Former Boston Red Sox outfielder and two-time All-Star Mike Greenwell has passed away at the age of 62. Greenwell, a beloved figure in Red Sox history and a member of the team’s Hall of Fame, died following a fight with a rare form of thyroid cancer. His passing was confirmed by the Lee County Government, where he served as a commissioner and was recognized as a dedicated advocate for the community.
Diagnosed in August with medullary thyroid cancer, Greenwell faced an aggressive disease that accounts for a very small percentage of all thyroid cancer cases in the United States. This specific type of cancer affects the thyroid’s C cells, impacting calcitonin production instead of thyroid hormone. Greenwell, affectionately known as ‘The Gator,’ played his entire Major League Baseball career with the Boston Red Sox from 1985 to 1996. His contributions on the field earned him two All-Star selections and a lasting legacy in Boston baseball lore.
Beyond his successful baseball career, Greenwell was deeply committed to public service in Lee County, Florida. Tributes have since flooded in from fans and former colleagues, remembering him not only for his athletic achievements but also for his personal character and dedication to his community. He is remembered as a significant part of both Red Sox history and the community he served.