The Los Angeles Dodgers organization, sports world and beyond are mourning the death of Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda. He suffered a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest on Thursday night and passed away at the age of 93.
Lasorda spent seven decades with the Dodgers as a player, coach, scout, manager, executive or special advisor. He inspired many, most notably the 1988 team that was considerable underdogs and upset the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics to win the World Series.
That held as the franchise’s lone championship until the Dodgers managed to end the drought last year by defeating Tampa Bay Rays. It was what Lasorda had long said he was waiting to see before going to see the “big Dodger in the sky.”
Several current and former Dodgers have shared heartfelt messages about Lasorda. Kenley Jansen was among those, tweeting a video of Lasorda singing with mariachis during a visit to Spring Training.
Tommy Lasorda, this wonderful man, Hall of Famer in baseball and in life, this is him, so much joy. So much love he had for baseball, for the @Dodgers . To win, to love this game, to live and play with joy was his message to us. Rest in peace in Blue Heaven, sir and thank you. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/45iXnAurYU
— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) January 8, 2021
In addition to Lasorda, Jansen developed a connection with Dodgers icon Don Newcombe, who passed away in 2019. Jansen and Lasorda attended a Lakers game in December of 2019, during which Cody Bellinger served as an honorary captain.
Flags at Dodger Stadium are flying at half staff Friday and “Blue Heaven” will be lit up throughout the night to illuminate a large No. 2 that has been painted in center field. Flowers were placed at Lasorda’s No. 2 monument in the Retired Numbers Plaza at the Top of the Park, and his jersey as well as his two Manager of the Year Awards will mark his seat in the dugout.
Lasorda’s managerial career with Dodgers
Lasorda guided the Dodgers to four National League pennants, two World Series titles and finished with a 1,599-1,439 record. He was named National League Manager of the Year in both 1983 and 1988.
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