Former Red Sox Star Mike Greenwell Dead At 62 After Cancer Battle

Sad news out of Red Sox Nation… The legendary outfielder Mike Greenwell passed away on Thursday after bravely battling thyroid cancer, the MLB team announced.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer Mike Greenwell,” the Sox expressed in a statement earlier today.

“‘The Gator’ spent his entire career in a Red Sox uniform and was a beloved figure at Fenway Park and Fort Myers. He made significant contributions to Lee County and Sox Nation. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Greenwell family.”

Greenwell’s career spanned 12 seasons, all with the Red Sox, after being drafted by the organization in the third round of the 1982 draft. He made his Major League debut in 1985.

Although Greenwell initially had minimal playing time in his early years, he had a standout season in 1988, earning his first All-Star selection (followed by another in ’89) and finishing as the runner-up in the A.L. MVP race to slugger Jose Canseco. This season solidified his position as the team’s left fielder.

In his best season as a pro in 1988, Greenwell amassed 192 hits, 22 home runs, and 119 RBIs.

Greenwell retired in 1996 after a successful career that saw him achieve 1400 hits, 275 doubles, 387 triples, 130 home runs, and 726 RBIs. He also had 460 walks and a batting average of .303.

Tragically, in August, Greenwell disclosed to a local news station in Florida, where he resided post-baseball, that he had been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer, a rare form of the disease.

Rest in peace, Mike Greenwell. Your legacy and contributions to the game will never be forgotten.