Fans, friends, and family came together Thursday at JetBlue Park to celebrate the life of Mike Greenwell, a hometown hero, Red Sox legend, and beloved community leader.
A jersey bearing his number waved in the wind in left field, while the scoreboard behind it displayed the words “RIP GATOR,” a quiet yet powerful tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on Southwest Florida.
“We miss you, Mike,” said Bill Mackay, former Red Sox Director of Florida Operations, reflecting the sentiment felt by all who attended.
The celebration drew people from across Lee County, many sharing personal stories of how Greenwell touched their lives. “Being we’re from North Fort Myers, everybody knows everybody, and we got to know each other,” said Jimmy Roberts. Former County Commissioner Johnny Limbaugh remembered him as “very nice, very friendly, always wanted to put out a helping hand.”
The ceremony featured several special tributes to honor Greenwell’s life. An honor guard presented the colors, and the LCSO Aviation Unit performed a flyover. Greenwell’s niece, Danielle Justice, delivered heartfelt remarks, followed by speeches from local commissioners and Red Sox General Manager Shawn Smith. Afterward, the crowd had the opportunity to share their own stories and memories, celebrating the man who meant so much to so many.
Greenwell made his name on the field with the Boston Red Sox, playing more than a decade in the majors, earning two All-Star selections, and finishing second in the 1988 MVP race. But his impact didn’t stop there. After retiring from baseball, he served as a Lee County Commissioner, championing local parks and youth programs and giving back to the community that had raised him.
But to many, he was just “Gator.” A hometown hero who never forgot where he came from.
“I remember I was so excited to meet someone so famous, and then when I met him, we’re on the boat, he’s the nicest person I ever met, and so humble,” said a fellow commissioner.
Greenwell passed away earlier this October from a rare form of thyroid cancer, but those who knew him say his spirit, kindness, and love for this community will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched.