Mike Greenwell, Red Sox Hall of Famer, Dies at 62 After Year-Long Cancer Battle

Former Boston Red Sox star Mike Greenwell has died. He was 62.

The athlete had been battling thyroid cancer before his death, which was announced on Thursday, Oct. 9, by the Lee County Government in Florida, where Greenwell had served as a county commissioner since 2022.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, a lifelong Lee County resident,” Florida officials wrote in a Facebook post.

“He was a strong advocate for the people and businesses of Lee County and will be remembered for seeking meaningful solutions to the challenges his community faces,” the post continued. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his leadership.”

Greenwell played for the Red Sox for the majority of his career, spending 12 years with the team from 1985 to 1996. He took over left field from Jim Rice, and emerged into a franchise Hall of Famer in his own right.

The Red Sox penned a tribute to the two-time MLB All-Star on social media after his death.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer Mike Greenwell,” the team wrote on X. ‘”The Gator’ spent his entire career in a Red Sox uniform and was a beloved fixture of Fenway and Fort Myers. He gave so much to Lee County and Sox Nation.”

“We send our love to the Greenwell family,” the team’s post concluded.

Greenwell is survived by his wife Tracy and their two sons, Bo and Garrett.

“After a long year fighting cancer my dad has passed away,” Bo wrote on Facebook. “It has been a long year for him through a lot of pain and suffering. Now he can finally rest in peace. Thank you to everyone who has been keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Greenwell was a left-handed hitter known for smashing line drives all over the field. In 1988, he finished second in the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award voting to Jose Canseco.

The MLB star retired in 1996.