When a legend dies, it feels like a part of the world just went dark. And now, the city of Boston and the Red Sox will feel like they have lost a piece of themselves today.

It was reported that Red Sox legend Mike Greenwell has passed away at the age of 62 after a long battle with medullary thyroid cancer. His former teammate, Ellis Burks, spoke about Greenwell, remembering the six seasons they spent together in Boston.

“Mike was an unbelievable teammate and an unbelievable friend… That’s a tremendous loss, not only to his family, but for me as well. It’s tough when you have a friend dealing with an illness for a while like that… He’s going to be missed,” Burks shared.

Mike Greenwell passed away battling a rare and aggressive disease. The cancer forms in the thyroid’s parafollicular C cells, affecting only a few thousand annually in the United States. Greenwell even publicly revealed his struggle with this illness in August, showing remarkable openness about a difficult journey.

Beyond baseball, Greenwell served as commissioner in Lee County, Florida, providing his community with practical, meaningful solutions. He was praised for advocating for both people and businesses, earning respect for steady leadership. Residents and fans alike recognized his commitment, connecting his public service to the same dedication he showed on the field.

Nicknamed “The Gator” for wrestling alligators during his youth, Greenwell became a Red Sox cornerstone from 1985 to 1996.

He batted .303, hit 130 home runs, earned two All-Star selections, and finished second in AL MVP voting in 1988. His legacy lives through Fenway, Fort Myers, and the countless fans who remember his courage and character.

Mike Greenwell’s impact stretched far beyond Fenway. Legends like Greenwell remind us that courage, skill, and character outlast any stat line or accolade. If baseball heaven has a left field, Greenwell is already arguing with angels over proper batting stance.

Southwest Florida County gives its condolences to Red Sox legend Mike Greenwell

Once a feared slugger for the Boston Red Sox, he traded the roar of Fenway for the corridors of Lee County government, proving that heroics don’t always require a uniform. Now, the community is grappling with the loss of a man whose impact stretched from the baseball diamond to local hallways of power.

Lee County expressed deep condolences over Mike Greenwell’s passing, calling him a lifelong resident. “He was a strong advocate for the people and businesses of Lee County,” shared the county. Now, residents remember Greenwell for seeking meaningful solutions and leaving a lasting local impact on the community.

Southwest Florida officials echoed their grief, highlighting both his public service and baseball legacy. “His dedication, compassion, and leadership greatly impacted our community,” the Town of Fort Myers Beach noted.

Mike Greenwell’s life reminded Southwest Florida that legends can swing bats and run cities equally. His Red Sox heroics and Lee County leadership left a mark that time cannot erase. Now, the community honors Greenwell’s legacy while wondering if anyone else could handle both roles.