The Los Angeles Dodgers organization is mourning the loss of Tommy Lasorda, who passed away last week at the age of 93. The Hall of Fame manager spent more than seven decades with the club, making a lasting impact on countless former and current players.
Various members of the Dodgers recently took to social media to share their favorite memories of Lasorda, including Kenley Jansen, who tweeted a video of him singing with mariachis during a visit to Spring Training.
Justin Turner also recalled one of his first encounters with Lasorda that ended with him getting put in a chokehold while sitting in a hot tub.
Max Muncy joined the chorus of Dodgers players paying tribute to Lasorda by remembering a funny incident that took place during batting practice.
Lasorda once playfully told Muncy that he wasn’t good at hitting curveballs. Muncy jokingly retorted that he would hit them better if Lasorda pitched to him.
Muncy ended his post on a more serious note, expressing happiness that the Dodgers were able to give Lasorda one final World Series championship this past October. Lasorda was in attendance for Game 6 at Globe Life Field, making the accomplishment all the more special.
The Dodgers further honored Lasorda by flying the flags at Dodger Stadium at half-staff and placing flowers by his No. 2 in the retired numbers plaza.
The club also put flowers and Lasorda’s jersey alongside his two Manager of the Year Awards in the seat from which he watched games. Moreover, his jersey number was painted in center field and on the pitcher’s mound, as the Dodgers kept “Blue Heaven” lit up throughout the night.
Vin Scully narrates Lasorda obituary
Retired broadcaster Vin Scully recently narrated a video that traces Lasorda’s birth to the end of his career with the Dodgers.
Scully had previously voiced his admiration for Lasorda in a statement, saying, “There are two things about Tommy I will always remember. The first is his boundless enthusiasm. Tommy would get up in the morning full of beans and maintain that as long as he was with anybody else.
“The other was his determination. He was a fellow with limited ability and he pushed himself to be a very good Triple-A pitcher. He never quite had that something extra that makes a major leaguer, but it wasn’t because he didn’t try.
“Those are some of the things: his competitive spirit, his determination, and above all, this boundless energy and self-belief. His heart was bigger than his talent and there were no foul lines for his enthusiasm.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
