UPDATE (May 20, 6:15 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed former manager Tommy Lasorda was hospitalized. A portion of the statement read, “Ladorda is resting comfortably and appreciates all of the support.”
Even after announcing his retirement as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tommy Lasorda has never strayed far from his beloved organization. A special advisor to the chairman, Lasorda is a fixture at Spring Training and Dodgers home games.
He graciously takes photographs and signs autographs for fans lucky enough to be seated in the Dugout Club at Dodger Stadium. Considering he still possess the same fiery personality that made him so revered as manager, it’s easily forgotten Lasorda is 89 years old.
Unfortunately, he’s been hospitalized a third time since August 2016, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Dodgers Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda has been hospitalized for several days.
Details of Lasorda’s illness are being kept private, but a number of Lasorda’s former players have been among those in contact with Lasorda, who has been in the intensive care unit at Centinela Hospital in Los Angeles
Last August, Lasorda was hospitalized and required 12 stitches after a fall at a memorabilia show in Atlantic City. Then in October, he was hospitalized for 10 days due to shoulder back issues, and missed the Dodgers home games during the 2016 National League Division Series.
Lasorda was released in time for the NL Championship Series. He recently was part of the Vin Scully Ring of Honor ceremony at Dodger Stadium. Along with Sandy Koufax, Lasorda removed a blue curtain to reveal a plaque in Scully’s honor.