Larry Lucchino, the former Boston Red Sox president and CEO who helped end the team’s 86-year World Series drought in 2004, dies at the age of 78
Larry Lucchino, the former president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox — who led the team to three World Series titles and ended “The Curse of the Bambino” — died Tuesday at the age of 78.
The franchise confirmed his death on Tuesday and shared a statement from his family. A cause of death was not given.
Lucchino, a three-time cancer survivor, served with the Red Sox from 2002 to 2015, winning three World Series during his tenure.
“We are heartbroken to share that our beloved brother and uncle, Lawrence Lucchino, passed away on April 2, surrounded by his family,” the statement said.
“The Lucchino family would like to thank his friends and caregivers who surrounded him with love, laughter and happy memories over the past few months.
Larry Lucchino, the former president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox, has died at the age of 78
Lucchino (left) was president when the Red Sox ended their 86-year championship drought
The former CEO is pictured with current president Sam Kennedy (L) and former player David Ortiz (R) after a pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park in August 2023
“To us, Larry was an exceptional individual who combined a Hall of Fame life as a Major League Baseball executive with his passion for helping those most in need.
Taking on the construction of Baltimore’s Orioles Park at Camden Yards, San Diego’s Petco Park and Polar Park for the Worcester Red Sox, as well as his role in ‘reversing the curse’ of the Boston Red Sox’ World Series 2004 wins were exemplary. performance.’
Lucchino was treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the Dana-Farber Institute in the mid-1980s and was later treated for prostate cancer in 1999 and kidney cancer in 2019.
In 2016, he was named chairman of The Jimmy Fund, founded in 1948 to benefit the cancer care and research of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“Equally important to Larry was the creation of a unique scholarship program in professional sports, “San Diego Padres Scholars,” co-founder of the Boston Red Sox Foundation and Chairman of the Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber. The Cancer Institute’s efforts to save lives and bring hope to cancer patients around the world,” the family’s statement said.
“He brought the same passion, tenacity and penetrating intelligence to all his endeavors, and his achievements speak for themselves.”
Lucchino served as CEO and president of the Red Sox from 2002 to 2015, joining the organization along with Tom Werner as part of John W Henry’s ownership group.
The consortium gave Boston its first World Series title since 1918, when the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004 – just two years after taking control.
Lucchino in 2022 – speaking during his induction ceremony into the Padres Hall of Fame
Lucchino (center) throws a first pitch during a Red Sox Hall of Fame ceremony in 2016
The Red Sox won two more championships under Lucchino in 2007 and 2013 before he resigned.
In 2015, he joined a group that purchased the Worcester Red Sox, a Triple-A franchise, and became chairman and principal owner.
Lucchino was named president and CEO emeritus of the Red Sox in 2016.
His career in the majors began long before his arrival in Boston, with Lucchino also serving as president of the Baltimore Orioles from 1988 to 1993 and as president and CEO of the San Diego Padres from 1995 to 2001.
A statement from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred read: “Larry Lucchino was one of the most talented executives our industry has ever had. He was deeply driven, he understood baseball’s place in our community, and he had a keen eye for leadership talent.
“Larry’s vision for Camden Yards played a critical role in promoting fan-friendly ballparks in the game. He then oversaw the construction of Petco Park, which remains a jewel of the San Diego community.
Lucchino is being honored before his final game as Red Sox president in September 2015
“Then Larry teamed with John Henry and Tom Werner to create the most successful era in Red Sox history, including historic World Series championships on the field and a renewed commitment to Fenway Park.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Larry’s family, his Red Sox colleagues and his many friends during our national pastime.”
Other tributes came from the Baltimore Orioles organization, which called him “a pioneer in the sport” and said they would be “forever grateful for his impact on our organization.”
Former Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine also offered his condolences, saying, “If anyone deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, it’s Larry.”
(From left to right): Boston Red Sox owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and Lucchino
Team owner John Henry wrote, “Larry’s career unfolded like a playbook of triumphs, marked by transformative moments that reshaped ballpark design, enhanced the fan experience, and created the ideal conditions for championships wherever his path led him, and most importantly in Boston.’
Henry concluded, “He was truly irreplaceable and will be missed by all of us at the Red Sox.”
Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said, “Larry was more decorated in the sport than any of us (when Lucchino, Werner and Henry joined forces in 2001) and came to the fold with a Super Bowl ring, a World Series ring and even a Final Four looks back to his days as a basketball player at Princeton.
“He added to that impressive collection here in Boston because he was the kind of man who would find a path to success no matter the obstacles… We are devastated by the loss of a great man, a great leader and a great friend.’
In addition to his work in baseball, Lucchino served for six years on the board of directors of the Washington Redskins and oversaw the team’s victory in Super Bowl XVII.
Tuesday happens to be opening day for the Worcester Red Sox – the team helped Lucchino move from Pawtucket, Rhode Island to a modern facility about 50 minutes west of Fenway Park.