Larry Dolan, the owner of the Cleveland Guardians for over two decades, has passed away at 94. Those who knew him best say he was a uniquely humble leader and generous soul who inspired loyalty and dedication from those around him.
Longtime radio voice Tom Hamilton, who will be honored this summer at baseball’s Hall of Fame, remembered Dolan as a kind and compassionate person who lived by the values he instilled in his own family. “Larry and Eva Dolan are who the rest of us strive for as far as how to be a husband, how to be a father and how to be so kind and compassionate to everybody and every walk of life,” Hamilton said.
The Guardians organization will miss Dolan’s passion for the game and his dedication to the community. Senior vice-president Bob DiBiasio praised Dolan’s love for baseball, saying he was “special” in his ability to understand the nuances of the game. DiBiasio also remembered how Dolan would grill him during their lunch meetings on ownership, showing his desire to learn and improve.
Dolan’s legacy extends beyond his business dealings, as he carried a philosophy from his father that emphasized surrounding himself with good people and allowing them to do their jobs. This approach has been passed down to his son, Paul, who now runs the team.
The Cleveland community is mourning Dolan’s passing, but they will also remember his generosity and commitment to his alma mater, Saint Ignatius, where he was a high-profile graduate and benefactor for decades. “Larry was a very faithful and loyal alumnus of Saint Ignatius going back to his days as an athlete here,” said Jeff McCormick, vice president of marketing.
Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred also paid tribute to Dolan, saying his family’s 25 years as team owners were a driving force behind making the Guardians a consistent winner and mainstay in the Cleveland community.
Source: https://www.cleveland.com/guardians/2025/02/guardians-owner-larry-dolan-remembered-for-humility-and-generosity.html