The Los Angeles Dodgers honored Tommy Lasorda by placing followers next to his No. 2 in the retired numbers plaza at Dodger Stadium, in addition to painting his jersey number on the mound and in center field.
In addition to the organization, current and former players, and even those outside of the sports world have mourned Lasorda’s death. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jo, their daughter and granddaughter.
The Dodgers’ first gesture in memoriam of Lasorda were the beginning of more that’s to come this season. “Don’t know yet, but obviously we’ll do something prominent,” team president and CEO Stan Kasten 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.”
The Dodgers last wore a patch — No. 36 — during the 2019 season in honor of Don Newcombe. L.A. also honored Newcombe during a pregame ceremony on April 27, when they induct him into the Legends of Dodger Baseball and saluted him with a commemorative bobblehead.
“Don Newcombe played a major role on and off the field for the Dodgers and we want to honor his legacy to our organization and all of baseball by recognizing him throughout the 2019 season,” Kasten said at the time.
Dodgers planned to involve Lasorda on Opening Day
Kasten hoped to see Lasorda reach Opening Day of this season so he could throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Orel Hershiser and Eric Karros were using the customary World Series ring ceremony as motivation for the Hall of Fame manager to keep fighting.
“The last time I talked to him, I talked about, ‘Tommy, I know you’re going to be there because you’re throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day.’ I’m telling you, until two days ago, I would’ve bet he was still going to throw out the first pitch,” Kasten said last week.
“Might’ve been in a wheelchair, doesn’t matter, he would’ve been out there. I was sure he was going to meet that.”
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