Larry Lucchino, former Orioles president and CEO, dies at 78

Larry Lucchino, who served as president and CEO of the Orioles from 1988 to 1993 and was deeply involved in the creation of Camden Yards, died at age 78.

Larry Lucchino, the former Orioles president and CEO who was instrumental in the creation of Camden Yards, died Tuesday morning. He was 78.

Lucchino also served as Red Sox president and CEO from 2002 to 2015, a period that coincided with three World Series championships. In addition to the club’s historic championships in 2004, 2007 and 2013, Lucchino also played an integral role in the modernization of Fenway Park and in his later years served as principal owner of the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.

“We are heartbroken to share that our beloved brother and uncle, Lawrence Lucchino, passed away on April 2 surrounded by his family,” his family said in a statement released by the Red Sox. “The Lucchino family wishes to thank his friends and caregivers who, over the past few months, have surrounded him with love, laughter, and happy memories.”

Before his time in Boston, Lucchino served as president and CEO of the Orioles from 1988 to 1993 and of the San Diego Padres from 1995 to 2001. He was deeply involved in the creation of Camden Yards, the Orioles’ game-changing new ballpark that opened in 1993, and laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of the Padres new ballpark, Petco Park, which opened in 2004. He later helped bring together future Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner. The group purchased the franchise ahead of the 2002 season.

“Larry’s career unfolded like a playbook of triumphs, marked by transformative moments that reshaped ballpark design, enhanced the fan experience, and engineered the ideal conditions for championships wherever his path led him, and especially in Boston,” Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry said.

“Yet, perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in the remarkable people he helped assemble at the Red Sox, all of whom are a testament to his training, wisdom, and mentorship. Many of them continue to shape the organization today, carrying forward the same vigor, vitality, and cherished sayings that were hallmarks of Larry’s personality. Larry was a formidable opponent in any arena, and while he battled hard, he always maintained the utmost respect for a worthy adversary and found genuine joy in sparring with people. I was lucky enough to have had him in my corner for 14 years and to have called him a close friend for even longer. He was truly irreplaceable and will be missed by all of us at the Red Sox.”

The Orioles said, “We are heartbroken over the news of the passing of former Orioles President and CEO, Larry Lucchino. A pioneer in the sport, we will forever be grateful for his impact on our organization, highlighted by the construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, The Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball.”

We join our entire baseball family in mourning the loss of Larry Lucchino. pic.twitter.com/tQX1rwdOHZ

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 2, 2024

In addition to his accomplishments in the baseball world, Lucchino was also an active philanthropist. He created the Red Sox Foundation as well as its counterparts in Baltimore and San Diego, and also served as Chairman of the Jimmy Fund, helping establish the club’s highly successful WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. His connection to Dana-Farber went beyond just fundraising: the institute helped save his life three times, first from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1985, second from prostate cancer in 2000, and third from cancer in the kidney area starting in 2019.

In 2015 Lucchino assembled a group that purchased the Pawtucket Red Sox, Boston’s longtime Triple-A affiliate, and several years later moved the team to Worcester after attempts to build a new ballpark in Rhode Island fell short. The club’s new Polar Park debuted in 2021 and the WooSox began their fourth season in Worcester this past week.

Lucchino sold the WooSox to Diamond Baseball Holdings this past offseason for a reported $70 million. Lucchino remained with the club as chairman, and the team’s existing front office staff remained in place as well.

Lucchino is survived by his brother the Honorable Frank J. Lucchino (Bobbie), a nephew F.J. Lucchino (Jane) and a niece Jennifer Lucchino (Freddie Croce), of Pittsburgh, as well as a younger nephew David L. Lucchino (Carrie Beth), who lives in Boston. He also is survived by seven grand-nieces and grand-nephews.