Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda Dies at 93

Tommy Lasorda in 1996. Photo by Larry Marano/Shutterstock (11700868e)

Tommy Lasorda, one of the most legendary managers in the history of Major League Baseball, has passed away at the age of 93.

Lasorda was a member of the Dodgers’ organization for 71 years. He first played professionally for the franchise while they were still the Brooklyn Dodgers. Lasorda later went on to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning the World Series twice.

The Hall of Fame manager suffered a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest on Thursday evening while at his home, according to a statement released by his family.

Lasorda’s playing career was short, pitching for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954-1955. He got the Los Angeles managerial job in 1976 and spent two decades leading the Dodgers.

He was named National League Manager of the Year twice over that period of time and led the Dodgers to two World Championships in 1981 and 1988.

The Dodgers are the current MLB champions, with their 2020 World Series win being their first since Lasorda’s last one in 1988.

Lasorda was immediately inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997 after retiring one year earlier.

The famed manager is survived by his wife Jo, their daughter Laura, and granddaughter Emily Tess.