Mike Greenwell: Red Sox Star Dies at 62 After Battling Cancer

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The baseball world is mourning the passing of Mike Greenwell, the legendary former Boston Red Sox outfielder, who passed away at the age of 62.

He passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

The passing of the man affectionately known as "The Gator" came after a long battle with medullary thyroid cancer, which he was diagnosed with in August 2025.

Greenwell passed away at Boston General Hospital.

"After a long year fighting cancer my dad has passed away. It has been a long year for him through a lot of pain and suffering. Now he can finally rest in peace. Thank you to everyone who has been keeping him in your thoughts and prayers," his son, Bo Greenwell, posted Thursday.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer Mike Greenwell.“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. pic.twitter.com/WyA14dYu0E

— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 9, 2025

Mike Greenwell died on October 9, 2025, at Boston General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 62.

The cause of death was medullary thyroid cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid.

Greenwell revealed his diagnosis in August 2025.

Medullary thyroid cancer accounts for only 1%-2% of all thyroid cancer cases in the United States, making it an extremely rare condition.

The affected cells produce calcitonin, not the usual thyroid hormone, which distinguishes it from other types of thyroid cancer.

Greenwell's wife, Tracy Greenwell, expressed her grief on social media, stating, "With a heavy heart, I lost my best friend today. It's time for Mike to be an angel."

The Boston Red Sox also released a statement, calling Greenwell "a beloved figure in Fenway and Fort Myers."

The government of Lee County, Florida, where Greenwell served as a County Commissioner, also expressed its condolences.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, a lifelong Lee County resident. 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," Lee County officials posted on social media.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his leadership."

Michael Lewis Greenwell, affectionately known as "The Gator" because of his penchant for wrestling alligators, was born on July 18, 1963, in Louisville, Kentucky.

He began his baseball career as a left fielder and spent his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Boston Red Sox from 1985 to 1996.

During his career, Mike Greenwell posted a .303 batting average, 130 home runs, 726 RBIs, and 1,400 hits.

He was recognized as a two-time All-Star in 1988 and 1989, and won the Silver Slugger Award in 1988.

1988 was one of his best seasons, finishing runner-up for American League MVP with a .325 batting average, 22 home runs, and 119 RBIs.

His dedication was recognized with induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2008.

After retiring from MLB, Greenwell briefly played in Japan for the Hanshin Tigers in 1997.

He later became involved in various activities, including coaching the Cincinnati Reds in 2001 and trying his hand at NASCAR Truck Series racing.

In addition to his baseball career, Mike Greenwell is also known as an accomplished businessman.

In 1992, he opened Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball and Family Fun Park in Cape Coral, Florida, a popular family entertainment destination.

He also owns a construction company called "Big League Builders."

He was appointed County Commissioner in Lee County, Florida, in 2022 by Governor Ron DeSantis and was successfully re-elected to a full term in 2024.

Greenwell is married to Tracy Greenwell and has two sons, Bo and Garrett.

He is also the uncle of Joey Terdoslavich, a minor league baseball player.

Greenwell resides in Cape Coral, Florida, and owns a large ranch in Alva, Florida.