Los Angeles Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten previously announced the team would honor Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda by wearing a commemorative jersey patch for the 2021 season, and it appears the club will also do so for Don Sutton.
When Trevor Bauer was given his No. 27 Dodgers jersey during an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium, it featured a No. 2 and No. 20 patch on the right sleeve. Lasorda passed away in early January, and Sutton unfortunately did as well later in the month.
In addition to wearing a jersey patch, Kasten said the Dodgers would celebrate Lasorda in other means, including once fans were permitted to attend games. The Dodgers did hold a private Celebration of Life ceremony that was attended by Justin Turner and Eric Karros, among others.
Lasorda spent 71 years with the Dodgers organization as a player, coach, scout, manager, executive or special advisor. Twenty of those were as manager, which saw Lasorda compile a 1,599-1,439 record and lead the team to eight National League West division titles, four NL pennants and two World Series championships (1981, 1988).
Like Stan Kasten said, #Dodgers will wear a commemorative Tommy Lasorda jersey patch this season. Looks like they are also wearing one for Don Sutton… Didn't pay close enough attention to that number in my initial tweet.
(Screengrab from @Watch_Momentum video) pic.twitter.com/Mkxjgc6HbQ— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) February 18, 2021
Sutton spent 16 of his 23 career seasons with the Dodgers. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998 — the last Dodgers player to receive the honor — and his No. 20 was retired by the organization during a ceremony on Aug. 14, 1998.
Sutton is the Dodgers’ all-time franchise leader in wins (233), innings pitched (3,816.1) strikeouts (2,696) and shutouts (52), and is tied with Don Drysdale and Clayton Kershaw for most Opening Day starts (seven). He was a four-time All-Star, who pitched in three World Series (1974, 1977 and 1978).
Roberts enjoyed moment with Lasorda
Lasorda’s wish to see the Dodgers win a World Series not only was fulfilled, but he travelled to Globe Life Field to watch Game 6 in person. After the Dodgers won the title, manager Dave Roberts shared an embrace with Lasorda.
“Just a quick little embrace, some tears and just kind of we did it. Just elation,” Roberts said of the moment. “I was so happy he was there. The Dodgers made it possible, and it wouldn’t have been complete without him there.”
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