Posted on 01/08/2021 8:56:28 AM PST by Borges
Dodgers Hall of Fame great Tommy Lasorda has died, the team announced. He was 93.
The Dodgers in a statement confirmed that Lasorda passed away Thursday night.
Lasorda had been hospitalized in Orange County in November with an undisclosed ailment. He was in the hospital for six weeks before returning home in early January.
The 93-year-old was known for his enthusiasm for baseball and especially the Dodgers. Lasorda found his calling as a manager after an unsuccessful 14-year stint in the minors as a pitcher.
In three major league stints, Lasorda went 0-4 in nearly a 6.5 ERA with Kansas City and the Brooklyn Dodgers who released him to make room for Sandy Koufax.
A true student of the game, Lasorda moved onto coaching after his playing days were over. In 1972, he would become the manager of the Dodgers Triple-A farm club, the Albuquerque Dukes.
There, he would win a Pacific Coast Championship in his long season, and that led Lasorda to the big leagues, joining Walter Alston’s staff, before replacing the long-time manager in 1979.
Lasorda became a leader and voice of the team. Under Lasorda, the Dodgers went to the World Series for his first two seasons, but they failed to beat the New York Yankees in both 1977 and 1978.
But things really came together in the 1981 Fall Classic when the Dodgers beat the Bronx in six games. Then, there was that magical season in 1988 – Lasorda’s greatest achievement despite most considered that his team was ill-equipped for the post-season. After upsetting the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series, the Dodgers were heavy underdogs against Oakland so in Game One, Olympian Kirk Gibson stepped to the plate, and history was made.
Lasorda would continue to the helm until the middle of the 1996 season when heart problems forced him out of the job he cherished.
Lasorda retired from managing, one shy from 1,600 wins and was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, his first year of eligibility, and that same year, the Dodgers would make sure that no one would ever wear Lasorda’s No. 2, retiring his jersey alongside other Dodger greats.
In the year 2000, Lasorda returned to managing, this time for Team USA at the Sidney Olympic Games, and as expected, answered the call for his country and led Team USA to the gold medal just three days before his 73rd birthday.
Lasorda went on to work for the Dodgers organization well into his 90s as a scout and later, special advisor, and ambassador for the game he loved and the team that so dearly loved him.
Lasorda in late October attended the Dodgers’ Game 6 World Championship victory in Arlington, Texas, where the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 3-1.
This is Lasorda’s all time, all time rant. His type is no longer allowed in baseball. Watched the Dodgers sweep a DH from the Reds at Riverfront. Lasorda got ejected after going ape sh!t on the ump so I still had a good day at the stadium.
ROTFLMAO! That was great.
This Angels fan wishes Tommy eternal rest.
Tommy lived in a very simple house for many years well after he gained fame and fortune. If I recall right it was in Fullerton. Down to earth guy.
You are correct. My co-worker and friend sold an Irish setter puppy in the 1970s to the Lasorda family at a discount as they were on a limited budget. These were the days when most players and coaches had to find off-season jobs to make ends meet.
I believe when Lasorda became manager in 1977 he moved closer to Dodger Stadium but kept their Fullerton home.
Tommy Lasorda spoke fluent Spanish. When he went out to the mound to speak to Fernando Valenzuela they spoke in Spanish.
Condolences to family and friends of Tommy Lasorda. One of the GREATS
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N4nwMDZYXTI
A classic from Tommy!!!!!!!
I saw this too. He gave us some great memories.
He sure did.
That Kirk Gibson winning run has been one I have never
forgotten...The game is not over till it’s over.
Oh, my! It's a DEEP drive to right center. That's looks like it's gotta chance. It is OUT OF HERE!!!!
Tommy lived in Fullerton, and was seen around town a lot. I never got to see him :-(
One of the giants in his field. RIP.
Ah crap.
RIP Tommy.
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