Former Boston Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino died Tuesday morning at the age of 78, the team announced on Twitter.
The Red Sox shared a statement from the Lucchino family. “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved brother and uncle, Lawrence Lucchino, passed away on April 2 surrounded by his family. The Lucchino family wishes to thank his friends and caregivers who, over the past few months, have surrounded him with love, laughter, and happy memories.
A statement from the Lucchino Family on the passing of Lawrence Lucchino: pic.twitter.com/RaOebQCtd4
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 2, 2024
Lucchino was president during arguably the most successful period in franchise history. During his tenure, which lasted from 2002-2015, they won three World Series, including the 2004 World Series which broke the team’s infamous “Curse of the Bambino,” breaking an 86-year championship drought.
“Larry Lucchino was one of the most accomplished executives that our industry has ever had,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, according to MLB.com. “He was deeply driven, he understood baseball’s place in our communities, and he had a keen eye for executive talent,” Manfred also shared.
Multiple Red Sox principles shared kind words about Lucchino, including owner John Henry, team chairman Tom Werner and the current CEO Sam Kennedy. (RELATED: Disgraceful MLB Franchise Appears To Vindictively Punish Star Players After They Supported Protests Against Ownership)
Remembering the legacy of Larry Lucchino: pic.twitter.com/jfHrzo3HM7
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 2, 2024
“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,” Henry shared in a statement.
Besides being an integral part of the Red Sox, Lucchino also helped bring the Orioles Camden Yards stadium to fruition as an executive in Baltimore before his Red Sox tenure, according to MLB.com