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.”
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.
