Just over one week after undergoing surgery to replace his pacemaker, former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda made a triumphant return to Dodger Stadium. A video was played in his honor, and the Hall of Fame manager received a much-deserved standing ovation.
Over the weekend, Lasorda had the opportunity to put on his managerial cap one more time as he led the home team in the Dodgers Old-Timers Game. “It’s good to be managing again, and it’s good to be here again,” Lasorda said.
“Days like this feel so good, because all of the memories are sitting out here. To be part of this is really an honor.”
Lasorda’s 1988 Dodgers are not only the last team to win the World Series but also so much as reach the Fall Classic. He insisted on that needing to change for the fans, and believes this season could end the drought.
“We belong in the World Series,” Lasorda said. “This team we’ve got now, I think is going to put us in the World Series.”
Lasorda was touched by the heartfelt messages fans and members of the organization showered him with over the past two weeks, and further emboldened to reach the century mark.
“I went through some tough times, but tough people get through tough times,” he said. “I’ve felt good about my recovery and in September I’ll be 90 years old. I’ve had a good life. Thank God, he’s kept me alive. I want to reach 100 (years old). I’m working for 100.”
