Cleveland Guardians owner Larry Dolan has died at the age of 94, the club announced on Monday.
Cleveland native Larry Dolan, who purchased the Guardians franchise from Richard E. Jacobs in February 2000 for $323 million, has passed away. Under his ownership, the franchise grew significantly and is now valued at an estimated $1.35 billion.
Bob DiBiasio, the Guardians’ head of public affairs, expressed his condolences in a statement, highlighting Dolan’s deep ties to Cleveland. He praised Dolan’s contributions to the community through his service as a First Lieutenant in the Marines, his philanthropic efforts, and his leadership in business, education, and sports. DiBiasio also acknowledged Dolan’s lasting impact on the franchise, noting that his family remains the longest-tenured owners in team history.
Paul Dolan, Larry Dolan’s son and the Guardians’ owner and CEO, shared his family’s sorrow over the loss. He described his father as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was deeply passionate about his family, his work, and the Cleveland community.
Paul Dolan also emphasized his father’s love for sports, particularly his dedication to the Guardians. He expressed gratitude for the time they had with him and the legacy he leaves behind.
Larry Dolan’s early years as owner were marked by significant payroll reductions from the high-spending era of the 1990s under former general manager John Hart. While this initially led to challenges on the field, Dolan’s focus on rebuilding the farm system and player development eventually paid off, helping to create a more sustainable model for success.
His tenure will also be remembered for the gradual removal of Native American imagery from the team’s branding. The process, which began with a de-emphasis of the “Chief Wahoo” logo, culminated in the team’s rebranding as the Cleveland Guardians following the 2021 season.
On the field, the Guardians have remained competitive under Dolan’s ownership, making nine postseason appearances, including a trip to the 2016 World Series and a division title last season. Over the past 12 years (2013-2024), Cleveland has recorded the third-most wins in Major League Baseball, trailing only the Dodgers and Yankees.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred honored Dolan’s contributions to baseball and the Cleveland community in a statement, highlighting his dedication to mentoring young people and strengthening the franchise. Manfred also recognized Dolan’s service to both the league and the country, noting his work on multiple MLB committees and his time as a First Lieutenant in the Marines. He extended his condolences to the Dolan family on behalf of Major League Baseball.
Leave a Reply