Statement from Cleveland Indians president Mark Shapiro on the passing of Hank Peters:

"The Cleveland Indians organization lost a cherished member of the family this morning as former President/General Manager Hank Peters, 90, passed away due to complications of a recent stroke in Boca Raton, FL. We are saddened by Hank's passing and express our deepest sympathy to his daughter, Sharon, son, Steve and grandchildren.

We celebrate Hank's instrumental role in the renaissance of Indians Baseball. Hired in November of 1987 by owner Dick Jacobs, Hank was the foundation of the rebirth of baseball in Cleveland that led to a new ballpark, modernized baseball and business operations and, ultimately, championship teams."

Peters was President/GM of the Indians from 1987-1991. His return as President/GM was a homecoming as Peters was the Indians Vice President/Director of Player Personnel from 1966-71. He came to the Indians in 1987 following 12 years as EVP/GM of the Baltimore Orioles, whom he led to two World Series appearances, including a World Series title in 1983.   

A veteran of 45 seasons in professional baseball, Peters first broke into the game in 1946 after serving three years in the U.S. Army in WWII. He began his baseball career working for his hometown St. Louis Browns, where he met his wife Dottie, who passed away in 2010. They were married 59 years.