In a somber moment for baseball fans everywhere, we mourn the passing of Larry Lucchino, former President of the Boston Red Sox, at the age of 78. His legacy on and off the field has left an indelible mark on the hearts of sports enthusiasts far and wide.
Join us as we reflect on the life and achievements of this legendary figure, celebrating his contributions to the beloved game of baseball and the lasting impact he leaves behind.
Larry Lucchino Dies At The Age Of 78
The Boston Red Sox’s longtime CEO and president, Larry Lucchino, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 78.
From 2002 to 2015, Lucchino led the Red Sox as president and CEO. He joined the team as a member of John Henry’s ownership group, along with Tom Werner. In 2004, the team won the World Series, snapping an 86-year championship drought. They also won the series in 2007 and 2013.
Lucchino became a member of the group that acquired the Worcester Red Sox in 2015, taking over as the team’s chairman and major shareholder.
Red Sox posted on Twitter stating, “The Red Sox & the sports world have lost a giant. Larry was a visionary whose competitive spirit & strong will took sports franchises to new heights, particularly ours. He was a curse-breaker, ballpark preserver & community champion. Thank you, Larry.”
The Red Sox & the sports world have lost a giant.
Larry was a visionary whose competitive spirit & strong will took sports franchises to new heights, particularly ours.
He was a curse-breaker, ballpark-preserver & community champion.
Thank you, Larry. pic.twitter.com/KFjuqNeaKE
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 2, 2024
Lucchino held the positions of president and CEO of the San Diego Padres from 1995 to 2001 and president of the Baltimore Orioles from 1988 to 1993 before joining the Red Sox. While with the Orioles, Lucchino employed Theo Epstein as an intern, then in 2002, he hired Epstein as general manager of the Red Sox after meeting him in San Diego.
He made headlines in 2002 when he called the New York Yankees “the evil empire” while he was still a member of the Red Sox. The nickname remained for years. Playing for Princeton in 1967, Lucchino was a member of both the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Lucchino’s family has requested that donations be sent to the Jimmy Fund and the Larry Lucchino Family Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in place of flowers.
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