Larry Dolan: A Lifelong Cleveland Legend
Larry Dolan, the beloved and long-standing owner of the Cleveland Guardians, passed away at the age of 94 on Monday, leaving a legacy of dedication and impact that extends far beyond the baseball diamond. Dolan, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, purchased the team in 2000 for $323 million, marking the beginning of a 25-year tenure that solidified his family as the longest-tenured owners in Guardians history. His commitment to the community and the team is a testament to his deep roots in Northeast Ohio, where he invested not just his wealth but his heart and soul.
A Pillar of the Community
In a heartfelt statement, Bob DiBiasio, the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Cleveland Guardians, highlighted Larry Dolan’s multifaceted contributions to the city. DiBiasio noted that Dolan’s influence was felt across various sectors, from his service in the United States Marines to his philanthropic endeavors, legal career, business acumen, and educational initiatives. "Mr. Dolan invested his entire life in Greater Cleveland and impacted our community on so many levels," DiBiasio said. "We are forever grateful for his passion in supporting the Northeast Ohio community and our franchise." His legacy is one of deep engagement and a genuine love for the people and places of Cleveland, making him a revered figure in the region.
A Family Legacy in Sports
Paul Dolan, who has been the owner, chairman, and CEO of the Cleveland Guardians since 2013, spoke about his father’s profound influence and the family’s ongoing commitment to the team. "We are saddened by the loss of our Dad, but lucky to have him as part of our lives as long as we did," Paul Dolan said. "He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was passionate about his family, work, our community, and his love of our local sports teams, including owning the Cleveland Guardians." Larry Dolan’s passion for baseball and Cleveland was not just a personal hobby but a family tradition that Paul and the rest of the Dolan clan continue to uphold with pride and dedication.
Leading the Guardians to Success
Larry Dolan’s leadership saw the Cleveland Guardians achieve significant milestones. Since the family took over in 2000, the team has enjoyed 14 winning seasons and made nine playoff appearances, including the franchise’s sixth World Series appearance in 2016, where they ultimately fell to the Chicago Cubs. This period of relative success is a direct testament to Dolan’s strategic vision and commitment to the sport. His investment in the team and the community has helped to maintain the Guardians as a cornerstone of Cleveland’s sports culture, fostering a sense of pride and unity among fans.
A Community of Support and Mentorship
Larry Dolan’s impact extended beyond the confines of Progressive Field. He was a strong advocate for mentoring young people and used the Guardians as a platform to make a positive difference in Greater Cleveland. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred echoed this sentiment in his own statement, saying, "I am saddened by the passing of Cleveland native Larry Dolan, whose family’s quarter-century ownership has made their hometown team a consistent winner and a staple of their community." Manfred also highlighted Dolan’s service as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marines and his lifelong passion for baseball, underscoring his multifaceted character and the respect he commanded both on and off the field.
A Personal and Generational Legacy
Larry Dolan, born and raised in Cleveland Heights, attended St. Ignatius High School before pursuing his higher education at Notre Dame, where he met his wife, Eva. Their lives together were marked by a shared commitment to their family and community. Dolan is survived by his wife, Eva, his six children, and 21 grandchildren. The Dolan family’s legacy is one of deep love, hard work, and a steadfast belief in the power of sports to bring people together. As the Guardians and the broader Cleveland community mourn his passing, they also celebrate the enduring legacy that Larry Dolan has left behind, a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
