On December 2, 2008, former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was honored during a ceremony at the Consul General of Japan’s home in recognition of his contributions to Japanese baseball.
The Hall of Famer received the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette medal on behalf of the Emporer for his work with players and teams in the island nation since 1965.
The Order of the Rising Sun was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on April 10, 1875, by decree of the Council of State. It is awarded to people to people for their long engagement in public service or achievement to the state.
It has traditionally been awarded in nine classes until 2003 and the lowest two classes were abolished. Since then, it has been awarded in six classes. The Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette medal that Lasorda received represents the fourth class.
Lasorda spent 71 seasons with the Dodgers organization and became regarded by many as baseball’s most popular ambassador.
Vin Scully announces 61st season with Dodgers
Also on this day in Dodgers history but one year later in 2009, the team announced Vin Scully would return to the broadcast booth in 2010 for his 61st season with the club.
Although the 2010 Dodgers finished the season fourth in the National League West at 80-82, Scully ended up calling four more division titles from the 2013-16 before he retired, marking 67 years in the broadcast booth.
The 2010 season was also Joe Torre’s last year as Dodgers manager, and he was replaced by Don Mattingly the following year. It is also the last time the Dodgers failed to post a record above .500 in a year.
Scully began his broadcasting career at the age of 22 and took over full-time with the Dodgers when Red Barber left the organization to join the New York Yankees broadcast team after the 1953 season.
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