Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda passes away at the age of 93, he spent 71-years with the Dodgers organization
Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda passes away at the age of 93, he spent 71-years with the Dodgers organization
Chrismckradio 6:41pm
Breaking news to Chrismckradio, Hall of Famer manager Tommy Lasorda who has spent 71-years with the Dodgers franchise has passed away at the age of 93.
According to sources, Lasorda had a history of heart trouble, he passed away from a heart attack on his way to the hospital on Thursday night.
Lasorda attended the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series title over the Tampa Rays back on October 27. He was seen very elated and excited. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Mandred said it was great to see Lasorda in his final moments of his life to witness his team winning another World Series title. Last time the Dodgers won the World Series was back in 1988 against the Oakland Athletics.
Lasorda served as a special adviser to the Dodgers for the last 14 years. He was an ambassador to the game.
Former long time Dodgers announcer Vin Scully remembered Lasorda as a man with pure love for the game of baseball, and always had enthusiasm.
" There are two things about Tommy I will always remember. The first is his boundless enthusiasm and the other is his determination and the love of the game of baseball."
Lasorda began his career in baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was an undrafted free agent back in 1945. When he came up to the Major Leagues in 1954 he played his brief playing career as a pitcher. His pitching record was 0-4 with an ERA of 6.48, with 13 strikeouts from 1954-1956. Lasorda won a World Series title with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955 but didn't play in the World Series.
Lasorda found his nitch in baseball as a manager. He began his managerial career under the influenced of his mentor the late manager Ralph Houk. He became Los Angeles Dodgers manager on September 26, 1976. He won 2 World Series titles in 1981 and 1988. Lasorda also won 4 National League pennants, and 8 division championships in his managerial career. He retired from managing in 1997. Lasorda was elected into baseball's Hall of Fame in 1997. His managerial career record was (1,599-1,439).
Back in the 2000 Summer Olympic games in Sydney Australia, Lasorda managed Team USA baseball team to a gold medal win.
Lasorda is survived by his wife Jo Lasorda of 70-years, 1 daughter Laura, 1 granddaughter Emily. The Lasorda's had a son Tommy Lasorda Jr., he died back in 1991 of complications of AIDS.
Former Major League manager Bobby Valentine sent out a tweet on the passing of his mentor Tommy Lasorda.
" Words can not express my feelings. A friend and mentor for 52 years is no longer with us. Tommy no one will ever fill the void you left. Thank you for everything. R.I.P."