Longtime MLB Team Owner Dies at 94

The Cleveland Guardians announced the passing of Lawrence J. Dolan, the team's principal owner since 2000. He was 94 years old.

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"Cleveland sadly lost one of their own last night," Bob DiBiasio, the Guardians' senior vice president of public affairs said in a statement. "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."

During Dolan's time as owner, the team made nine postseason appearances, thrice reaching the American League Championship Series. In 2016, Cleveland lost a memorable seven-game World Series to the Chicago Cubs, falling just short of a title that has eluded the franchise since 1948.

A lifelong baseball fan and labor relations attorney, Dolan served on the Major League Baseball Ownership Committee and Executive Council. He also served on the MLB Diversity Committee.

Under Dolan's watch, the Cleveland franchise retired its controversial "Chief Wahoo" logo in 2019. Three years later, the "Indians" officially became the "Guardians."

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"We are saddened by the loss of our Dad, but lucky to have him as part of our lives as long as we did," Guardians owner, chairman and CEO Paul Dolan said on behalf of the Dolan 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."

Dolan bought the team on Feb. 15, 2000, from Richard E. Jacobs. The 2025 season is the 26th year of ownership for the Dolan family, the longest in the history of a team that joined the newly formed American League in 1901.

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According to the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, to which Dolan was inducted in 2014, he grew up in Cleveland Heights and attended St. Ignatius High School, where he played both football and baseball.

Dolan is survived by his wife Eva, six children and 21 grandchildren. According to the team, the couple contributed to numerous charitable foundations in Northeast Ohio, including the Christopher Foundation, American Red Cross, The Cleveland Foundation, Mission Possible, Catholic Charities and the Geauga Family YMCA.

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