Cleveland Native and Baseball Titan: Lawrence J. Dolan
Cleveland’s baseball community and the city itself mourned the passing of Lawrence J. Dolan, who passed away at 94 years old on Sunday night. Dolan, a stalwart figure in Cleveland’s sports history, leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication and profound impact on the community. His journey as the owner of the Cleveland Guardians (formerly known as the Cleveland Indians) began in 2000 when he purchased the team from Richard Jacobs for $320 million, marking the start of a new era for the franchise.
A Life of Service and Philanthropy
Bob DiBiasio, the Guardians’ senior vice president of public affairs, highlighted Dolan’s multifaceted contributions to Cleveland. DiBiasio noted, "Mr. Dolan invested his entire life in Greater Cleveland and impacted our community on so many levels." Dolan’s service to the country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marines was just the beginning of his lifelong commitment to public service. His philanthropic efforts and acts of kindness have left a lasting impression on Cleveland, touching the lives of countless individuals. From his career in law and business to his involvement in education and sports, Dolan’s influence was felt far and wide.
Transforming the Guardians into a Community Staple
Under Dolan’s leadership, the Guardians have become a cornerstone of Cleveland’s sports scene. The team has won seven American League Central Division titles and made nine postseason appearances over the past 24 seasons. One of the most significant achievements came in 2016 when the Guardians advanced to the World Series, though they ultimately fell to the Chicago Cubs in a thrilling seven-game series. Dolan’s vision and commitment to excellence were instrumental in these successes, and his belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire the community was evident in every aspect of his leadership.
A Family Legacy Continues
Paul Dolan, Lawrence’s son, took over as the team’s primary control person in 2013, ensuring the family’s legacy would live on. In a statement, Paul expressed his gratitude and love for his father, saying, "We are saddened by the loss of our Dad, but lucky to have him as part of our lives as long as we did. 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." The Dolan family’s 75% stake in the club solidifies their place as the longest-tenured owners in Cleveland franchise history.
A Legacy of Community Impact
Larry Dolan’s influence extended far beyond the baseball diamond. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute to Dolan’s dedication to mentoring young people and using the Guardians as a vehicle to positively impact Greater Cleveland. Manfred noted, "He strongly believed in mentoring young people and using the Guardians as a way to impact Greater Cleveland. Larry also served the industry by bringing his professional expertise to the Major League Executive Council and the Ownership Committee, and he served on two labor negotiating committees." Dolan’s contributions to the broader sports industry and his local community have left an indelible mark.
A Life Well-Lived
Larry Dolan is survived by his wife Eva, six children, and 21 grandchildren. His life was a testament to the values of hard work, commitment, and community service. His nephew, James Dolan, who owns the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and Madison Square Garden, carries on the family’s tradition of excellence and community involvement. Larry Dolan’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Clevelanders and sports enthusiasts alike. His contribution to Cleveland and the world of sports will not be forgotten.
