Larry Lucchino Dies at 78; Won 3 World Series with Red Sox, Super Bowl with WSH

Former longtime sports executive Larry Lucchino died at the age of 78, his family announced Tuesday.

Lucchino is most famously associated with his time as CEO of the Boston Red Sox from 2002 to 2015. The Red Sox won three World Series titles during that time, shedding their label as one of the most cursed franchises in baseball.

Lucchino already owned one World Series ring before arriving in Boston. He was with the Baltimore Orioles when they beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1983 Fall Classic.

The Pennsylvania native was also the general counsel for the Washington Commanders and on their board of directors when they were crowned Super Bowl champions during the 1982 season.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred called Lucchino "one of the most accomplished executives that our industry has ever had."

"He was deeply driven, he understood baseball's place in our communities, and he had a keen eye for executive talent," Manfred said in a statement.

The commissioner pointed to Lucchino's role in the construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the Orioles and Petco Park for the San Diego Padres, for whom he was the CEO before joining the Red Sox.

Red Sox principal owner John Henry said "Larry's career unfolded like a playbook of triumphs" extending from on-field success to the commercial side. Red Sox chairman Tom Werner added that "his career is a masterclass in leadership and innovation."

The Red Sox inducted Lucchino into their Hall of Fame in 2016. The Padres, who won a National League pennant during his tenure in 1998, followed suit in 2022.