Born in Kentucky but raised in Florida, Greenwell played his entire professional career in the Boston Red Sox organization. The Red Sox picked Greenwell out of high school in the 3rd round of the 1982 MLB Draft. Greenwell would make his MLB debut with the Red Sox as a September callup during the 1985 season making an immediate impression by blasting 4 HR in only 34 plate appearances.
In 1986, Greenwell would split his season between Boston and Triple-AAA Pawtucket. Despite limited playing time, Greenwell did appear in the post-season with the Red Sox in both the ALCS against the California Angels and in the World Series against the New York Mets.
Greenwell's first full season at the big-league level was in 1987 when he finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year balloting batting .328 with 19 HR and 89 RBI. There was some stiff rookie competition that season as Greenwell finished behind Detroit Tigers catcher Matt Nokes, Kansas City Royals third baseman Kevin Seitzer and award winner Oakland Athletics slugger Mark McGwire.
Greenwell's breakthrough season came in 1988 when he finished second in AL MVP balloting behind Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco batting .325 with a career high 22 HR and 119 RBIs along with an AL All-Star Team selection. His .325 average was third in the AL behind Minnesota Twins outfielder Kirby Puckett and his Red Sox teammate Wade Boggs. Greenwell also finished third in the AL in RBI behind Puckett and Canseco. Years later, when Canseco confessed to using steroids, Greenwell called upon Canseco to give him the MVP trophy.
The 1988 Red Sox were a tail of two seasons. Still lingering from the effects of being one strike away from winning the World Series in 1986 only to never get the final out, the Red Sox would fire manager John McNamara at the All-Star Break. At the time, the Red Sox were 43-42 and in fourth place in the AL East 9 games back of the Detroit Tigers.
The Red Sox named third base coach Joe Morgan (not to be confused with the late Hall of Fame second baseman) as the interim manager with the intent of having him only manage a few games until a permanent replacement could be found. Instead, the Red Sox won 19 of their next 20 games in what became known as Morgan Magic. Yet Greenwell was an essential part of his magic. During this hot streak, Greenwell hit .301 (22 for 73) with 3 HR and 17 RBI.
Boston would win the AL East but would be swept by the Athletics in the ALCS. Greenwell would enjoy a productive 1989 season earning a second AL All-Star selection hitting .308 with 14 HR and 95 RBI. Greenwell would remain with the team through the 1996 season playing post-season ball with the AL East champion Red Sox again in 1990 and in 1995. Late in the 1996 season, Greenwell literally beat the Seattle Mariners single-handedly as he drove all 9 runs in a 9-8 Red Sox victory in a 10-inning game.
In 1269 career games over his 12 seasons with the Red Sox, Greenwell collected exactly 1400 hits for a lifetime batting average of .303 with 130 HR and 726 RBI.
Greenwell would briefly play in Japan in 1997, but injuries had caught up with him. During the 2000s, Greenwell pursued truck driver racing on the NASCAR circuit.
Greenwell would become successful businessman and land developer and in recent years turned his attention to politics serving as a member of the Lee County Commission. He was initially appointed to post by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis before being elected in his own right.
Greenwell was married for over 40 years and helped raised 2 sons, Bo and Garrett. Bo would play minor league ball with both the Cleveland Indians and later with the Red Sox organization.
As for the Red Sox, they would induct Greenwell into the team Hall of Fame in 2008.
At the risk of sounding cliche, Mike Greenwell died far too young. He was leading a good life and had more to give. Greenwell had more to offer than what he left on the diamond. R.I.P.
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