Larry Dolan died at 94 – American attorney
Biography and cause of death of Larry Dolan
Larry Dolan After founding SportsTime Ohio (now FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes) and serving as primary owner of the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2000 until his death in 2025, American attorney Lawrence J. Dolan (February 8, 1931–February 23, 2025) was involved in many legal matters.
Larry Dolan Origins of formal schooling
Cleveland Heights, Ohio, was the site of Dolan’s birth on February 8, 1931. He graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1956 after attending St. Ignatius High School. Additionally, Cleveland State University bestowed upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
Larry Dolan Expertise in field
After finishing his degree at Notre Dame, Dolan joined the Marine Corps and served for two years, eventually becoming the first lieutenant. Following his 1958 discharge from the Marine Corps, Dolan served as an assistant prosecutor in Ohio’s Geauga County before entering private practice. At Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan in Chardon, Ohio, he rose through the ranks to become managing partner and president.
Larry Dolan Founder of Cleveland Guardians
Richard E. Jacobs and his late brother David H. Jacobs had paid $35 million for the Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) of the Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1986. In 2000, Dolan (via a family trust) purchased the team from Jacobs for $323 million. It was in 1997 that Jacobs took the team public.
The brand is now privately owned again after Dolan purchased all of the shares for little more than $12 each.
Throughout his tenure as owner, the club went through wins and losses. Wins included 2007 and 2013 playoff campaigns and 2016 World Series berths, while losses included several seasons with more than 90 defeats.
During Jacobs’ latter years as owner, the team’s player wages were among the highest in MLB. However, under Dolan, they have been among the lowest on occasion. Some fans saw this as an indication that Dolan was miserly, but there are those who disagree. Edwin Encarnación and Boone Logan were signed as free agents after the club made it to the 2016 World Series.
Fans on both sides of the “miserly” debate had these players on their rosters by 2019—when the clubs were trying to cut money.
Dolan launched SportsTime Ohio in 2006 to air the team’s games; Fox Entertainment Group purchased the station in 2012.
The baseball club officially became known as the Cleveland Guardians in November 2021.
Dolan and his family have been the team’s proprietors for the longest period of time until his death in February 2025. Out of Larry Dolan’s six children, only Paul, who has been the Cleveland Guardians’ “owner/CEO/chairman” and an owner since 2013, has had a significant leadership role with the club.
Larry Dolan Death and one’s own life
Dolan wed Eva Dolan in 1957. They had six children together, including Matt, who was a senator for Ohio and is now a leader in economic development in Northeast Ohio, and Paul, who was an employee at his law firm and was later named president, chairman, chief executive officer, and controlling owner of the baseball team.
A nephew of Dolan’s, James L. Dolan, owns both the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers.
Charles Dolan, a successful businessman, was one of three brothers named Dolan.
Dolan passed away at the age of 94 in Cleveland on February 23, 2025.
Larry Dolan Recognition and praise
Member of the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame (2014 class)