Larry Dolan, the principal owner of the Cleveland Guardians, passed away at the age of 94 on February 23, 2025.
Dolan purchased the team in 2000 and was a lifelong baseball fan. Under his ownership, the team experienced consistent success, including a trip to the World Series in 2016.
Besides this, he was also known for his philanthropic works and dedication to mentoring young people.
Larry Dolan And His Wife, Eva, Met While They Were Both Studying At The University of Notre Dame!
The pair officially met on a blind date set up by a mutual friend in December 1955.
At that time, Eva was attending St. Mary’s College, which is affiliated with Notre Dame, and Larry was a student at Notre Dame.
They fell in love during their college years and got married shortly after graduation in 1950.
Initially, Eve worked as a teacher while raising her six children. Once her youngest child was old enough to attend school, Eva pursued a law degree and practiced law for five years.
However, she eventually transitioned from her legal career to explore other opportunities.
Together with Larry, Eva established The Allen J. Goebl ’50 Department of Languages at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland.
After stepping away from her law career, she dedicated herself to community service.
Additionally, the Dolan family was deeply involved in their community, participating in numerous charitable works.
Now, regarding their children, the pair raised six children together: three sons, Paul Joseph, Mark, Matt (Matthew John), and three daughters, Mary, Joan, and Carol.
Their first son, Paul Dolan, took over as the Cleveland Guardians’ primary owner, chairman, and CEO in 2013.
Paul has been instrumental in leading the team through its name change and maintaining its competitive edge.
Another son, Matt Dolan, is an Ohio state senator and an economic development leader in Northeast Ohio.
Also, he served in the Ohio House of Representatives and has Indians’ partial ownership stake.
While the specific details about other children are not as widely publicized, the family has been known for their involvement in various community and charitable activities.
Larry Dolan Is Remembered As A Principal Owner Of The Cleveland Guardians And A Philanthropist!
Larry Dolan was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, on February 8, 1931.
He attended St. Ignatius High School and was a standout athlete, playing as a running back, defensive back, and catcher.
Dolan completed his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Notre Dame, where he met his wife, Eva.
After college, Dolan served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant.
Following his military service, he worked as an assistant prosecutor in Geauga County, Ohio, before entering private practice.
He eventually became the president and managing partner of Thrasher, Dinsmore, & Dolan, a law firm in Chardon, Ohio.
In 2000, Dolan purchased the Cleveland Guardians (then known as the Cleveland Indians) for $323 million from Richard E. Jacobs. As of March 2024, the team is valued at approximately $1.35 billion.
Under his ownership, the team experienced periods of competitiveness, including playoff runs in 2007 and 2013 and a trip to the World Series in 2016.
Moreover, in 2006, he started the regional sports network to broadcast the team’s games. But, the network was later sold to Fox Entertainment Group in 2012.
The Cleveland Guardians are saddened to announce the passing of Lawrence Dolan, owner of the Cleveland Guardians.
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) February 24, 2025
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
The entire Cleveland community, along with his family, is mourning the loss of Larry Dolan.
Also, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his sorrow, stating,
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.
Moreover, Paul, Larry’s elder son, expressed sadness over his father’s passing and stated,
We are saddened by the loss of our Dad, but lucky to have him as part of our lives as long as we did. 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.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2014, Larry was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame.
- He was involved with the Christopher Foundation, the American Red Cross, The Cleveland Foundation, Mission Possible, Catholic Charities, and the Geauga Family YMCA.
- He has 21 grandchildren, who were a significant part of his life.
