Longtime Cleveland Guardians owner Larry Dolan died at age 94 on Sunday, his family and the team announced on Monday.
“We are saddened by the loss of our Dad, but lucky to have him as part of our lives as long as we did,” son Paul Dolan, Cleveland Guardians owner, chairman and CEO, said, via The Athletic. “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.”
Dolan purchased the Guardians in 2000, making him and his family the longest-tenured owners in the franchise’s history. It was special for Dolan as he grew up and lived in Cleveland. He purchased the team for $323 million through a family trust from Dick Jacobs, who owned the team from 1986-99.
The Guardians posted a tribute video for Dolan on Monday.
The Cleveland Guardians are saddened to announce the passing of Lawrence Dolan, owner of the Cleveland Guardians.
Larry purchased the Cleveland Baseball Club on February 15, 2000, from Richard Jacobs. The 2025 season is the 26th year of ownership for the Dolan family, the… pic.twitter.com/NrUYg62mtg— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) February 24, 2025
Under Dolan’s 25 years owning the Guardians, he saw them post a 2,046-1,899 record, win seven AL Central titles, two wild-card berths in 2013 and ’20 and one AL pennant in 2016.
Since 2013, Dolan’s son Paul has been the main representative for the organization. Sports investor David Blitzer joined the ownership as a minority owner in 2022, and he is expected to eventually take over as majority owner.
