Lawrence J. Dolan, the longtime owner of Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team, passed away at the age of 94 on Sunday night due to natural causes, according to a statement from the Cleveland Guardians.
Bob DiBiasio, the Guardians’ senior vice president of public affairs, praised Dolan’s lifelong contributions to the Cleveland area, highlighting his military service as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines and his many philanthropic efforts. Dolan’s impact extended across a wide range of sectors, including law, business, education, and sports, with a special focus on the world of sports.
Dolan, who was originally from Cleveland, acquired the team in 2000 for $320 million from Richard Jacobs. The Dolan family holds a 75% ownership stake in the Guardians and is the longest-serving ownership group in the franchise’s history.
Paul Dolan, the Guardians’ Chairman and CEO, and son of Larry Dolan, assumed control of the team in 2013.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our father, but we feel fortunate to have had him in our lives for as long as we did,” Paul Dolan shared. “He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, with a great passion for his family, his work, our community, and his love for local sports, including his ownership of the Cleveland Guardians.”
The Cleveland franchise, previously known as the Cleveland Indians, rebranded to the Guardians after the 2021 season. During Larry Dolan’s 24 years of ownership, the team secured seven American League Central Division titles, made nine postseason appearances, and reached the 2016 World Series, where they were defeated by the Chicago Cubs in a thrilling seven-game series. Additionally, Cleveland hosted the 2019 All-Star Game.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his condolences, stating, “I am saddened by the passing of Cleveland native Larry Dolan, whose family’s ownership of the team for over 25 years contributed to their success and made the team a key part of the local community. Larry was deeply committed to mentoring young people and using the Guardians as a platform to positively impact Greater Cleveland. He also contributed his expertise to Major League Baseball, serving on the Major League Executive Council and Ownership Committee, as well as participating in two labor negotiation committees.”
Larry Dolan is survived by his wife, Eva, six children, and 21 grandchildren. His nephew, James Dolan, owns the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and Madison Square Garden.
