Longtime Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell has died at 62 years old.

Greenwell played his entire career with the Red Sox, starting in 1985 through his retirement in 1996. In 1988, Greenwell finished second in the American League MVP race to Jose Canseco.

At the time of his death, Greenwell was serving as County Commissioner in Lee County, Florida after first being appointed to the position in 2022. Greenwell won re-election in 2024. Lee County is located in southwest Florida, and includes the Red Sox Spring Training home of Fort Myers.

Greenwell’s wife told Florida news station WINK that he died Thursday while in Boston. Greenwell told the station in August that he had been receiving treatment for medullary thyroid cancer.

“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,” the Lee County Government page posted on Facebook. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his leadership.”

“A gamer in every sense of the word”

During his 12-year career with the Red Sox, Greenwell had a batting average of .303 to go along with 130 home runs and 726 RBI.

“Mike was a wonderful ballplayer who always played hard,” Greenwell’s teammate Dwight Evans said. “He was deeply involved in the Fort Myers community and gave so much of himself to others. You always wanted to be around him – I truly enjoyed my time with him. He was a gamer in every sense of the word, and he will be deeply missed.”

Greenwell played sparingly in his first two seasons, then finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 1987. A year later, he made the American League All-Star team, was second in the MVP race and earned a Silver Slugger award. Greenwell earned a second All-Star appearance in 1989.

“Mike was a great teammate and a lot of fun,” said Marty Barrett. “He was always laughing. An outstanding hitter and a man’s man, he was fearless at the plate, standing closer than anyone I’ve ever seen. I loved playing alongside him for almost my entire career; it was pretty amazing. We will miss him greatly.”

Former Red Sox manager Joe Morgan said Greenwell was one his favorite players. “He didn’t start out great, but he worked hard and became a very good left fielder,” Morgan said. “He was fun to be around, happy-go-lucky. We’ll all miss him greatly.” 

Greenwell is survived by his wife, Tracy, and their sons, Bo and Garrett.