Mike Greenwell
Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell, who later served as a Lee County commissioner in Florida, died at 62 after a battle with medullary thyroid cancer. YouTube

Mike Greenwell was never one for the spotlight. But on Thursday morning at Massachusetts General Hospital, the former Boston Red Sox outfielder and Lee County commissioner lost his yearlong battle with medullary thyroid cancer at just 62 years old.

His wife, Tracy, confirmed his death at 10:30 am, bringing to a close a remarkable life that bridged professional baseball and public service.

The news hit Red Sox Nation hard. Greenwell spent his entire 12-year Major League career in Boston, from 1985 to 1996, becoming a two-time All-Star and nearly claiming the 1988 American League MVP Award.

More than that, though, he was a hometown hero who returned to Fort Myers after retirement and dedicated himself to serving his community.

Legend Kept His Cancer Diagnosis Private Until August

Greenwell only revealed his medullary thyroid cancer diagnosis publicly in August 2025, when he told local station WBBH-TV he had been undergoing treatment. The disease forced him to attend Lee County board meetings remotely as he continued serving as commissioner, a position he'd held since Governor Ron DeSantis appointed him in 2022.

His son, Bo Greenwell, posted on social media that his father had endured a long year of pain and suffering. 'Now he can finally rest in peace,' Bo wrote, thanking everyone who had kept his father in their thoughts.

The Boston Red Sox released a statement remembering Greenwell as a lifelong member of Red Sox Nation who gave as much to his community as he did to baseball. Former teammate Ellis Burks remembered him as someone who never sought the spotlight but always led by example.

Understanding Medullary Thyroid Cancer: The Rare Disease That Took 'The Gator'

Medullary thyroid cancer develops in the C cells of the thyroid gland, which produce calcitonin, a hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood. It represents only 1 to 2 per cent of all thyroid cancers diagnosed in the United States, making it considerably rarer than the more common papillary and follicular types.

What makes medullary thyroid cancer particularly challenging is its behaviour. Roughly one-quarter of cases are hereditary, linked to mutations in the RET gene, and may appear alongside other endocrine tumours as part of a genetic syndrome called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2.

Symptoms are frustratingly subtle in the early stages. Most patients first notice a painless lump in the neck or experience mild hoarseness, which can delay detection until the cancer has already progressed. Blood tests measuring calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen levels help confirm the diagnosis, along with imaging and biopsy.

Unlike more common thyroid cancers, medullary thyroid cancer doesn't respond to radioactive iodine therapy. This means surgery to remove the thyroid gland becomes the primary treatment option. In advanced cases where the disease has spread, targeted drug therapies such as cabozantinib or vandetanib may be prescribed to slow tumour growth.

The American Thyroid Association notes that roughly one-quarter of cases are hereditary, linked to mutations in the RET gene, and may appear alongside other endocrine tumours as part of a genetic syndrome known asMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2.

In advanced cases, targeted drug therapies such as cabozantinib or vandetanib are prescribed to block tumour growth, according to Mayo Clinic.

Cancer.gov data showed that the five-year survival rate for early-stage MTC can reach 90 per cent, but survival drops sharply if the disease spreads to other organs.

From Fenway Park to Lee County: A Life of Service

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Greenwell grew up in Fort Myers and became a local legend long before his baseball career took off. The Red Sox drafted him in the third round in 1982, and he made his Major League debut three years later.

Known as 'The Gator' after a spring training incident involving an alligator and a teammate's locker, Greenwell carved out an impressive career. His best season came in 1988 when he batted .325 with 22 home runs and 119 RBIs, finishing runner-up for the AL MVP Award behind Oakland's Jose Canseco. Years later, when Canseco admitted to steroid use, Greenwell famously asked, 'Where's my MVP?'

After retiring from baseball in 1996, Greenwell briefly played in Japan before returning to Fort Myers to run a family business. He later entered public service, where he became known for his environmental initiatives and focus on youth programmes. Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said the team would honour his legacy both on and off the field.

Red Sox and Florida Communities Mourn

Greenwell spent his entire 12-year Major League Baseball career with the Boston Red Sox from 1985 to 1996.

He was a two-time All-Star and the runner-up for the 1988 American League MVP Award, finishing behind Oakland's Jose Canseco. After retiring, he returned to Fort Myers, Florida, where he operated a family business and was later elected Lee County commissioner in 2022.

His dual career as a professional athlete and public servant earned him deep respect in both Massachusetts and Florida. 'Mike was one of the most genuine people I've met in baseball,' said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner, adding that the team 'will honour his legacy both on and off the field,' according to ESPN.

Residents in Lee County also expressed grief over his passing, remembering him for his environmental initiatives and focus on youth programs.

As tributes poured in from fans, former teammates, and Florida residents, one theme emerged repeatedly: Mike Greenwell's quiet courage in the face of terminal illness reflected the same determination he showed at the plate for 12 seasons in Boston. He never sought glory, but he earned respect everywhere he went.

Raising Awareness Through Loss and Legacy

Greenwell's death has drawn fresh attention to medullary thyroid cancer, a condition that remains largely unknown outside medical circles. Health experts emphasise that early detection and genetic screening for families with a history of thyroid disease are crucial for improving survival rates.

Though Greenwell kept his struggle mostly private, his final year has sparked renewed discussion about the need for awareness and support for patients battling rare cancers. Lee County officials remembered him as a strong advocate who sought meaningful solutions to community challenges.