The baseball world is mourning the loss of Larry Lucchino, the visionary executive whose transformative tenure as president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox delivered three World Series championships to the franchise after an 86-year drought.
Lucchino, 78, died Tuesday morning according to his family and the Red Sox organization he helped return to glory. A cause of death was not provided, though the three-time cancer survivor’s health battles were well-known.
“Larry’s career unfolded like a playbook of triumphs,” said Red Sox principal owner John Henry. “His most enduring legacy lies in the remarkable people he helped assemble, all a testament to his training, wisdom and mentorship.”
That ability to build championship organizations was on full display in Boston, where Larry Lucchino hired Theo Epstein as the youngest GM in baseball history at age 28. Together, they ended the “Curse of the Bambino” with titles in 2004, 2007 and 2013.
“For me and so many, Larry gave us our start and set an example with his vision, competitiveness and fearlessness,” said Epstein, now a partner with the Red Sox ownership group. “He made a profound impact on the game and will be missed.”
As president of the Baltimore Orioles, Lucchino ushered in the “retro” ballpark era with the design of Camden Yards, eschewing the multi-purpose concrete circles for a more intimate, classic setting.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred hailed Lucchino’s “vision for Camden Yards” as vital to advancing fan-friendly stadiums across the sport. His imprint could also be seen on improvements to Boston’s legendary Fenway Park during his Red Sox reign.
A Princeton basketball player and Yale Law grad, Larry Lucchino’s early career included work on the Watergate investigation prior to joining the Washington NFL franchise. He would go on to win championship rings in baseball, and football and make the Final Four while at Princeton.
