Former Red Sox, Padres and Orioles president Larry Lucchino passed away Tuesday at 78, his family announced. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred issued the following statement in a press release:
“Larry Lucchino was one of the most accomplished executives that our industry has ever had. He was deeply driven, he understood baseball’s place in our communities, and he had a keen eye for executive talent. Larry’s vision for Camden Yards played a vital role in advancing fan-friendly ballparks across the game. He followed up by overseeing the construction of Petco Park, which remains a jewel of the San Diego community. Then Larry teamed with John Henry and Tom Werner to produce the most successful era in Red Sox history, which included historic World Series Championships on the field and a renewed commitment to Fenway Park. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my condolences to Larry’s family, his Red Sox colleagues and his many friends throughout our National Pastime.”
Lucchino spent six years as the Orioles’ president, from 1988-93, before spending seven years as the Padres’ president and CEO (1995-2001) and 14 years as the president and CEO of the Red Sox (2002-15). He’s widely credited with the visions behind Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Petco Park in San Diego, both of which were constructed during his time as president for those respective franchises. His 14-year run with the Red Sox included Boston’s curse-breaking 2004 World Series championship and subsequent World Series victories in 2007 and in 2013.
After stepping down from his role following the 2015 season, Lucchino remained connected to the franchise as a partial owner of the Sox’ Triple-A club and the president and CEO emeritus of Fenway Sports Group. A three-time cancer survivor, Lucchino also became the chairman of the Jimmy Fund in 2016 — a charity that has raised millions of dollars for Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through various community-based fundraising events.
“Larry’s career unfolded like a playbook of triumphs, marked by transformative moments that reshaped ballpark design, enhanced the fan experience, and engineered the ideal conditions for championships wherever his path led him, and especially in Boston,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement this morning. “Yet, perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in the remarkable people he helped assemble at the Red Sox, all of whom are a testament to his training, wisdom, and mentorship. Many of them continue to shape the organization today, carrying forward the same vigor, vitality, and cherished sayings that were hallmarks of Larry’s personality. Larry was a formidable opponent in any arena, and while he battled hard, he always maintained the utmost respect for a worthy adversary and found genuine joy in sparring with people. I was lucky enough to have had him in my corner for 14 years and to have called him a close friend for even longer. He was truly irreplaceable and will be missed by all of us at the Red Sox.”
For a comprehensive look at the impact Lucchino had in Boston, Baltimore and San Diego, this morning’s pieces from John Powers of the Boston Globe, Ryan Finley of the San Diego Union-Tribune and Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner are rife with old quotes from Lucchino and anecdotes shared by those who worked with him throughout his remarkable career. In addition to the Red Sox (who released statements from Sam Kennedy and Tom Werner, in addition to the aforementioned Henry statement) the Orioles have also released a statement on Lucchino’s passing:
“We are heartbroken over the news of the passing of former Orioles president and CEO, Larry Lucchino. A pioneer in the sport, we will forever be grateful for his impact on our organization, highlighted by the construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, The Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball. We join our entire baseball family in mourning this loss and extend our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones and many friends throughout the game.”
We at MLBTR extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Lucchino, as well as the countless baseball fans whose experiences of the game were impacted and enhanced by his contributions.
“Yet, perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in the remarkable people he helped assemble at the Red Sox”
In light of that comment and nothing else, I’m curious to learn how Terry Francona and Theo Epstein will respond.
Rip
“he understood baseball’s place in our communities“
I’d be interested to hear some Pawtucket folks feelings on that.
Thats just the business part.and politics of old mccoy stadium.if you want to be upset about something like that talk about Hasbro leaving…its way bigger deal
Insane – I don’t have much of an opinion on the subject, but I do know Pawtucket has really gone downhill over the years and Worcester made sense for many reasons.
Times change, situations change, you can’t be locked into one location forever just because of the history. The Bristol/New Britain Red Sox moved as well … it sucks, but that’s the business end of it. Same thing with the Red Sox moving their ST location.
I lived in RI, not pawtucket… and there were a lot of issues there, and, they remained even after the team left leading to varying dysfunction, and, ultimately the stadium now being town down for soccer instead of sold and redeveloped for baseball.
You were never going to get a facility of equal quality to Polar in Pawtucket. And it was a shame, really.
GASox – I believe last year Polar Park was rated the best park in all of minor league baseball.
And I’ve been told Worcester is the 2nd-largest city in all of New England.
I can understand Rhode Island residents being unhappy, I lost my NHL team years ago.
RIP
Forever grateful for this man! Changed/revolutionized baseball in San Diego.
As influential and important to SD as Peter Seidler for overseeing the Pads getting to a WS and getting Petco built.
Win it for Peter, Larry, Tony, Cammi,Jerry and Dick, yes Dick Enberg.
All so important to San Diego…
Let’s go Padres!
Mr. Lucchino left a lasting mark across MLB – World Series wins and the return of old school baseball parks. That’s a proper legacy. My best to those missing Mr. Lucchino today.
30 Parks said it well. I too appreciated Larry. RIP.
Thank you for Petco Park
Love, all Padres fans
RIP Mr. Lucchino
Had an oversized impact on the game. Should make the HOF in the executive wing. Condolences to his family and friends.
Thanks for helping to realize Petco Park, Larry. RIP.
Entrance to Petco should be named Lucchino Lane or such. RIP
Sounds like a Hall of Famer for the builders category.
RIP, LL…thanks for your efforts that helped San Diego build Petco Park…forever grateful!
This is very sad. He was one of the most accessible front office people I have ever known and a great guy with the fans. Long after he had left the Padres organization, he still recognized and remembered the names of many Padres fans.
He was greatly responsible for the existence of two of the best ballparks in the game, Petco Park and Camden Yards. Without him neither would have made it across the finish line.
My condolences to his family and friends and to fans of the Orioles, Padres and Red Sox. RIP Larry. You will be greatly missed.
You said it perfectly
Larry Lucchino and John Moores made Petco Park happen and again it was voted the best baseball park in MLB…I remember the last all star game at Petco and the players, managers and sports writers all asked MLB why they don’t play the all star game at Petco every year because it’s that nice.
Thank you Mr Lucchino
RIP
If I am correct… didn’t Larry coin the phrase…. The Evil Empire??? Rip Larry and thanks for helping The Red Sox become the greatest franchise of the 21st century….
Olm – You are correct. Larry wanted to win, badly. He took the rivalry very seriously, far more than anyone else in the front office. Keep in mind Henry was a longtime owner of the Yankees.
FPG… when do your spring classes start?? Game is called CLUE and I didn’t have one that JH… owned a piece of!!!!! Marlins yes… Yankees NOOO!!!!
olmtiant – Haven’t you seen me write Henry has 8 rings? I didn’t mean he was a tree! Haha!
He was chairman and sole owner of the Florida Marlins from 1999 through 2001 and a limited partner of the New York Yankees from 1991 through 2003 …. yes that’s right, he simultaneously owned BOTH the Yankees and Red Sox for 2 years …. and also simultaneously owned BOTH the Yankees and Marlins for 3 years!
As we all know, when you’re in the MLB owner circle you can get away with pretty much anything!
Brais ate my homework!!!?? Nope.. haven’t seen that post from you… maybe I’m living under a tree!!!LOL
olmtiant – Speaking of my man Brasier … did you see last night it was an All-Red Sox-Pitchers game for the Dodgers!
Paxton started.
Then my man Brasier relieved.
Then Joe Kelly relieved.
Then Dinelson Lamet closed.
As Mel Allen would say ….. How about that!
Greatest show growing up !! This week in baseball!!! Mel was the man.. shameful… yes… saw fight club got lit up once already and my man must have served up a center cut slider!! Can’t believe how Mookie is struggling!!!!
Met him outside at the 04 WS parade. Extremely friendly and personable.
ZZZ – I met him a few times, Winter Weekends and Toronto etc …. I got the same impression.
RIP
Fair to say he was, whether by accident or design, that first exec to bring in a baseball savvy person with Ivy League pedigree in to a position of authority with the on field product of a franchise (Theo Epstein)?
RIP to the man who coined the phrase “Evil Empire” to describe the Home Office of MLB. Much respect to a worthy competitor who was on the cutting edge of so much contemporary baseball history.
RIP Larry…..
Love him or hate him, he did a lot to further the Redsox in the division. Be it transactions, having a hand in hiring Theo Epstein or improving Fenway Park. I loved his passion for the game.
The current Redsox hierarchy sure could use his passion for winning right now !!
BobbyV
Carl – everyone makes mistakes and Bobby V was squarely on Larry. He did a lot things right then wrong. Who knows the Red Sox may not have won 4 World Series in the last 20 years without Larry’s hand in things…
RIP to Larry Lucchino was an MLB Baseball Executive legend
(condolences to his family and friends)..
LL was at the forefront of the wave of new downtown baseball only oriented ballparks in Baltimore and San Diego.
Lucchino made life long connections with people throughout MLB, Business, Finance and Law, He mastered the art at leveraging himself and his connections he made with people into achieving Larry’s goals and objectives in MLB, business and charitable endeavors in multiple cities.
Lucchino’s relationship with Trial Lawyer Edward Bennett Williams was instrumental in the acquisition and success of the Orioles. Lucchino’s vision in the design and construction of Camden Yards set a new, higher bar for baseball only stadiums that became the “gold standard” that all other MLB franchises tried to replicate.
Lucchino teamed with Houston software magnate John Moores and Tom Werner of Carsey=Werner TV productions (Cosby Show, Roseanne and many other TV productions) to buy the Padres.
Lucchino leveraged his Tom Werner relationship and added John Henry as principle in their successful Ownership bid for the Red Sox and its ensuing successes.
Larry mentored quite a few young interns and young baseball front office types, Lucchino gave countless young people their break and start in MLB Front Offices, Scouting and Marketing Departments including: Kevin Towers and Theo Epstein in San Diego and many more.
Larry Lucchino’s track record of success in multiple cities with multiple teams and Ownership Groups ( that Larry Lucchino was instrumental in assembling:: Orioles, Padres, Red Sox and a few Red Sox Minor league teams) speaks volumes about him and his successes and winning track record at every MLB stop and in minor league endeavors also.
Larry Lucchino is a first ballot Hall MLB Hall of Fame Executive who should have been voted in when he was alive.
As a side note, Larry Lucchino was very approachable and big on outreach to fans.. a real “hands on Executive” with the Padres.
I spoke with and had a very interesting conversation by phone with
Larry Lucchino when he was President and CEO of the Padres in San Diego years ago about: the team, baseball, the farm system and his plans for a new stadium that became Petco Park in San Diego.
Larry loved public input and engaging with fans.
RIP Larry Lucchino.
MLB has lost a Front Office Legend.
RIP Mr. Lucchino.
I missed this post finally come out due to a treatment which put me under.
Good job to Steve and mlbtr on this one, you could’ve written pages upon pages of stories and tributes to this great man, but, did him justice.
He did a lot for MLB, fans, and others through the years. For that we’re all thankful, may he rest in peace.
I hope Larry is looking down on everyone whose lives he touched through the years, and, puts a finger of destiny on some shoulders:
Orioles win the AL East, but fall to the WC Red Sox in the ALCS. Padres and Sox go seven games in the WS. Make it happen Larry. Make it happen.
GASox – Did you see Papi’s statement? He sent a very strong message, emphasizing how important winning was to Larry. That’s what made him a winner, his passion for winning is sorely missed in the Red Sox front office.
Also the non-baseball history is quite fascinating, Larry was teammates with Bill Bradley on the Princeton Final Four team and he also played for Bob Cousy.. He also was in Yale law school with Hillary Clinton and they both were involved in the Watergate investigation.
But I think more than anything he’ll be remembered for the stadiums he built.
Oriole Park
Petco Park
JetBlue Park
Polar Park
And the remodeling of Fenway.
Dude was a true visionary who had a deep passion for baseball.
Thanks Larry.
Holy crap! I didn’t even know Lucky Luciano was still alive. The stories that man could tell! Oi!!!