San Diego Padres with the swinging Friar B16's team
Posted on 04/15/2008 7:29:19 PM PDT by pissant
LOS ANGELES - Tommy Lasorda, meet the pope.
The Hall of Fame manager flew to Washington on Tuesday after accepting an invitation from President Bush to attend Wednesday morning's arrival ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers manager, currently a special adviser to Dodgers chairman Frank McCourt, will join diplomats, elected representatives, government officials and other invited guests on the South Lawn of the White House before attending a private dinner hosted by the President and Mrs. Bush.
"I am truly honored to be invited to such a special occasion," Lasorda said. "It is humbling to be in such distinguished company. I just wish my parents could be alive to see this."
Lasorda, who has frequently been called on to serve in dignitary roles for President Bush and Major League Baseball, has previously met two other popes - John Paul I and John Paul II.
Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 16, 1987, halfway through Lasorda's 20-year stint as Dodgers manager. The following season, the Dodgers won the World Series.
LOL. Put your money on the Dodgers this year.
I’m pretty sure that was the strike-shortened season. It didn’t really count...unless God caused the strike.
He may have. LOL
Neat trick.
Had to be quick for that one.
I’m not surprised. As I’m sure He’s already explained to Pope Benedict, God is a Dodger fan.
I have no doubt whatsoever that God enjoys America’s pastime.
I was there. Sang in the choir, Alto #93.
Wow. Very cool. I hope to meet B16 next year when we go to Rome.
I can’t stand Tommy Lasorda. Watch him try to hog the limelight tomorrow if he gets a chance.
Most likely, this story is a result of Lasorda’s publicist sending out a press release. Who cares?
The Pope himself, as a direct successor of the Apostle Peter, is the real story.
No not in 1988. You thinking of the strike shortened season of 1981 when the Dodgers won that years world series (even though my cincinnati reds had the best overall record that year).
Uh...Yeah right!
You’re right. ‘88 was when the Dodgers beat the A’s. Wasn’t that the year Kirk Gibson hit his “shot heard ‘round the world” homerun?
Ask Father Z at wdtprs.com how to get general audience tickets, you know, for the regular Wednesday y'all come audience. Or remember that if he's in town, he does the Angelus at noon on Sunday.
Anyway, when you meet him tell him I said "hi".
Tommy must have flown the Concord to Rome.
Relax, God like Hillary Clinton is a Yankee's Fan.
San Diego Padres with the swinging Friar B16's team
The Great Pinstripe in the Sky certainly does belong in the same sentence with the Yankees!
He created her; He should take responsibility for her.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.