R.I.P. Tommy Lasorda

Tommy Lasorda passed away earlier this week. He was a great ambassador of the game, but I was never a big fan. He was the leader of the Braves’ main rival in the early 80’s. Being in LA, the Dodgers got the national media attention the Braves never got. Lasorda guest starred on Fantasy island and Police Squad. You never saw Dale Murphy get those gigs.

TOMMY LASORDA [SABR Bio] was sent to the minors to allow room for Sandy Koufax on the Dodgers' roster. His contract was sold by the Dodgers to the KCA where Lasorda pitched in 18 of his career 26 games. In his brief career as a major league pitcher, pitcher Lasorda never achieved a WAR above 0.00, but struck out Mickey Mantle in 2 of their 4 encounters. Mantle singled in the others.

A former teammate of Jackie Robinson, Lasorda was at the ceremony where Robinson's family received the posthumously-awarded Congressional Gold Medal, presented by U.S. President George W. Bush in 2005. Lasorda was a member of the group representing the Dodgers as well as his teammate in 1954-55. Lasorda managed LAD from 1976 to 1996. As manager Lasorda had an unprecedented nine of his rookies win the Rookie of the Year Award.

1979...Rick Sutcliffe...................P

1980... Steve Howe.................... P

1981... Fernando Valenzuela..... P

1982... Steve Sax...................... 2B

1992... Eric Karros..................... 1B

1993... Mike Piazza.................... C

1994... Raul Mondesi................ RF

1995... Hideo Nomo.................... P

1996... Todd Hollandsworth....... P

During his tenure as manager, his team won five and a half NL West Division championships, four National League pennants and two World Series. Won NL West in 1977, 1983, 1985, 1988 & 1995. Won NL pennant in 1977. 1978, 1981 & 1988. Won WS in 1981 & 1988. Also won the first half of play in the 1981 split season. Lasorda is the longest-tenured Dodger employee of all time (3 years longer than Vin Scully).  He often said that he bled Dodger Blue. He has the fourth most managerial wins among managers who only managed one major league team. His 1,599 wins are only exceeded by the totals of Connie Mack, Walter Alston and Mike Scioscia. Only Scioscia managed fewer seasons.

Lasorda became the first manager to win a World Series and manage an Olympic gold medal winner during his career. He came out of retirement to lead a group of American players who were mostly unknown minor leaguers at the time. They dethroned the heavily-favored Cuba team at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Lasorda, aged 93, had been the oldest living HOFer since the death of Red Schoendienst 06-Jun-2018. 89-year old Willie Mays now assumes that title. After several years of all-in-fun battles with the Phillies’ mascot, Lasorda eventually got his revenge.  Explaining his actions, Lasorda said, “What the Phanatic did wasn't entertainment.  I love the Dodgers, and it wasn't right for him to stomp on the doll with the uniform.  There were a lot of kids there, and he's showing them violence.  He didn't need to do that.”

With Lasorda coaching third base in the 2001 All-Star Game, Vladimir Guerrero lost his grip on a swing and the flung bat sent Lasorda sprawling. Bonds offered Lasorda the protective gear as soon as the manager was on his feet again. (Had it been a NBA game, he might have been called for flopping). During most of his managerial career, he struggled with his weight. He explained his expansive girth with, “When we win, I'm so happy I eat a lot. When we lose, I'm so depressed, I eat a lot. When we're rained out, I'm so disappointed I eat a lot.”

I'd been hankering to get a new pair of sneakers, but nothing had really caught my fancy. Was thinking about a pair of high-tops. Would be warm in the winter. Passed on a pair of navy adidas. Bought this pair this afternoon.

Nike Free Run Commuter 2018 Atmosphere Grey Vast  

We'll see if these work out. Kinda a snug fit. I am more of a dark shoe guy. These silver shoes kinda stand out too much. I like a clunkier sneaker better - little shoes tend to make me look even larger.

I do like this slip on style. They're similar to the pair of darker grey adidas I've been wearing a lot. I've had two or three pair of Nike Free Run sneakers before, and they've never really captured my fancy. We'll see. I can always sell them.