January 8, 2021

Official National Baseball Hall of Fame News Release

The National Baseball Hall of Fame Remembers Tommy Lasorda

“I’ve been so blessed and I just want to keep giving back.” – Tommy Lasorda

Remembering Tommy Lasorda

“Tommy Lasorda enjoyed a remarkable life in baseball. His legacy will be one of determination, leadership, and perseverance. Those wonderful characteristics that he carried, not only through his career, but throughout his life, and his passion for the game and for the Hall of Fame, will be greatly missed in Cooperstown. We extend our deepest sympathies to his dear wife of 70 years, Jo, the entire Lasorda family and the Dodgers organization.” – Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame Plaque:

Tommy Lasorda Bio

Born: Sept. 22, 1927 at Norristown, PA

Died: Jan. 7, 2021

Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 175

Threw and batted left

Tommy Lasorda began his career as a left-handed pitcher before becoming one of the most successful managers in baseball history. The jovial Lasorda managed the Los Angeles Dodgers to eight division titles and two World Series championships in 21 seasons. After retiring, Lasorda became a Dodgers executive, extending his association with the club to seven decades. In 2000, he managed the U.S. Olympic Baseball team to its first-ever gold medal. In 2008, Lasorda skippered the Dodgers for several Spring Training games, including the club’s final appearance at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.

Quotes about Tommy Lasorda

Former Dodgers catcher and former major league manager Mike Scioscia: “You have to know who to pat on the back, when to pat him on the back, when you have to kick them in the butt and when you have to stroke them a little bit. And Tommy had that gift, to know what players needed what. The timing was always on the money with Tommy.”

Former big league manager and coach Danny Ozark: “Tommy was a great motivator. He treated his players and coaches tremendously, and everyone on the team would do anything for him.”

Quotes from Tommy Lasorda

“This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me in my lifetime. The Hall of Fame is eternity and I thank God for all of it. I am living the dream.”

On the web: Visit baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/lasorda-tommy to view Tommy Lasorda’s Hall of Fame plaque and a video tribute.