Remembering former Orioles executive Larry Lucchino following his passing

There has been plenty of good news to start the season for the Baltimore Orioles. The team is performing well in all facets, including delivering clutch moments. Unfortunately, some bad news met the team and the baseball world Tuesday morning.

News surfaced that baseball executive Larry Lucchino, who spent time in the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox organizations, has passed away at the age of 78. In a statement, the Lucchino family confirmed the news.

Born in Pittsburgh, Lucchino got his break in the baseball industry working in sports law. He served as general counsel to the then Washington Redskins and served on their board of directors from 1979-1985. When Edward Bennett Williams bought the Orioles, Lucchino joined him in baseball and became the team's general counsel and vice president.

Lucchino was later named President of the Orioles in 1989, serving in that role until a group led by Peter Angelos purchased the Orioles in 1993. Lucchino was one of the original people behind the building of Camden Yards, which is widely considered as the ballpark that sparked the revolution of stadium design.

Larry Lucchino, Camden Yards champion, dies at 78

After Lucchino left the Orioles following Angelos purchasing the team, he was a partner in the purchase of the San Diego Padres in 1994. He served as the president and CEO of the team until he joined forces with John Henry and Tom Werner in 2001 to purchase the Boston Red Sox. Lucchino also spearheaded efforts in San Diego for the construction of Petco Park, though the stadium wasn't fully built until he left for the Red Sox.

With the Orioles, Padres, and Red Sox, Lucchino helped orchestrate the creation of the Orioles foundation, Padres foundation, and Red Sox foundation, which all perform valuable charitable work in the communities they serve.

Lucchino has a unique distinction in the sports world due to his penchant for winning championships. He has five World Series rings, winning with the Orioles in 1983 and the Red Sox in 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018. He also won a Super Bowl ring in Washington in 1983, and has a Final Four watch from his basketball playing days at Princeton University in 1965.

Lucchino is survived by his brother, two nephews and a niece, as well as seven grand-nieces and nephews.