“I say this from the bottom of my heart, that if you don’t root for the Dodgers, you may not get into Heaven.” – Tommy Lasorda
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Fans of the Dodgers team, and of baseball everywhere, are mourning the loss of Tommy Lasorda, former manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He passed away late Thursday evening, on January 7, 2021, at the age of 93.
Anyone familiar with the Boys in Blue probably has a story or memory that includes the legendary manager. After 71 years in the Dodgers organization, his resume is larger than life. Tommy was named manager September 27, 1976 and retired after twenty years with the team on July 29th, 1996. In those years leading the team, he boasted a win-loss record of 1599-1438 with two World Championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles.
Lasorda came out of retirement to lead the US Olympic baseball team to a gold medal in 2000 and was the manager of four National League All-Star teams, posting a 3-1 record.
Lasorda, who went on to be the Ambassador of Baseball (2006 and 2009), received a plethora of awards, including enshrinement in the sacred Halls of Cooperstown as a manager in his first year of eligibility in 1997. He also served in an advisory role with the Dodgers during a career that spanned seven decades. Tommy is the personification of baseball itself.
Spectrum’s SportsNetLA aired a special broadcast on the life of this amazing man. Players and various other people around the sport reminisced on what Tommy meant to the Dodgers and the baseball world.
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“You might have played with other teams, that’s the big leagues. But when you come with the Dodgers it’s the major leagues. You got to be proud of the word Dodgers.” – Tommy Lasorda
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Former Dodgers World Series MVP pitcher-turned-broadcaster Orel Hershiser shared many of his memories of his ‘baseball father’ and how much he influenced his life and career.
“He taught me how to be a Dodger,” Hershiser said. “He taught me how to relate to fans.”
Orel recounted some great moments to offset the sadness at the loss and stated that Lasorda taught him how every day in baseball was important. He expressed the importance of everyone remembering to celebrate his life while fans mourn.
Tommy embodied the idea of ‘bleeding blue’ and said for years that before he went on to meet the ‘Big Dodger in the Sky,’ he wanted to see the Dodgers win one more World Series. He got that wish this past Fall when Los Angeles went on to beat the Tampa Bay Rays in six games to win their first championship since 1988 when Lasorda last took the team to a Fall Classic win; his second as manager of the Dodgers, with the first in 1981.
Dave Roberts, current Dodgers manager spoke of his memories and how he has big shoes to fill. He shared that he wants to emulate Tommy’s love for players.
“This game is built around players, on players, and he loved his players – every single one of them,” Roberts said. He added that he will try to be great at that himself as he continues to manage the team in the upcoming 2021 season.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted on social media Thursday: “No one loved the Dodgers more, no one was more respected in the organization, and no one was more passionate about the game or L.A.”
This man was beloved and touched so many people’s lives, famously reminding everyone to play for the name on the front of your shirt.
Former Dodger great Steve Garvey said on Thursday afternoon: “Tommy’s starting tomorrow up in heaven … he’s finally getting his start. God called him up.”
May you rest in peace in Blue Heaven, Tommy Lasorda. Thank you for all you have meant to Dodgers fans and to baseball over the years. We are grateful for the color and passion you brought to the game. We take off our Dodger Blue hats to you, sir!