CLEVELAND – Lawrence J. Dolan, the longtime owner of the Cleveland Major League Baseball team, passed away at the age of 94. Announcing his death, the Cleveland Guardians shared that Dolan died of natural causes on Sunday night.
Bob DiBiasio, the Guardians’ senior vice president of public affairs, highlighted Dolan’s significant contributions to Greater Cleveland. “Mr. Dolan devoted his entire life to the Cleveland area, impacting our community in countless ways,” DiBiasio stated. “From his service as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marines to his numerous philanthropic endeavors and his career spanning law, business, education, and sports, his engagement and passion were widely felt, particularly in the sports sector.”
A native of Cleveland, Dolan purchased the franchise, then known as the Indians, from Richard Jacobs for $320 million in 2000. Under his leadership, the Dolan family maintained a 75% stake in the team, marking their ownership as the longest in the history of the Cleveland franchise.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Paul Dolan assumed the role of the team’s primary control person in 2013. “While we are deeply saddened by our Dad’s passing, we are grateful for the time we shared with him,” Paul Dolan expressed. “He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with a profound love for his family, work, our community, and especially for our local sports teams, including his pride in owning the Cleveland Guardians.”
The franchise, which changed its name from the Cleveland Indians to the Guardians after the 2021 season, has a storied history under Dolan’s leadership. Over 24 seasons, Cleveland secured seven American League Central Division titles, made nine postseason runs, and reached the World Series in 2016, narrowly losing to the Chicago Cubs in a thrilling seven-game series. The team also hosted the 2019 All-Star Game.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred commented on Dolan’s passing, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Cleveland native Larry Dolan. During the family’s quarter-century of ownership, they turned Cleveland’s team into a consistent contender and an integral part of their community.” Manfred continued, “Larry was committed to mentoring young people and leveraging the Guardians’ influence for the betterment of Greater Cleveland. His expertise benefitted Major League Baseball through his roles on the Major League Executive Council and the Ownership Committee, as well as during labor negotiations.”
Dolan’s legacy extends beyond baseball, survived by his wife Eva, six children, and 21 grandchildren. His influence in the sports world also reaches his nephew, James Dolan, who owns the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and Madison Square Garden.
