Mike Greenwell, 62, spent his entire 12-year MLB career as a member of the Boston Red Sox. He was a two-time All-Star and finished as American League MVP runner-up in 1988.
On Thursday, October 9, the former pro, nicknamed “The Gator” passed away from a battle with thyroid cancer.
His death was announced on the Lee County Government Facebook page around 2 p.m. local time. Greenwell, a lifelong Lee County resident, had served as the District 5 commissioner in the county since being appointed to the position by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022.
The post wrote, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, a lifelong Lee County resident.” It continued, “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 faced.”
Mike Greenwell MLB stats
Greenwell was a strong hitter throughout his MLB career, slashing .303/.368/.463 for his career. He also tallied 130 career home runs and 726 RBI.
Greenwell’s post-MLB life
Greenwell had a very short stint in the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan, but was forced into retirement after just seven games due to a fractured foot.
When he returned to the United States, he picked up stock car racing at New Smyrna Speedway, even winning the 2000 Speedweeks track championship. He ultimately gave up racing in 2010.
Greenwell was appointed as Lee County’s District 5 commissioner by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022, following the death of then-commissioner Franklin Mann. Greenwell won his re-election campaign in 2024.
Greenwell’s family
Greenwell is survived by his wife, Tracy, and his two sons: Bo and Garrett.
