Tommy Lasorda passed away late Thursday night at the age of 93, and numerous people in the MLB world paid tribute on social media to the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers manager, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.
After it was reported recently that Lasodra was discharged from the hospital following a two-month stay due to health issues, Major League Baseball made an official announcement on Friday that Lasorda had passed on.
In a managerial tenure that spanned over 20 years with the Dodgers from 1976 to 1996, Lasorda led Los Angeles to World Series championships in 1981 and 1988. The team won another World Series this past year for the first time since.
For his career, Lasorda compiled a 1,599 wins, 1,439 losses and two ties in 3,040 games managed. He also posted a 31-30 postseason mark, won National League Manager of the Year twice and four NL pennants during his time at the helm of the Dodgers. His No. 2 jersey is retired by the franchise.
On his official Hall of Fame page, one of Lasorda’s quotes is very telling as to who he was: “Guys ask me, don’t I get burned out? How can you get burned out doing something you love?”
Even after Lasorda’s time with the Dodgers, he managed the U.S. national team to a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, as well.
Known for his extroverted personality and speaking his mind, Lasorda was among the most entertaining managers of all-time in addition to being a huge success.
In addition to managing, Lasorda was briefly a player in Major League Baseball — despite the beginning of his career being put on hold due to a two-year run of military service in the United States Army.
The Dodgers released an official statement about what led to Lasorda’s death, which featured comments from key people in the organization in team owner Mark Walter, president Stan Kasten and broadcaster Vin Scully.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 8, 2021
Here are some other reactions to the news of Lasorda’s passing, which featured heartfelt words and celebrated the skipper’s singular legacy:
RIP Tommy Lasorda, who was 93 when he died last night … he spent 71 years in the #Dodgers organization, managed them to World Series championships in 1981 and 1988 and got to see his beloved team win the World Series in Texas in October. A huge loss for MLB and the Dodgers.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) January 8, 2021
One of the greatest ambassadors for baseball we'll see in our lifetimes. https://t.co/KnZakTBHDF
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 8, 2021
What a life it was! #Tommy https://t.co/8rHKIdACfA
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 8, 2021
In 1948, while pitching for the Schenectady Blue Jays, Tommy Lasorda struck out 25 batters in a 15-inning complete game.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 8, 2021
The game ended in the 15th.
Lasorda knocked in the winning run at the plate. #RIP #Legend pic.twitter.com/h1IyDJSD4U
Nobody loved the Dodgers more than Tommy Lasorda. He's going to have the best tombstone out there. pic.twitter.com/jKAMnMrm7k
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) January 8, 2021
"He asked me if I'd ever been to arbitration? I said, 'Everyday with my wife. And she always wins."
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) January 8, 2021
Legendary Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda, who passed away last night at 93, holds court during Spring Training in March 1986: pic.twitter.com/PqPtP6AtpF
We join all of baseball in mourning the loss of @Dodgers icon Tommy Lasorda.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 8, 2021
Always a friendly face at the Confines. pic.twitter.com/0cclv3Lkbf
Tommy Lasorda was one-of-a-kind and ALWAYS told it like it was
— Starting 9 (@Starting9) January 8, 2021
pic.twitter.com/tEoCiitRHF
So heartbroken learning about the passing of TOMMY LaSORDA of @Dodgers fame .Being in his company was a trip & I never tired of his stories .Shared time with him at my home ,my Gala at dinner & they r gr8 memories .Pls RIP via @ESPN App https://t.co/IDkQ2aycJu
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 8, 2021
"I bleed Dodger blue and
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 8, 2021
when I die, I'm going to the big Dodger in the sky."
RIP Tommy Lasorda pic.twitter.com/ayZdlB29f6
"We laugh and we cry and we mourn today, the passing of the man who represented the Dodgers more than anyone in Dodger history," says @BillPlaschke
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) January 8, 2021
"Tommy Lasorda was the Dodgers."
Tommy Lasorda, the legendary Dodgers manager, has died. He was 93. https://t.co/Zwk99ijFXL pic.twitter.com/LOeKJaWfZT
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