ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ foundation president Mike Kennedy dies at 70

Feb 9, 2021, 2:36 PM

Mike Kennedy, the founding president of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, passed away Tuesday morning. He was 70. 

Kennedy’s passing was announced in a statement made by D-backs owner Ken Kendrick and team president and CEO Derrick Hall. 

“The Arizona Diamondbacks are heartbroken over the loss of Mike Kennedy, who not only helped create and launch the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation but has served as its president since inception,” Kendrick and Hall announced in a statement.

A dear friend to the organization, Mike was a pillar in the Arizona community for decades and his law firm, Gallagher & Kennedy, played a critical role in the founding of our franchise. He has touched the lives of so many and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.” 

The D-backs are currently working on the dedication of Mike Kennedy Field, in honor of Kennedy’s contributions to the franchise and community.  

Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill mourned the loss of Kennedy in a statement released by the team Tuesday morning. Kennedy helped the state and the team secure Super Bowls and college football events at the home of the Cardinals, which is now called State Farm Stadium.

“Mike Kennedy was the type of person we all aspire to be but so few actually are,” Bidwill said. “While enormously successful professionally, what made him truly special was the way he connected with people. Every interaction was genuine and sincere and left you feeling better than you did before.”

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey wrote on Kennedy’s passing in a six-post Twitter thread as well.

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation was founded in 1997, a year before the franchise’s inaugural season 

The foundation has helped fight homelessness and has supported health care for those in need, as well as supporting education and youth baseball and softball programs. 

Kennedy passed away after battling liver cancer the past two years.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Randal Grichuk, diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Pitching is what’s left on Diamondbacks offseason to-do list

The Diamondbacks may have some moves to make regarding the pitching staff while feeling good about the offense as spring training begins.

1 day ago

Trey Mancini...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks take a chance on former Orioles slugger Trey Mancini

The Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor league contract with former Orioles slugger, cancer survivor and World Series champion Trey Mancini.

2 days ago

Randal Grichuk...

Alex Weiner

Randal Grichuk returns to Diamondbacks on 1-year deal

The Diamondbacks have agreed to re-sign outfielder Randal Grichuk, who finished red hot in 2024, Mark Feinsand first reported on Tuesday.

5 days ago

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by the league on Monday over sports gambling...

Associated Press

Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseball

Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by MLB on Monday for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games.

6 days ago

Diamondbacks Kristian Robinson...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks announce spring training roster with Gino Groover, Kristian Robinson

The Diamondbacks released their spring training roster for big league camp on Friday, including prospects Gino Groover and Kristian Robinson.

9 days ago

Garrett Hampson...

Alex Weiner

D-backs signing stout defender Garrett Hampson to minor league deal, spring training invite

The Arizona Diamondbacks are signing utility defender Garrett Hampson to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation.

9 days ago

D-backs’ foundation president Mike Kennedy dies at 70