CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians announced the passing of Lawrence Dolan, the team’s owner, on Monday. Dolan was 94 years old.

Dolan purchased the team on Feb. 15, 2000 from Richard E. Jacobs for $320 million. This year marks the 26th year of ownership by the Dolan family, the longest in franchise history. On Jan. 10, 2013 Dolan’s son Paul Dolan was approved by Major League Baseball as the primary control person of the organization.

“We are saddened by the loss of our dad, but lucky to have him as part of our lives as long as we did,” said Cleveland 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.”

Dolan grew up in Cleveland, with a love of sports beginning in Cleveland Heights on the sandlots. He was a running back, defensive back and catcher at St. Ignatius High School. 

“Cleveland sadly lost one of their own last night,” said Bob DiBiasio, Guardians SVP/Public Affairs. “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.”

Dolan completed his undergraduate and law degree at the University of Notre Dame. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served two years as a First Lieutenant. Following his service, Dolan became the assistant prosecuting attorney for Geauga County before entering private practice and eventually becoming president and managing partner of Thrasher, Dinsmore and Dolan law firm in Chardon, OH.

Dolan met his wife Eva at college and the two raised six children and participated in community and charitable endeavors including The Christopher Foundation, the American Red Cross, The Cleveland Foundation, Mission Possible, Catholic Charities and the Geauga Family YMCA.

Under the family’s ownership, the Cleveland Guardians have seen many wins. From 2013 to 2024, the team has the third most wins in all the MLB with 1,013. The team has seen 14 Winning Seasons, with over 90 wins in 11 seasons, in the past 24 years along with: nine Postseason Appearances, seven A.L. Central Division Titles, two Wild Card Appearances, three A.L. Championship Appearances, 2016 A.L. Pennant and 2016 World Series Appearance.

“I am saddened by the passing of Cleveland native Larry Dolan, whose family’s quarter-century ownership has made their hometown team a consistent winner and a staple of their community,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “He strongly believed in mentoring young people and using the Guardians as a way to impact Greater Cleveland. Larry also served the industry by bringing his professional expertise to the Major League Executive Council and the Ownership Committee, and he served on two labor negotiating committees.”

Dolan is survived by his wife, Eva, six children and 21 grandchildren. The family is planning private funeral arrangements.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.