Long revered within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda made a similar impact on those outside the team and beyond the sports world. His passing was met by countless tributes and anecdotes shared by anyone who had an interaction with Lasorda.
The Dodgers paid their respects by placing flowers next to Lasorda’s No. 2 in the retired numbers plaza at Dodger Stadium. They did the same for the seat he watched countless games from and placed his jersey in the dugout.
The Dodgers additionally painted a No. 2 in center field and on the pitcher’s mound, and Dodger Stadium remained lit up overnight. That was part of several tributes across the city, which included participation from the L.A. Lakers, Rams, LAX and City Hall.
Along with Staples Center turning their exterior lights blue, the Lakers held a moment of silence for Lasorda prior to defeating the Chicago Bulls. The Banc of California Stadium also illuminated with blue lights.
A moment of silence for one of the greatest. pic.twitter.com/UIMjz5ouxJ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 9, 2021
For Tommy. @Dodgers 💙 pic.twitter.com/oJmlo9xYtn
— Discover Los Angeles (@discoverLA) January 9, 2021
The tributes throughout Los Angeles were reminiscent of the city’s response to the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others last January. Clayton Kershaw and Justin Turner were among those who spoke at length about the impact the Lakers icon had.
Lasorda was similarly beloved as a champion, leading the Dodgers to World Series wins in 1981 and 1988. His 1,599 managerial wins rank second all-time in franchise history.
Scully remembers Lasorda
Lasorda’s 71-year career with the Dodgers organization overlapped with that of another beloved figure, Vin Scully. “There are two things about Tommy I will always remember,” the Hall of Fame broadcaster said.
“The first is his boundless enthusiasm. Tommy would get up in the morning full of beans and maintain that as long as he was with anybody else. The other was his determination. He was a fellow with limited ability and he pushed himself to be a very good Triple-A pitcher. He never quite had that something extra that makes a major leaguer, but it wasn’t because he didn’t try.
“Those are some of the things: his competitive spirit, his determination, and above all, this boundless energy and self-belief. His heart was bigger than his talent and there were no foul lines for his enthusiasm.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
