MLB Rumors: Former Red Sox All-Star Confirms Cancer Diagnosis

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell confirmed earlier this month he is battling medullary thyroid cancer.

The two-time All-Star currently serves as Lee County (Fla.) commissioner.

“I remain fully engaged and committed to serving the people of Lee County,” Greenwell said in statement to TV station WINK in Fort Myers, Fla. “My focus continues to be on growing our economy, advancing hurricane recovery efforts, and delivering a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that meets the needs of our rapidly growing community.

“I look forward to returning to the office as soon as I’m able, but in the meantime, I remain focused on county business while working remotely. As a man of faith, I sincerely appreciate the prayers and support while I fight this battle,” Greenwell added.

Gulf Coast News reports Greenwell’s cancer is preventing him from physically attending public meetings.

“As part of my recovery and to protect my immune system, I’ve been working from home and participating in board meetings via Zoom and over the phone,” Greenwell said, according to Gulf Coast News’ Dave Elias.

Elias reported that “Greenwell said he will continue working from home. He did not provide a specific date for his return to the office but said he will do so when he is able.”

According to his bio on the Lee County government website, Greenwell “was appointed to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners by Governor Ron DeSantis (in) July of 2022 and was recently re-elected in 2024. He is the liaison to the Fire Districts, Veterans Affairs and the Gulf Consortium. He also serves on the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, Value Adjustment Board and Lee County Board of Port Commissioners.”

The Red Sox selected Greenwell, now 62, in the third round of the 1982 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 1985 and finished fourth in voting for American League Rookie of the Year in 1987.

Greenwell followed that up with the best season in his 12-year big-league career. The left fielder supplanted future Hall of Famer Jim Rice in left field and did so with authority. Greenwell finished second for AL MVP voting in 1988, setting career highs with 22 home runs and 119 RBIs.

“Gator” lost the MVP to Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco, who became the first player to record 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. But Canseco’s performance has been linked to his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.

As for Greenwell, the two-time All-Star was a lifetime .303 hitter. He last played in the majors in 1996.