Editorial | Fitting legacy
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners honored one of their own this week, renaming the Lee County Civic Center the Mike Greenwell Regional Park.
It is a fitting legacy.
Commissioner Greenwell, who died Oct. 9 at age 62 after battling thyroid cancer, was more than a hometown boy who made good — he was a hometown boy who did good.
A Lee County native who was a two-sport standout at North Fort Myers High School, Mr. Greenwell went on to a 12-year career with the Boston Red Sox where he made a name for himself as Gator Mike.
He came back home, raced cars, competed as a pro bass angler and opened a pair of businesses, first the old Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park in Cape Coral, now Gator Mike’s; and then 31 Produce, a farmers market complete with U-pick field, country store and the popular Cracker Shack Cafe a few miles from the historic civic center where Bayshore Road terminates at SR 31.
He and his wife Tracy, together for 45 years, also raised a family here — kids and grandkids — who invited the community to a celebration of life held Saturday at what we locals call Fenway South, aka JetBlue Stadium.
Those who turned out ranged from natives “who knew him when” to relative newcomers who had followed his Red Sox career as a to-be-feared left fielder; from sports dignitaries to politicians; from Little Leaguers and high schoolers he coached, to 4-H families he supported.
If a life lived can be summed up by photos and memorabilia, Saturday’s display at the stadium showed Mr. Greenwell lived a full life, indeed.
And if a life shared and accomplishments appreciated can be summed up by the vast spectrum of those turning out to say goodbye, Mr. Greenwell left his mark on the community he loved.
His niece, Danielle Justice, a former pastor who officiated Saturday’s service, said it well:
“The sheer number of people here speaks volumes,” Ms. Justice said. “He gave people his time. He gave people his heart. He gave people his example.”
Godspeed, Gator Mike.
Our condolences to your family and to those who love you.
Neighbor editorial