The MLB has lost an owner, with news of Lawrence Dolan’s breaking this Monday and, sending the league into mourning.
Dolan, who owned the Cleveland Guardians for a quarter of a century, passed away on Sunday at 94 years old.
The team announced Dolan’s death on Monday, lauding his many acts of kindness and philanthropy as they expressed gratitude for having him as an owner.
“Cleveland sadly lost one of their own last night,” said Bob DiBiasio, the Guardians senior vice president said. “Mr. Dolan invested his entire life in Greater Cleveland and impacted our community on so many levels. From his service to our country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marines, his many philanthropic acts of kindness, career in law, business, education, and sports, many benefited from his engagement, influence, and passion. Especially in the world of sports. We are forever grateful for his passion in supporting the Northeast Ohio community and our franchise; through his initial leadership the Dolan family continues to be the longest tenured owners in franchise history.”
“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, the son of LCleveland Guardians Owner/Chairman/CEO and son Paul Dolan on behalf of the entire family. “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.”
Lawrence Dolan Saw A Successful Period As Guardians Owner
Lawrence Dolan was big on sports growing up, playing as a defensive back and catcher in high school.
He completed his undergraduate law degree at Notre Dame, and he met his wife Eva there as she was attending as a student at St. Mary’s College.
After graduating, Dolan joined the U.S. Marines and served for two years. He then became an assistant prosecuting attorney before taking up private practice and becoming a managing partner at the Thrasher, Dinsmore and Dolan law firm in Chardon, OH.
He bought the Guardians in February of 2000, and the team has seen plenty of success since the takeover, racking up the third most wins in MLB history while enjoying 14 winning seasons over the past 24 years.
The Guardians have been to the playoffs nine times, winning seven Central Division Titles and making a World Series appearance in 2016.
Lawrence’s son, Paul, was approved as the primary controlling owner in 2013.
The late Guardians owner is survived by his wife, six children, and 21 grandchildren. They’re planning to have a private funeral.
TPS extends condolences to the Dolan family, the Guardians, and their fans.
