Cleveland – Lawrence J. Dolan, owner of Cleveland’s Major League Baseball Team since 2000, passed away at the age of 94.
The Guardians of Cleveland issued a statement Monday that Dolan died of natural causes on Sunday night.
“Dolan invested his life in Greater Cleveland and influenced our community on so many levels,” Bob Diviacio, Senior Vice President of Public Relations for the Guardians, said in a statement. It’s there. “From his service to our country as the first EU of the US Marines, many charity acts of his kindness, legal, business, education and sports career have led many to his involvement. , has benefited from influence and passion, especially in sports around the world.”
Dolan, a native of Cleveland, bought the team from Richard Jacobs in 2000 for $320 million. The Dolan family has a 75% stake in the club and is the longest owner in the history of the Cleveland franchise.
Guardians Chairman and CEO Paul Dolan is Larry Dolan’s son and took over as the team’s key control officer in 2013.
“We are saddened by the loss of my father, but as far as we are doing, we are fortunate to have him as part of our lives,” he said in a statement. “He is a loving husband, father and grandfather, and is passionate about his love for his local sports team, including owning his family, work, our community and guardians of Cleveland. It was there.”
The Cleveland Guardians are saddened to announce the passing of Lawrence Dolan, owner of the Cleveland Guardians.
Larry purchased the Cleveland Baseball Club from Richard Jacobs on February 15th, 2000. The 2025 season marks the 26th year of ownership of the Dolan family,… pic.twitter.com/nruyg62mtg
– Cleveland Guardians (@cleguardians) February 24, 2025
The franchise was known as the Cleveland Indians before changing its name to parent after the 2021 season. Over the past 24 seasons, Cleveland has won seven American League Central Division titles, played nine postseasons, advanced to the 2016 World Series, losing to the Chicago Cubs in seven games. Cleveland also hosted the 2019 MLB All-Star Game.
“I am saddened by the passing of Cleveland native Larry Dolan. The family’s quarter-century ownership has made the team from my hometown a consistent winner and a staple in the community,” said MLB Commissioner Rob. Manfred said in a statement. “He was a strong believer in using parents as a way to coach young people and influence Greater Cleveland. Larry brings specialized expertise to the major league executive councils and ownership committees. This led me to serve the industry and served on two labor negotiation committees.
Dolan was 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.
