The Los Angeles Dodgers announced former manager Tommy Lasorda was hospitalized and admitted in intensive care, though is resting comfortably. No additional details were provided on the 93-year-old as the family has requested privacy.
Lasorda was in Texas to watch the Dodgers defeat the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 to capture their first World Series since 1988. That memorable team was of course managed by Lasorda, who spent 21 seasons guiding the Dodgers.
Lasorda won four National League pennants, two World Series and finished with a 1,599-1,439 record. He managed four All-Star Games and twice was named NL Manager of the Year (1983, 1988).
After retiring from managerial duties in July 1996 due to health issues, Lasorda went on to hold multiple positions in the Dodgers front office, including vice president (1996-98) and interim general manager (1998).
Lasorda was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Dodgers retired his No. 2 jersey as well.
Lasorda has remained a fixture in the organization over the decades since. His unofficial role has seen the former manager attend a portion of Spring Training each year and regularly make his way to Dodger Stadium for home games throughout a season.
Last year marked Lasorda’s 70th with the Dodgers, which marks the longest stint in franchise history. He unfortunately is the Dodgers’ second icon to be hospitalized this year, as Vin Scully previously was tended to after falling at his home.
Roberts happy to win for Lasorda
No person had arguably felt more anguish with the Dodgers falling short of winning the World Series in 2017 and 2018 than Lasorda, and he was among those on the mind of manager Dave Roberts after the club captured the title a little over two weeks ago.
“Those guys from the ’80s, the guys prior, obviously Tommy, Orel, Ron Cey, Boomer, Gibby, they have all been great and supportive to us,” Roberts said. “But to have our own moment, I think is great for the city of Los Angeles, great for the Dodgers, and I think they’re happy too.
“I know they’re happy. I guess burden is a word, but I’m just happy we finally did it.”
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