Red Sox Hall Of Famer Dies At 62 After Battling Cancer

One of the best players in Boston Red Sox history died Thursday.

Mike Greenwell died at 62 years old following a battle with medullary thyroid cancer, according to a Facebook post from the Lee County (Florida) Government, for which Greenwell served as County Commissioner. Greenwell, who announced his cancer diagnosis in August, spent his entire 12-year Major League Baseball career in Boston.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, a lifelong Lee County resident,” Lee County Government wrote in the post. “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.”

Nicknamed “Gator”, Greenwell was selected in the third round of the 1982 MLB Draft and eventually carried the franchise’s left-field torch from Jim Rice. He finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 1987 before finishing second in A.L. MVP voting the following season.

A two-time All-Star, Greenwell hit .303 with 130 homers, 726 RBIs and 80 stolen bases throughout his memorable career. He was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2008.