Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda is being honored Saturday with the official dedication of a portion of the Interstate 5 Freeway being renamed in his honor.
California legislature passed ACR 67 in 2021, which was a bill authored by Los Angeles and Orange County representative Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D — Fullerton). The legislation designated a specified portion of I-5 Freeway within Orange County as the Tommy Lasorda Memorial Highway.
“Tommy Lasorda embodied the spirit and love of the game of baseball, dedicating his life to the game by managing one of the most successful baseball franchises and encouraging the success of his players. It was Lasorda’s humanitarianism and spirit of goodwill towards kids everywhere that made him a legend,” Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva said in a statement.
“Because of Tommy Lasorda’s generosity to provide opportunities for kids, it is only fitting that we celebrate his recognition at the West Fullerton Little League Opening Day. He was an icon; a generous humanitarian with a boundless enthusiasm. I thank the Dodgers organization for working with my office and the state of California to honor a Dodger hero.”
The specific stretch is in Fullerton, where Lasorda made his home, with a Tommy Lasorda Memorial Highway sign located on Southbound I-5 before Lincoln Avenue and Northbound I-5 before Ball Road.
“We are very happy to be partnering with Assemblymember Quirk-Silva to honor Tommy Lasorda in such a meaningful way,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said. “Fullerton held a very special place in Tommy’s heart, and we know how proud he would be to be standing here today.”
Saturday’s dedication ceremony will feature Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva, Tommy Lasorda’s daughter Laura, along with Eric Karros.
Tommy Lasorda honored through Dodgers ofrenda
The Hall of Fame manager died in January 2021 at the age of 93, and last year he was among those with ties to the organization who were honored through a Dodgers ofrenda that was set up at Dodger Stadium.
It also paid tribute to the late Mike Brito, Vin Scully and Maury Wills.
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