Who Is Tommy Lasorda? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on September 22, 1927, Tommy Lasorda was a legendary baseball player and manager. With an illustrious career that spanned several decades, Lasorda became synonymous with the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading the team to multiple World Series championships. Tommy's passionate approach to baseball and his charismatic personality made him not just a successful manager, but also a beloved cultural icon. He passed away on January 7, 2021, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of baseball fans.
| Occupation | Baseball Manager |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1927 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 7 January, 2021 |
| Died Place | Fullerton, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Tommy Lasorda's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tommy Lasorda stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). Throughout his playing career, he maintained a weight that was considered typical for a baseball player of his era, generally around 180 pounds (82 kg). While exact measurements may not be widely documented, Lasorda's sturdy build contributed to his physical presence on the field.
"Ralph taught me that if you treat players like human beings, they will play like Superman," he told Bill Plaschke in the biography I Live for This: Baseball's Last True Believer. "He taught me how a pat on a shoulder can be just as important as a kick in the butt."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tommy Lasorda was married to Jo Lasorda, and the couple enjoyed a long-lasting partnership that endured for over 70 years until his passing. Together, they had two children, a son named Tom, and a daughter named Laura. Lasorda’s devotion to his family was evident throughout his life, as he often credited them for his success in both his personal and professional endeavors.
Lasorda partially owned the food company Lasorda Foods, which was known primarily for pasta sauces that Lasorda stated were based on a family recipe passed down to his wife, Jo. In September 1989, the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Denver firm Discovery Capital Corp. Lasorda continued to own 10% of the restructured entity.
The parent company through which Lasorda maintained his stake, Lasorda Foods Holding Corp Inc., was initially based in Fountain Valley, California, before moving to Irvine and then Paramount. A Boca Raton, Florida-based company, Modami Services, acquired Lasorda Foods Holding Corp Inc. in August 1993.
Lasorda and Lasorda Foods President Steven Fox, who together owned a majority of Lasorda Foods stock, were paid in Modami shares.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2021, Tommy Lasorda had an estimated net worth of around $15 million. His earnings came from a successful career as a player and manager in Major League Baseball, endorsements, and various appearances that showcased his love for the game. Lasorda’s financial legacy continues to resonate, as he laid a strong foundation for future generations of his family.
Career, Business and Investments
Tommy Lasorda’s career began in the minor leagues, but he rose to prominence as a manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a role he took on in 1976. Under his leadership, the Dodgers achieved remarkable success, including two World Series titles in 1981 and 1988. Beyond managing, Lasorda was also involved in various business endeavors and remained active in the baseball community, offering mentorship and promoting the game he loved.
Lasorda signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1945 and began his professional career that season with the Concord Weavers of the Class D North Carolina State League. He missed the 1946 and 1947 seasons because of a stint in the United States Army. He served on active duty from October 1945 until spring 1947.
Lasorda returned to baseball in 1948 with the Schenectady Blue Jays of the Canadian–American League. On May 31, 1948, he struck out 25 Amsterdam Rugmakers in a 15-inning game, setting a professional record, and drove in the winning run with a single. He played with Schenectady from 1948 through 1950.
Social Network
Tommy Lasorda was active on social media platforms, where he connected with fans and shared his thoughts on baseball and life. His accounts featured memories from his storied career, insights into his personal life, and a deep connection with the Dodgers community. Following his passing, many tributes poured in from fans and fellow players, demonstrating the profound impact he had within the baseball world.
Lasorda managed nine players who won the NL Rookie of the Year Award. The winners came in two strings of consecutive players. From 1979 to 1982, he managed Rick Sutcliffe, Steve Howe, Fernando Valenzuela, and Steve Sax. From 1992 to 1995, he managed Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Raúl Mondesí, and Hideo Nomo.
Before retiring during the 1996 season, he had also managed that year's eventual winner, Todd Hollandsworth. Lasorda's final game was a 4–3 victory over the Houston Astros, at Dodger Stadium, on June 23, 1996. The following day, he drove himself to the hospital complaining of abdominal pain, and in fact was having a heart attack.
Former shortstop Bill Russell would take the reins of the team on an interim basis.
He received a clean bill of health from his doctor, but he took into account seeing Don Drysdale die in a hotel room a few years prior with a similar ailment, stating "I got to thinking about my little 9-month-old granddaughter, and how I'd like to be around when she goes to school." On July 29, Lasorda formally announced his retirement, thus makin
g Russell only the third man to manage the Dodgers in 43 years.
Education
While specific details about Tommy Lasorda's educational background are limited, he played baseball during his high school years and honed his skills before entering professional baseball. Lasorda’s dedication to learning and improvement was evident in his managerial philosophy, where he emphasized the importance of training, discipline, and teamwork.
In conclusion, Tommy Lasorda remains a significant figure in the world of baseball, not only for his accomplishments on the field but also for the legacy he left behind. As we remember his contributions, let us celebrate the spirit and passion he brought to America's pastime.
