With the world coming off a difficult year because of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2021 has offered little reprieve, particularly for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
They have mourned the losses of Sandra Scully, wife of retired broadcaster Vin Scully, and Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda. Sandra’s death stemmed from a private battle with ALS, while Lasorda passed away shortly after a lengthy stint in the hospital.
There has been an outpour of support for the Scully and Lasorda families, which Vin thanked recently Dodgers fans for. And for Lasorda, countless current and former players paid their respect by recalling memorable moments or exchanges they shared with the fiery personality.
Lifelong Dodgers fan and artist Dave Hobrecht was commissioned to paint a Lasorda tribute that the former manager was expected to sign upon visiting the local gallery. Unfortunately, Lasorda was hospitalized the week of his scheduled visit and never got to see the artwork in person.
Another from Dave Hobrecht honoring Tommy Lasorda and other memorable general managers, managers and players in #Dodgers history. pic.twitter.com/duq5H39CgF
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) January 16, 2021
Hobrecht titled the piece a “Tale of Two Cities” and followed it with another that featured Lasorda along with other Dodgers icons Walter Alston, Orel Hershiser, Kirk Gibson and Clayton Kershaw, in addition to more memorable figures from the organization’s storied history.
Beginning when the team was still in Brooklyn, Lasorda spent 71 years with the Dodgers as a player, coach, scout, manager, executive or special advisor. Twenty of those came as manager, which saw Lasorda compile a 1,599-1,439 record and lead the franchise to eight National League West division titles, four NL pennants and two World Series championships (1981, 1988).
Dodgers planning to honor Lasorda during 2021 season
While details have yet to be finalize, the Dodgers intend to honor Lasorda this season. “Don’t know yet, but obviously we’ll do something prominent,” team president and CEO Stan Kasten recently said.
“I would think the first thing is a patch on jerseys. You can count on us having a fair amount of programming Opening Day and many days thereafter, honoring Tommy in a way he deserves to be honored as one of the all-time great and most memorable Dodgers of all-time.”
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