Tommy Lasorda

Tommy Lasorda was an American baseball manager who is best known for managing the Los Angeles Dodgers, his time in Major League Baseball, and his notable personality on and off the field.

Personal and Family Life

Tommy Lasorda was born on September 22, 1927, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He married Jo Lasorda on April 14, 1950, and they had two children together. Lasorda faced personal challenges, including the death of his only son, Tommy Jr., in 1991 due to AIDS complications, a tragedy that strained their relationship. Despite these struggles, Lasorda was well respected in the baseball community and remained a beloved figure for his contributions to the sport.

Career Achievements

Lasorda was notably the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1976 to 1996 and was involved with the team for over 50 years. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997 and received numerous honors throughout his lifetime, including induction into the International League Hall of Fame in 2008. Lasorda was celebrated not just for his managing skills but also for his passion for baseball, displaying a larger-than-life personality and a deep love for the Dodgers.

Death and Legacy

Tommy Lasorda passed away on January 7, 2021, in Fullerton, California, from cardiopulmonary arrest. His legacy lives on in the baseball community, where he is remembered as one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport. Fans and players alike continue to celebrate his contributions and the vibrant spirit he brought to the game.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco 1996-03-08 Lucky Lasorda (voice)
Hanna-Barbera’s 50th 1989-07-17 Self
Americathon 1979-08-10 Jimmy Dumphy
Rickles… On the Loose 1986-08-23 Self
Against the Odds: The Mike Piazza Story 2016-07-13
WrestleMania II 1986-04-07 Ring Announcer
Ladybugs 1992-03-27 Coach Cannoll
Local Heroes: Baseball on Capital Region Diamonds 1995-09-25 Self
1955, Seven Days of Fall 2005-10-04 Self
Home Base: The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum 2006-10-01
Pitching Man: Satchel Paige Defying Time 2009-04-29 Self
Davi’s Way 2018-07-13 Self
Bob Uecker’s Wacky World of Sports 1987-01-01 Self (archive footage)
All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra 1983-12-11 Himself
Jimmy Kimmel Live! 2003-01-26
Silver Spoons 1982-09-25
Everybody Loves Raymond 1996-09-13 Tommy Lasorda
Police Squad! 1982-03-04
Arliss 1996-08-10
The Tony Danza Show 2004-09-13 Self
CHiPs 1977-09-15 Himself
Simon & Simon 1981-11-24
Hart to Hart 1979-09-22
SportsCentury 1999-01-21
This Week 1981-11-15
AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies 1998-06-23 Self
Life with Louie 1994-12-24 Coach Larry Rockwell (voice)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 1962-10-01 Self