Los Angeles Dodgers: Tommy Lasorda passes away at 93 years old
Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda has passed away due to heart failure. He was 93 years old.
Los Angeles Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda had been in ill health over the past few months. He had recently spent seven weeks in the hospital due to heart issues, finally being released on Wednesday as the hospital could no longer do anything for his condition.
Unfortunately, he did not get to enjoy his time at home for much longer. Lasorda passed away Thursday night due to heart failure. He was 93 years old.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 8, 2021
Lasorda had spent 71 years as a part of the Dodgers organization, first as a player, then as a coach and manager. Since his retirement, he remained in the team in a variety of roles, with the last 14 years as a special advisor to the chairman.
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His journey began as a pitcher in the Phillies organization before he was purchased by the Dodgers. Lasorda eventually reached the majors in Brooklyn, appearing in eight games over two seasons before he was sold to the Kansas City A’s. Following a year in Kansas City, he was traded to the Yankees before ultimately finding his way back to the Dodgers in 1957.
Lasorda did not have a great run in the majors as a pitcher. He posted a 0-4 record in his 26 appearances, with a 6.48 ERA and a 1.869 WHiP. However, the Dodgers were impressed with his baseball intelligence, making him a coach in the minors.
He eventually became a manager and rose through the minor league ranks, joining Walt Alston’s coaching staff in 1973. When Alston retired, Lasorda took over as the new manager, immediately winning the National League pennant in each of his first two seasons at the helm.
The Dodgers finally got past the Yankees dynasty in 1981, taking the championship in six games. That would be the first to two World Series titles for the Dodgers under Lasorda, as he also piloted the team to the title in 1988. Overall, Lasorda had a 1599-1439 record as a manager, winning four National League pennants and two World Series titles. The Dodgers won their division eight times under his guidance. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1997 for his accomplishments on the bench.
He was also known for being a larger than life personality. His tirades, such as when he went off on Kurt Bevacqua or his habit of kicking dirt at umpires, became legendary. Lasorda once infamously went after the Phillie Phanatic during a bit. And who can forget his advertisements for Slim Fast, Rolaids, or any of the other products he endorsed along the way?
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The baseball world lost another legend on Thursday, as Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda has passed away. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.