Larry Lucchino Red Sox president when team won three world championships dies at 78. Larry Lucchino passed away at the age of 78. He was known for his time as the president of the Boston Red Sox, where he helped the team win three World Series titles, including the one that ended an 86-year championship drought. He was also the president of the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres, where both teams saw significant improvements under his leadership.
During his 14 years with the Red Sox starting in 2002, the team made the playoffs seven times and won the World Series in 2004, 2007, and 2013. However, his most lasting impact might be the construction or renovation of five baseball stadiums.
Larry Lucchino preferred old-style stadiums with modern features over the multipurpose stadiums of the 1960s and ’70s. He was instrumental in building Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, which used brick and iron to create a classic look. He also saved Fenway Park in Boston from being torn down, opting instead to renovate it extensively.
Under his supervision, Fenway Park saw major upgrades, including the addition of Green Monster seats, new club suites, and improved fan amenities. These changes, along with a winning team, led to a record 820 consecutive home sellouts.
Larry Lucchino also oversaw the construction of JetBlue Park, the Red Sox’ spring training facility in Florida, which features a replica of the Green Monster. He later directed the building of Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts, the new home of the Red Sox’ Triple-A team.
Before his successful career in baseball, Larry Lucchino was a standout athlete in high school and college, playing baseball and basketball. He went on to attend Yale Law School and became a successful lawyer before entering the world of sports management.
Known for his intense and energetic style, Larry Lucchino was a driving force behind the success of the teams he led. He was a three-time cancer survivor and a dedicated philanthropist, supporting cancer research and treatment.
Larry Lucchino is survived by his brother, niece, nephews, former wife, and stepchildren. He will be remembered for his significant contributions to the cities he lived in through his work in baseball and philanthropy.