Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was memorialized during a private Celebration of Life ceremony at Dodger Stadium last week, and now the Hall of Famer has a mural up in his honor as well.
Created by artist Gustavo Zermeño Jr., the mural on Melrose Avenue features a large No. 2 positioned in center field of Chavez Ravine — Lasorda’s famed Blue Heaven on Earth — and he is depicted in a jersey from his Brooklyn playing days and celebrating a World Series win.
The mural fitting includes one of Lasorda’s favorite quotes: “The only Angels in Los Angeles are in Heaven, and they’re looking down on the Dodgers.”
Lasorda spent 71 years with the Dodgers organization as a player, coach, scout, manager, executive or special advisor. In his 20 seasons as manager, Lasorda finished 1,599-1,439 and ranks second in wins in franchise history. He guided the team to four National League pennants and two World Series titles.
Lasorda’s passing prompted several of his former players and those simply who had come across him during their lives to share stories of memorable exchanges. Justin Turner was among them, laughing as he recalled Lasorda putting him in a chokehold while in a hot tub during Spring Training in 2014.
Orel Hershiser shared a particularly close relationship with his former manager and credited him for much of the career success he went on to have.
Lasorda paintings
In addition to Lasorda being the subject of a mural, he was celebrated through two paintings by lifelong Dodgers fan and artist Dave Hobrecht. He had been 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.
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