D-backs’ foundation president Mike Kennedy dies at 70

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 Arizona Diamondbacks are heartbroken over the loss of Mike Kennedy, who not only helped create and launch the #DbacksGiveBack Foundation but has served as its President since inception. pic.twitter.com/jKQRVQZE7q

— D-backs Give Back (@DbacksGiveBack) February 9, 2021

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.

Mike left a lasting impression on everyone he met — including me. He was devoted to serving our community and helping those in need. For years, he dedicated his time to youth, conservation, education and numerous other charitable causes. 2/

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) February 9, 2021

He served as Arizona Host Committee Chairman for Super Bowl XLII and was a member of the Executive Committee for the Arizona Host Committee for Super Bowl XLIX. 4/

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) February 9, 2021

Mike’s passing will be felt by many people across Arizona, and he will be dearly missed. Angela and I send our love, condolences and prayers to his wife Dawn and their children. May he rest in peace. 6/6

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) February 9, 2021

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.