Boston, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Mike Greenwell, the former Boston Red Sox left fielder and Lee County commissioner, has died at 62 after a long battle with medullary thyroid cancer. Survived by his wife Tracy and two sons, he left a significant impact in both sports and local government, being honored for his community service and celebrated for his baseball achievements, including a Silver Slugger Award and induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame.
Boston — Mike Greenwell, former Boston Red Sox left fielder and current Lee County commissioner, died on Thursday morning at Massachusetts General Hospital from cancer. He was 62 years old and had been living with medullary thyroid cancer.
Key details
Time and confirmation: He died at 10:30 a.m., confirmed by his wife, Tracy Greer. Greenwell’s death was announced on Facebook by Lee County officials.
Family: Greenwell is survived by his wife, Tracy, and two sons, Bo and Garrett. His son, Bo Greenwell, shared an emotional post on social media, highlighting the long battle his father had with cancer and the suffering he endured.
Public service and recent political history
Local office: Greenwell was appointed as Lee County Commissioner for the District 5 seat by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in July 2022. He was reelected for the position in 2024 after announcing his candidacy.
Local officials and agencies released statements honoring Greenwell’s community service. Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka described Greenwell as a true hometown figure in remarks recorded by county offices, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Fort Myers Beach extended condolences and noted his impact on the community.
Baseball career and honors
Professional baseball: Greenwell graduated from North Fort Myers High School before beginning his baseball career. He was selected by the Red Sox in the third round of the 1982 Major League Baseball Draft and played for the Boston Red Sox from 1985 to 1996.
Career achievements: Greenwell was a two-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1988. In 1988, he finished second in the American League MVP voting to Jose Canseco. Greenwell recorded a lifetime batting average of .303 with 130 home runs, 726 RBIs, and 80 stolen bases during his MLB career. He served as a key player for the 1986 Red Sox team that reached the World Series.
Honors and legacy: Greenwell was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2008. During his time with the Red Sox and afterward, he earned the nickname “The Gator” from a spring training incident involving an alligator.
Activities after baseball
After retiring from baseball, Greenwell competed in auto racing and made two starts in NASCAR’s Truck Series in 2006. His post-baseball activities included both motorsports competition and engagement with local civic matters in Lee County.
Reactions and community response
Former teammates, team officials, and local leaders expressed deep sorrow over Greenwell’s death and honored his legacy in both baseball and community service. The Red Sox organization and other former teammates issued statements recognizing his on-field accomplishments and off-field contributions. Local government offices and law enforcement posted condolences and official acknowledgments of his service as commissioner.
Context and significance
Greenwell’s career bridged national sports recognition and local public service. His Major League record and Hall of Fame induction mark a long-standing contribution to baseball, while his role as Lee County commissioner placed him in a civic leadership position in Florida after his athletic career. The combination of athletic achievement and local political service made him a prominent figure in both arenas.
What happened next
Officials in Lee County and community organizations are expected to provide information about memorial arrangements through county channels. Local leaders indicated plans to honor his contributions to the community and to the sport.
FAQ
Q: Where did Mike Greenwell die?
A: Mike Greenwell, former Boston Red Sox left fielder and current Lee County commissioner, died on Thursday morning at Massachusetts General Hospital from cancer.
Q: What was the cause of death?
A: He was 62 years old and had been living with medullary thyroid cancer.
Q: Who confirmed the time of death?
A: He died at 10:30 a.m., confirmed by his wife, Tracy Greer.
Q: How was the death announced?
A: Greenwell’s death was announced on Facebook by Lee County officials.
Q: Did his family comment on his illness?
A: His son, Bo Greenwell, shared an emotional post on social media, highlighting the long battle his father had with cancer and the suffering he endured.
Q: What public office did Greenwell hold?
A: Greenwell was appointed as Lee County Commissioner for the District 5 seat by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in July 2022.
Q: Was he reelected?
A: He was reelected for the position in 2024 after announcing his candidacy.
Q: What were his major baseball accomplishments?
A: He played for the Boston Red Sox from 1985 to 1996 and was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2008. He was a two-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1988. In 1988, he finished second in the American League MVP voting to Jose Canseco. Greenwell recorded a lifetime batting average of .303 with 130 home runs, 726 RBIs, and 80 stolen bases during his MLB career.
Q: Who survives him?
A: Greenwell is survived by his wife, Tracy, and two sons, Bo and Garrett.
Quick facts table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Mike Greenwell |
| Age | 62 years old |
| Cause of death | Medullary thyroid cancer |
| Place of death | Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston |
| Time of death | 10:30 a.m. |
| Family survivors | Wife: Tracy; Sons: Bo and Garrett |
| Local office | Lee County Commissioner, District 5 (appointed July 2022; reelected 2024) |
| MLB career | Boston Red Sox (1985–1996) |
| Notable honors | Two-time All-Star; 1988 Silver Slugger; Red Sox Hall of Fame (2008) |
| Career statistics | .303 batting average, 130 home runs, 726 RBIs, 80 stolen bases |
| Other activities | Auto racing; two NASCAR Truck Series starts in 2006 |
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Mike Greenwell, Ex-Red Sox 2-Time All-Star, Dies at 62
- Wikipedia: Mike Greenwell
- New York Post: Ex-Red Sox Star Mike Greenwell Dead at 62
- Google Search: Mike Greenwell
- CBS Sports: Former Red Sox All-Star Mike Greenwell Dies at 62
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mike Greenwell
- Fox News: Ex-Red Sox Star Mike Greenwell Dead at 62
- Google News: Mike Greenwell Death
- Newsweek: Red Sox Two-Time All-Star Outfielder Passes Away
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