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Former Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino Dies at 78

Published: 02 April 2024 at 17:17

Baseball

Former Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino, known for helping break the 'Curse of the Bambino,' has passed away at the age of 78. Lucchino had a significant impact on the Red Sox organization and also worked with the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles. He played a key role in transforming the Red Sox into a championship-winning team, breaking a long-standing World Series drought for the franchise.

DEEP DIVE


Larry Lucchino (Wikipedia)


Lawrence Lucchino (September 6, 1945 – April 2, 2024) was an American lawyer and Major League Baseball executive. He served as president of the Baltimore Orioles, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the San Diego Padres, and president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox. He was also chairman of the Worcester Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox; chairman of The Jimmy Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute; and president and CEO emeritus of Fenway Sports Group, the parent company of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool F.C. Lucchino played college basketball for the Princeton Tigers.

Curse of the Bambino (Wikipedia)


The Curse of the Bambino was a superstitious sports curse in Major League Baseball (MLB) derived from the 86-year championship drought of the Boston Red Sox between 1918 and 2004. The superstition was named after Babe Ruth, colloquially known as "The Bambino", who played for the Red Sox until he was sold to the New York Yankees in 1920. While some fans took the curse seriously, most used the expression in a tongue-in-cheek manner.Prior to the drought, the Red Sox had been one of the most successful professional baseball franchises. They won five of the first fifteen World Series titles, including the first in 1903, more than any other MLB team at the time. During this period, Ruth was a contributor to the Red Sox's three championships in 1915, 1916, and 1918. Following the sale of Ruth, however, the once lackluster Yankees became one of the most dominant professional sports franchises in North America, winning more than twice as many World Series titles as any other MLB team. The curse became a focal point of the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry over the years.Talk of the curse as an ongoing phenomenon ended when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. The Red Sox's championship was prefaced by them overcoming a 3–0 deficit against the Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS), the first and, as of 2023, only time an MLB team won a best-of-seven playoff series after losing the first three games.The curse had been such a part of Boston culture that when a "reverse curve" road sign on Longfellow Bridge over the city's Storrow Drive was graffitied to read "Reverse The Curse," officials left it in place until the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. After the World Series that year, the road sign was edited to read "Reversed Curse" in celebration.

Pawtucket Red Sox (Wikipedia)


The Pawtucket Red Sox, known colloquially as the PawSox, were a professional minor league baseball club based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. From 1973 to 2020, the team was a member of the International League and served as the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. They played their home games at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and won four league championships, their last in 2014. Following the 2020 season, the franchise moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, to become the Worcester Red Sox.The Pawtucket Red Sox were born as a Double-A Eastern League franchise in 1970. Three years later, Boston's Triple-A affiliate in the International League replaced the Eastern League PawSox. After enduring three different owners, at least two threats to move the team elsewhere, and bankruptcy, the PawSox were purchased from the International League by local industrialist Ben Mondor in January 1977. Over the next 38 years, Mondor (who died in 2010) and his heirs stabilized the franchise and turned it into a success; it was twice (1990 and 2003) selected the winner of Baseball America's Bob Freitas Award as the top Triple-A operation in minor league baseball, won the 1990 John H. Johnson President's Award, led its league in total attendance three times between 2004 and 2008, and captured three Governors' Cups as playoff champions.On February 23, 2015, the team was sold to a group headed by then-Boston Red Sox president and chief executive officer Larry Lucchino and Rhode Island attorney James J. Skeffington. Thwarted in two attempts to replace McCoy Stadium with a new facility (first in adjacent Providence, then in a downtown site in Pawtucket), the club announced on August 17, 2018, that it would move to Worcester, located 42 miles (68 km) to the northwest at the opposite end of the Blackstone Valley, in 2021.On June 30, 2020, it was announced that the 2020 Minor League Baseball season was cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Thus, the team last played minor league games in Pawtucket during the 2019 season.

Boston Red Sox (Wikipedia)


The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. Founded in 1901 as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the team's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since 1912. The "Red Sox" name was chosen by the team owner, John I. Taylor, c. 1908, following the lead of previous teams that had been known as the "Boston Red Stockings", including the Boston Braves (now the Atlanta Braves). The team has won nine World Series championships, tied for the third-most of any MLB team, and has played in 13 World Series. Their most recent World Series appearance and win was in 2018. In addition, they won the 1904 American League pennant, but were not able to defend their 1903 World Series championship when the New York Giants refused to participate in the 1904 World Series.The Red Sox were a dominant team in the new league, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first World Series in 1903 and winning four more championships by 1918. However, they then went into one of the longest championship droughts in baseball history, dubbed the "Curse of the Bambino" after its alleged inception due to the Red Sox' sale of star player Babe Ruth to the rival New York Yankees two years after their World Championship in 1918. The Sox endured an 86-year wait before the team's sixth World Championship in 2004. The team's history during that period was punctuated with some of the most memorable moments in World Series history, including Enos Slaughter's "mad dash" in 1946, the "Impossible Dream" of 1967, Carlton Fisk's home run in 1975, and Bill Buckner's error in 1986. Following their victory in the 2018 World Series, they became the first team to win four World Series trophies in the 21st century, with championships in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018. The team's history has also been marked by the team's intense rivalry with the New York Yankees, arguably the fiercest and most historic in North American professional sports.The Red Sox are owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns Liverpool of the Premier League in England, the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins and partially owns RFK Racing of the NASCAR Cup Series. They are consistently one of the top MLB teams in average road attendance, while the small capacity of Fenway Park prevents them from leading in overall attendance. From May 15, 2003, to April 10, 2013, the Red Sox sold out every home game—a total of 820 games (794 regular season) for a major professional sports record. Both Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and the Standells' "Dirty Water" have become anthems for the Red Sox.As of the end of the 2023 season, the franchise's all-time regular-season record is 9,874–9,182–83 (.518).

Yankees–Red Sox rivalry (Wikipedia)


The Yankees–Red Sox rivalry is a Major League Baseball (MLB) rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Both teams have competed in MLB's American League (AL) for over 120 seasons and have since developed what is arguably the fiercest rivalry in all of American sports. In 1919, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold star player Babe Ruth to the Yankees, which was followed by an 86-year period in which the Red Sox did not win a World Series. This led to the popularization of a superstition known as the "Curse of the Bambino," which was one of the most well-known aspects of the rivalry.The rivalry is often a heated subject of conversation, especially in the home region of both teams, the Northeastern United States. Until the 2014 season, every season's postseason had featured one or both of the AL East rivals since the inception of the wild card format and the resultant additional Division Series in 1995; they have faced each other in the AL Championship Series (ALCS) three times. The Yankees won twice, in 1999 and 2003; while the Red Sox won in 2004. The two teams have also met once in the AL Division Series (ALDS), in 2018, with Boston winning 3–1, a series which included a 16–1 Red Sox win in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, the most lopsided postseason loss for the Yankees in their history. The Red Sox also beat the Yankees in the 2021 American League Wild Card Game.In addition, the teams have twice met in the last regular-season series to decide the AL pennant, in 1904 (when the Red Sox, then known as the Americans, won) and 1949 (when the Yankees won).The Yankees and the Red Sox finished tied for first in 1978; subsequently, the Yankees won a high-profile tie-breaker game for the division title. The first-place tie came after the Red Sox had a 14-game lead over the Yankees more than halfway through the season. Similarly, in the 2004 ALCS, the Yankees ultimately lost a best-of-seven series after leading 3–0. The Red Sox comeback was the only time in American baseball history that a team has come back from a 3–0 deficit to win a series. The Red Sox went on to win the World Series, ending the 86-year-old curse.This match-up is regarded by some sports journalists as the greatest rivalry in sports. Games between the two teams often generate considerable interest and receive extensive media coverage, including being broadcast on national television. National carriers of Major League Baseball coverage, including Fox/FS1, ESPN, and MLB Network carry most of the games in the rivalry across the nation, regardless of team standings or playoff implications. Yankees–Red Sox games are some of the most-watched MLB games each season. Outside of baseball, the rivalry has led to violence between fans, along with attention from politicians and other athletes.

Sam Kennedy (baseball executive) (Wikipedia)


Samuel H. Kennedy (born 1973) is an American professional baseball executive who is the president and chief executive officer of the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB) and CEO of Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

David Lucchino (Wikipedia)


David L. Lucchino is co-founder and chief executive officer of Frequency Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in Lexington, MA.

Memphis Red Sox (Wikipedia)


The Memphis Red Sox were an American Negro league baseball team that was active from 1920 to 1959. Originally named the Barber College Baseball Club, the team was initially owned and operated by Arthur P. Martin, a local Memphis barber. In the late 1920s the Martin brothers, all three Memphis doctors and businessmen, purchased the Red Sox. J. B. Martin, W. S. Martin, and B. B. Martin, would retain control of the club till its dissolution in 1959. The Red Sox played as members, at various times, of the Negro Southern League, Negro National League, and Negro American League. The team was never a titan of the Negro leagues like wealthier teams in northern cities of the United States, but sound management lead to a continuous thirty-nine years of operation, a span that was exceeded by very few other teams. Following integration the team had five players that would eventually make the rosters of Major League Baseball teams and two players that were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Babe Ruth (Wikipedia)


George Herman "Babe" Ruth (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948) was an American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935. Nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", he began his MLB career as a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but achieved his greatest fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth is regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in American culture and is considered by many to be the greatest baseball player of all time. In 1936, Ruth was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of its "first five" inaugural members.At age seven, Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory where he was mentored by Brother Matthias Boutlier of the Xaverian Brothers, the school's disciplinarian and a capable baseball player. In 1914, Ruth was signed to play Minor League baseball for the Baltimore Orioles but was soon sold to the Red Sox. By 1916, he had built a reputation as an outstanding pitcher who sometimes hit long home runs, a feat unusual for any player in the dead-ball era. Although Ruth twice won 23 games in a season as a pitcher and was a member of three World Series championship teams with the Red Sox, he wanted to play every day and was allowed to convert to an outfielder. With regular playing time, he broke the MLB single-season home run record in 1919 with 29.After that season, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Ruth to the Yankees amid controversy. The trade fueled Boston's subsequent 86-year championship drought and popularized the "Curse of the Bambino" superstition. In his 15 years with the Yankees, Ruth helped the team win seven American League (AL) pennants and four World Series championships. His big swing led to escalating home run totals that not only drew fans to the ballpark and boosted the sport's popularity but also helped usher in baseball's live-ball era, which evolved from a low-scoring game of strategy to a sport where the home run was a major factor. As part of the Yankees' vaunted "Murderers' Row" lineup of 1927, Ruth hit 60 home runs, which extended his own MLB single-season record by a single home run. Ruth's last season with the Yankees was 1934; he retired from the game the following year, after a short stint with the Boston Braves. In his career, he led the American League in home runs twelve times.During Ruth's career, he was the target of intense press and public attention for his baseball exploits and off-field penchants for drinking and womanizing. After his retirement as a player, he was denied the opportunity to manage a major league club, most likely because of poor behavior during parts of his playing career. In his final years, Ruth made many public appearances, especially in support of American efforts in World War II. In 1946, he became ill with nasopharyngeal cancer and died from the disease two years later. Ruth remains a major figure in American culture.

Baltimore Orioles Owner Peter Angelos Dies at 94


Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos passed away at the age of 94 after a period of illness, with his family expressing gratitude to the medical staff who cared for him. The family announced his wish for a private burial and suggested making donations to charity instead of sending flowers. Angelos had agreed to sell the Orioles in a $1.725 billion deal to a group led by David Rubenstein. Rubenstein, a Baltimore native and co-founder of The Carlyle Group, praised Angelos for his contributions to business and baseball. Maryland Governor Wes Moore also paid tribute to Angelos as a significant figure in Baltimore's history.

Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame (Wikipedia)


The Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame was instituted in 1995 to recognize the careers of selected former Boston Red Sox players, coaches and managers, and non-uniformed personnel. A 15-member selection committee of Red Sox broadcasters and executives, past and present media personnel, and representatives from The Sports Museum of New England and the BoSox Club are responsible for nominating candidates.

2023 Boston Red Sox season (Wikipedia)


The 2023 Boston Red Sox season was the 123rd season in Boston Red Sox franchise history, and their 112th season at Fenway Park. The team was led by Alex Cora, in the third season of his second stint as the team's manager.The Red Sox began their regular season on March 30, in a home game against the Baltimore Orioles. On September 14, Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom, who joined the team following the 2019 season, was fired, and Brian O'Halloran was removed as general manager, although not fired. On September 20, the team was eliminated from playoff contention for the second straight season. The team's season ended on October 1, finishing with a record of 78–84, in last place of the American League East. Total attendance (at the team's 81 home games) was 2,672,130.

Baltimore Orioles Owner David Rubenstein Celebrated on Opening Day 2024


David Rubenstein, a 74-year-old billionaire, was honored by a crowd of 45,000 at Camden Yards on Opening Day 2024 as the new controlling owner of the Baltimore Orioles. The team, with star pitcher Corbin Burnes, celebrated with a resounding 11-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, evoking memories of past glory. Rubenstein's introduction was met with a standing ovation, marking a new era of optimism for a franchise that has struggled in recent years.

Former Major League Catcher and Coach Ed Ott Dies at 72


Former major league catcher and coach Ed Ott, who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1979 World Series, passed away at the age of 72 in Danville, Pennsylvania. Ott, a key member of the Pirates' 1979 championship team, had a successful career in baseball playing for various teams and later coaching at the minor league and major league levels.

Lucchino (Wikipedia)


Lucchino is a surname. Notable people with the name include:David Lucchino (born 1969), American biotechnology executiveLarry Lucchino (born 1945), American lawyer and sports executive

2024 Boston Red Sox season (Wikipedia)


The 2024 Boston Red Sox season will be the 124th season in Boston Red Sox franchise history, and their 113th season at Fenway Park. The team began a search for a new head of baseball operations in September 2023, following the firing of Chaim Bloom along with the removal of general manager Brian O'Halloran Craig Breslow was hired as the team's new Chief Baseball Officer in October 2023. Alex Cora is expected to return as the team's on-field manager. The team's regular season is scheduled to begin on March 28, in a road game against the Seattle Mariners, and conclude on September 29, in a home game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Boston Red Sox and Brayan Bello Agree to Contract Extension


24-year-old right-hander Brayan Bello and the Boston Red Sox have reached a six-year, $55 million contract extension with a seventh-year club option worth $21 million. Bello, known for his impressive changeup, had a successful first full season in 2024 with a 4.24 ERA. The Red Sox aim to rely on Bello to bolster their rotation for the coming years, especially with other pitching prospects in their farm system. The team's rotation also includes Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock. The Red Sox attempted to strengthen their pitching staff in the offseason but missed out on notable free agent signings like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

2004 Boston Red Sox season (Wikipedia)


The 2004 Boston Red Sox season was the 104th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. Managed by Terry Francona, the Red Sox finished with a 98–64 record, three games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. The Red Sox qualified for the postseason as the AL wild card, swept the Anaheim Angels in the ALDS, and faced the Yankees in the ALCS for the second straight year. After losing the first three games to the Yankees and trailing in the ninth inning of the fourth game, the Red Sox became the first team in major league history to come back from a three-game postseason deficit, defeating the Yankees in seven games. The Red Sox then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing their first championship since 1918.The Red Sox led the major leagues in runs scored (949), doubles (373), batting average (.282), on-base percentage (.360), slugging percentage (.472), OPS (.832) and total bases (2,702).

Former Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino Dies at 78 Former Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino Dies at 78 Former Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino Dies at 78 Former Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino Dies at 78 Former Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino Dies at 78

SOURCES

Deadspin

Longtime MLB executive Larry Lucchino dies at 78

NY Post

Larry Lucchino, World Series-winning Red Sox president, dead at 78

NY Post

Yahoo! News

Larry Lucchino, Red Sox president during 3 World Series championships, dead at 78

Yahoo! News

Daily Mail

Larry Lucchino, former Red Sox president, dies at the age of 78

Isabel Baldwin

AP News

Larry Lucchino, force behind retro ballpark revolution and drought-busting Red Sox, dies at 78

By JIMMY GOLEN

Fox News

Ex-Red Sox president Larry Lucchino, who helped break 'Curse of the Bambino,' dead at 78

Fox News

Yahoo! News

Larry Lucchino, Red Sox president during 3 World Series championships, dies at 78

Yahoo! News

Wikipedia

Larry Lucchino

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Curse of the Bambino

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Pawtucket Red Sox

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Boston Red Sox

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Yankees–Red Sox rivalry

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Sam Kennedy (baseball executive)

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David Lucchino

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Memphis Red Sox

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Babe Ruth

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PANORA

Baltimore Orioles Owner Peter Angelos Dies at 94

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Wikipedia

Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame

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2023 Boston Red Sox season

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PANORA

Baltimore Orioles Owner David Rubenstein Celebrated on Opening Day 2024

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PANORA

Former Major League Catcher and Coach Ed Ott Dies at 72

PANORA

Wikipedia

Lucchino

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Wikipedia

2024 Boston Red Sox season

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PANORA

Boston Red Sox and Brayan Bello Agree to Contract Extension

PANORA

Wikipedia

2004 Boston Red Sox season

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