-Time Shift Turns Opening Week Into a Late-Night Showcase 4 Opening week in Major League Baseball always carries anticipation, but the confirmed kickoff time for the Cincinnati…

🚨GAME CHANGER: San Francisco Giants vs New York Yankees at Oracle Park – You Won’t Believe the New Kickoff Time!

Prime-Time Baseball Energy Hits the Bay Area as Giants Host Yankees 4 Baseball fans across the country — including loyal supporters of the Pittsburgh Steelers looking for…