Dodgers past and present share memories and condolences after Tommy Lasorda’s passing
By: Rowan Kavner
Tags: In Memoriam, MLB, Baseball, Tommy Lasorda, Dodgers

by Rowan Kavner

Nearly everyone who met Tommy Lasorda during his 71 seasons in the Dodger organization had a story about the Hall of Fame manager, who passed away Thursday night at the age of 93.

Many of those who knew Lasorda well shared their condolences and fond memories of the former Dodger player, scout, coach, manager, executive and special advisor, who was one of baseball’s all-time great ambassadors and unforgettable personalities.

(*Note: These will continue being updated as they come in.)

Mark Walter, Dodgers owner and chairman: “My family, my partners and I were blessed to have spent a lot of time with Tommy. He was a great ambassador for the team and baseball. A mentor to players and coaches, he always had time for an autograph and a story for his many fans and he was a good friend. He will be dearly missed.”

Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO: “In a franchise that has celebrated such great legends of the game, no one who wore the uniform embodied the Dodger spirit as much as Tommy Lasorda. A tireless spokesman for baseball, his dedication to the sport and the team he loved was unmatched. He was a champion who at critical moments seemingly willed his teams to victory. The Dodgers and their fans will miss him terribly. Tommy is quite simply irreplaceable and unforgettable.”

Vin Scully, Hall of Fame broadcaster: “There are two things about Tommy I will always remember. 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.”

Jaime Jarrín, Hall of Fame broadcaster: “Baseball has lost their greatest ambassador, and I have lost a very special friend with the passing of Tommy Lasorda. It was an absolute privilege to be around Tom for more than six decades. I met him in the late 50s when the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles and he was a scout for them. I will never forget the times when after a defeat he asked me to take a walk around the hotel in cities like New York, Philadelphia or Chicago at 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning. Tom Lasorda was a winner in all facets of the game he loved with such intensity as a player, scout, coach, manager, executive and advisor. My profound condolences to Jo, his widow, and the rest of the family. Tommy Lasorda will live forever in the hearts of Los Angeles, baseball players and the millions of people in many Latin American countries and around the world.”

Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations: “From afar, Tommy is synonymous with Dodger baseball. Once I joined the organization, I could see why and just how deep it ran. The passion he had for the Dodgers was infectious and he was incredible to me. I really valued our friendship. I’m overjoyed that he was able to be there to see us win the 2020 World Series. Rest in peace, Tommy.”

Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner: “Tommy Lasorda was one of the finest managers our game has ever known. He loved life as a Dodger. His career began as a pitcher in 1949 but he is, of course, best known as the manager of two World Series champions and four pennant-winning clubs. His passion, success, charisma and sense of humor turned him into an international celebrity, a stature that he used to grow our sport. Tommy welcomed Dodger players from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Japan, South Korea and elsewhere — making baseball a stronger, more diverse and better game. He served Major League Baseball as the Global Ambassador for the first two editions of the World Baseball Classic and managed Team USA to gold in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Tommy loved family, the United States, the National Pastime and the Dodgers and he made them all proud during a memorable baseball life. I am extremely fortunate to have developed a wonderful friendship with Tommy and will miss him. It feels appropriate that in his final months, he saw his beloved Dodgers win the World Series for the first time since his 1988 team. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest sympathy to his wife of 70 years, Jo, and their entire family, the Dodger organization and their generations of loyal fans.”

Clayton Kershaw, former MVP, three-time Cy Young Award winner and Dodgers pitcher (2008-present): “He told the same stories and the same jokes over and over again. I still listened and laughed the same each time. His ability to command a room and make people laugh is what I will remember most. When I got drafted and came to Dodger Stadium my mom came with me and we got to meet Tommy that day. Every single time I saw him from that time on he asked me how she was doing and called her by her name, Marianne. Thankful for the time we had together, and most thankful that he could be here to see us win the whole thing. RIP Tommy.”

Dusty Baker, Astros manager and former Dodgers outfielder (1976–83): “Tommy loved family, life, people, food and the Big Blue Dodger in the sky. There will never be another Tommy Lasorda.”

Don Mattingly, Marlins manager and former Dodgers manager (2011–15): “I will never forget Tommy for his love for the Dodgers and also his kindness and willingness to help me in anyway that he could when I came to the Dodgers. In the worst times, he would call and always encourage me. Rest in peace, Tommy.”

Fred Claire, former Dodgers general manager (1987–98): “The world of baseball has lost one of its greatest ambassadors and I have lost a dear friend with the passing of Tommy Lasorda. My heart and prayers go out to Jo and Tommy’s family and friends throughout the world. No one represented the spirit of the Dodgers more than Tommy and his contributions to the organization, to countless of great causes, and to baseball will last for all time.”

Fernando Valenzuela, former Dodgers pitcher, Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award winner (1980–90): “Tommy was a master at motivating the players. He was always pushing us and making us believe in ourselves. He gave us the confidence we needed. No one wanted to win more than Tommy. He was a baseball man who thoroughly loved the game and loved the Dodgers.”

Charlie Hough, former Dodgers pitcher (1970–80): “It’s a sad day for baseball. Words can’t say how important he was for my career and so many other Dodger players. He will be missed by all of baseball.”

Peter O’Malley, former Dodgers owner (1979–98): “The extraordinary impact Tommy made on the Dodger organization for more than a half century will never be forgotten. He was the best at supporting and motivating his players. No one communicated better with everyone in the Dodger organization, our great fans and the media. We will miss Tommy and his huge personality. Our thoughts are with Jo and Laura.”

Rick Monday, Dodgers broadcaster and former Dodger player (1977–84) : “With great sadness this morning, I received word about Tommy Lasorda’s passing. We are truly blessed if we are fortunate enough to cross paths with someone who will forever leave a positive imprint on the rest of our lives. Tommy was that person in my life when I first met him as a 17-year-old kid trying to find my path. Tommy loved to encourage, motivate and even challenge everyone to accomplish more than what you even thought possible… ‘Don’t ever sell yourself short,’ he would say. RIP my friend, and THANK YOU!”

Steve Sax, former Dodgers infielder and Rookie of the Year (1981–88): “Tommy was so instrumental in my life. I’ve been through some tough lows and some very great highs and he was always there for me. Tommy was like a father to me and many others. This is a real sad day.

Joe Amalfitano, former Dodgers third base coach (1983–98): “Tommy was known as a great motivator and ambassador for baseball and no question about it…he was! However, just as great as his ability as a motivator, he truly was a Hall of Fame manager excelling from the first pitch to the last…he was right on with the squeeze play! Simply put, he was the very best! My 14 years working for Tommy were my most memorable in baseball. With my faith, I can only imagine Tommy holding court in heaven…God bless you, Tommy.”

Ned Colletti, analyst and former Dodgers general manager (2005–14): “Tommy honored me with his friendship for 40 years and honored baseball with his love for more than 70 years. He brought passion for life and a zest for people every day. I traveled the baseball world with Tommy, and he was someone who was known everywhere — people who didn’t know baseball would come up to him and shake his hand. He loved life — his family, his country, his Dodgers, his heritage, his friends, this city and, of course, baseball. His was a life well-lived.”

Reggie Smith, former Dodgers outfielder (1976–81): “My sincere condolences to Jo, Laura and the Lasorda family for your loss. And to your extended Dodger family that share in your loss. We will miss the ‘Skipper,’ our leader and motivator! Rest in peace, ‘Skip.’”

Mike Scioscia, former Angels manager and Dodgers catcher (1980–92): “Tommy was a special guy who absolutely loved the game of baseball. He always set a great atmosphere of achieving and was the most competitive person I have ever been around. He meant so much to so many people he touched over the course of his life. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire people to ‘be the best they can be.’”

Kirk Gibson, 1988 MVP and former Dodgers outfielder (1988–90): “You can never realize after leaving your hometown team the bonus you would get by going to Los Angeles and being a Dodger. That was Tommy Lasorda. He really taught me, a gruff, mean SOB, the power of the hug. That was one of the finer things he did for me as a person. We all loved him. He was funny, witty and he loved to compete. He made sure we did too. He held us to that standard. His legacy will never be forgotten by all his teammates. Much love.”

Joe Torre, Hall of Fame manager: “I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Tommy Lasorda. Tommy was a friend and a fierce competitor who cared deeply for his players and represented the Dodgers and the game of baseball with great passion. He will be deeply missed. I send my condolences to his wife, Jo, and the entire Dodger organization.”

Jon SooHoo, Dodgers photographer: “Today I mourn with Los Angeles the passing of Tommy Lasorda. He made my life journey far more interesting than just baseball. I treasure the many moments and experiences he allowed me to photograph over the last 35 years. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Bobby Valentine, former MLB manager and Dodgers player (1969–72), on MLB Network: “Tommy was like my father. I don’t know if it’s because I was the No. 1 choice or I was Italian or I was a big mouth and he was a big mouth, but whatever it was we really hit it off. I loved him. He loved me. To this day, 52 years later, until last night when I got the call at 3 in the morning, he’s been as close to me as anyone in my life.”

Alex Avila, MLB player and Lasorda’s godson, on MLB Network: “He was as genuine a person as you would see on TV managing a game or doing interviews. That was him. He wasn’t faking with anything. It’s been a little shocking today, but the time that I got to spend with him as a kid growing up I’ll never forget.”

Steve Yeager, former Dodger catcher (1972–85): “Tommy has been a part of my life since I met him in June of 1967. He made me a better player and a better person. He was like a father to me. He knew all his players and he knew their wives, their kids and their parents and remembered every name. He’s a big part of my heart with all the memories I have of Tommy. It’s a very sad day. All my love to the family, Jo and Laura.”

Orel Hershiser, former Cy Young Award winner, World Series MVP and Dodgers pitcher (1983–94): “Tommy is and was the most influential person in my baseball life. God blessed us with Tommy Lasorda. I am so thankful to have known him. He was my manager, father, friend, running mate. He was the ultimate motivator. He brought the best out of me. I will always love him.”

Mickey Hatcher, former Dodger player (1979–80, 1987–90): “Tommy was a true Dodger. He was a special person who set the tone for my life, and I thank him for that.”

Rick Honeycutt, former Dodger pitcher (1983–87) and pitching coach (2006–19): “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, mentor, and former skipper. Besides playing for Tommy, he was instrumental in me becoming a pitching coach in the Dodgers organization in 2001. Tommy was a great motivator and always challenged me to be my best. I’m so grateful that I got to be with him the night we won the World Series. He would say every spring that we had to win the World Series before he went to the big Dodger in the sky. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jo, Laura and Emily. R.I.P.”

Eric Karros, former Dodger first baseman (1991–02): “Tommy used baseball as a vehicle to impact lives, as much as any man I have known.”

Dave Roberts, Dodger manager (2016-present) and former player (2002–04): “I am going to miss you, my friend. Thank you for conversations, laughs and the relentless support. Thank you for teaching me the “Dodger Way” and how fortunate we are to put this uniform on each day. The entire Dodger family will miss you. It’s up to all of us to continue your legacy. Rest in peace, Skipper!”