As the Los Angeles Times obituary on Lasorda Sr. states: In 1991, Lasordas son, Tom Jr., known as Spunky, died at 33, a death attributed to pneumonia and dehydration. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. Lasorda was 93, and tributes to the iconic manager have been pouring in, beginning with that of his beloved Dodgers. of Professional Baseball Players of America, 12062 Valley View, Suite 211, Garden Grove, Calif., 92645. Tommy Lasorda acknowledges the crowd at Dodger Stadium as his number is retired by the team during a pregame ceremony in August 1997. So you try to look at the whole picture, especially then when I was a closeted gay man. Nor did he ever speak to Lasorda about his son after Tommy Jr.s death. Odds and lines subject to change. I read that in a paper. AnotherTwitter usercalled Lasorda an ahole for not accepting it and supporting his son.. But baseballs culture has progressed since Lasordas days, said Dave Pallone, a former M.L.B. Outsports has reached out to Ocamb and the current editor of the Blade requesting more information about this claim. There was no question that he had a difficult time with it, Pallone said about Lasorda. The Dodgerstweetedthat Lasorda is resting comfortably.. Tommy Lasorda, who spent seven decades in the Dodgers organization -- first as a player in Brooklyn and then in Los Angeles as a two-time World Series winning manager -- has died. Following Tommy Jr.s death, GQs Peter Richmond wrote an exploration of their relationship and given what we know about his dads views, its surprisingly filled with testimonials from friends of both Senior and Junior like Everyone should know that there is this Tom [Sr.] who really loved his son and [Tommy Jr.] talked lovingly about his father and their relationshipthey had a very good relationship.. Born Thomas Charles Lasorda, he was an American former Major League Baseball pitcher, coach, and Manager, who will best be remembered for his two decades managing the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading them to two World Series Titles in 1981 and 1988. "If I go in with my head hung down when I put on my uniform, what good does it do? I had him for 33 years, Lasorda told the magazine. Tommy Lasorda, the former Los Angeles Dodgers manager who was recently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, addresses fans at Dodger Stadium in. She found that sad but said Tommy Jr. did not resent his father over it. He compiled a 1,599-1,439 record, won World Series titles in 1981 and '88 . Take a look back at some memorable images and quotes from Lasorda's life. 2023 Lasorda worked as a player, scout, manager and front office executive with the Dodgers dating to their roots in Brooklyn. ORIGINAL REPORT: Over nearly three decades, Tommy Lasordas denial of his gay sons identity has grown into legend. As the Los Angeles Times reported, Lasorda was among the few remaining links to the teams Brooklyn roots, and had spent 71 seasons with the Dodgers. Brittney Griner vows to never play overseas againunless its for the Olympics, Champion shot putter Sophie McKinna comes out as gay ahead of Paris 2024, Jason Collins journey to put his past straight label behind him continues to inspire, Nikki Hiltz speaks out loud with a USATF road 1-mile championship win in Iowa. Several others who were close Tommy Jr. in the 1970s and '80s all said that there was no question that the famous baseball manager's son was gay. But Tommy Sr. never wanted to believe that his son was gay, or didn't want to admit it, at least. Instagram In recent days, others have also been discussing and learning about another part of Lasordas story his relationship with his son and what it said about society and baseball culture at the time. He had fond memories of their time together during and after their on-field days; Lasorda came on Pallones radio show once and told him that he should never have lost his umpiring job. Tommy Lasorda jokingly shows pitcher Fernando Valenzuela how to hold a baseball in March 1983. Two days after Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda was discharged from a hospital in Orange County, Calif., he died at his home in Fullerton, Calif. His son, Tom Jr., died of complications related to AIDS in 1991. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine), Los Angeles Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda covers his face as the San Diego Padres score six runs in the eighth inning to defeat Lasorda?s Dodgers 7-1 in the first game of a doubleheader on Thursday, Sept. 29, 1983 in San Diego. No way. I also read in that paper that a lady gave birth to a fin monkey, too. The news brought to mind more than the expected career highlights from his 20 years with the Dodgers, including two World Series championships. Umpires tossed Youppi!, the Montreal Expos mascot, from a 1989 game when Lasorda complained about the mascots antics. I also read in that paper that a lady gave birth to a f****** monkey, too. Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig hugs Tommy Lasorda during spring training in February 2014. Tommy Lasorda Sr. spent his entire life in baseball, and as I grew older and learned more about his politics, and his past, I became less enthralled. The Dodgers Kik Hernndez, right, celebrates with Tommy Lasorda after the Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs in the 2017 National League Championship Series. You just cant close doors, period, because you never know how its going to hurt you. Alston stepped down after 23 seasons as Dodger skipper. During his sons life, Tommy Sr.s homophobia did not take the form you would ordinarily associate with a famous baseball celebrity of an older generation. Tommy Lasorda and his wife, Jo, during introductions at Family Night at Dodger Stadium in 1987. A happy face," he said. John Casey is editor at large for The Advocate. Tom Lasorda, Jr., known as Spunky, died of complications from AIDS on June 3, 1991 at the age of 33. Bobby Jr., is the son of former Dodger and Mets third base coach . Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully praised Lasorda's "boundless enthusiasm" and his "determination." (Tannen Maury / European Pressphoto Agency). Meanwhile, Tommy Lasorda was as baseball establishment as it got. She cried. He became known as much for his colorful sayings as his managerial prowess. Eligibility restrictions apply. MLB Power Rankings: Who's No. They were at the Baseball Writers Association New York chapter dinner January 30, 1978. However, since then, it has been suggested that Tom Jr., a gay man, died from complications of AIDS. This is poll is currently not showing results, please visit our poll listing for current or past polls. There are more pictures of Tommy Lasorda with Billy Crystal than there are with his son. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson), Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, of the Los Angeles Dodger, speaks at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, during the installation of his portrait. Tom Verducci. I know what my son died of. Spheeris said Tommy Jr. and his father loved each other. Tommy Lasorda is a LA Dodgers legend A pitcher who had a 6.48 ERA in 26 career games from 1954-56, Tommy Lasorda is best known for his managerial career. In 1997, Lasorda and his wife donated $500,000 through the Thomas Lasorda Jr. Memorial Foundation to maintain a public gym in Yorba Linda, Calif., not far from where they lived. Dodger Stadium is lite up tonight in honor of Hall of Fame Los Angeles Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda, who passed away at the age of 93. He told Richmond, I dont care what people I know what my son died of. But while Minnie learned how to love his son, Tommy remained stuck in the past. Political History, Black Youth Leader Says He Was Mistakenly Detained While Naked, New Jersey Librarian Files Federal Complaint After Being Fired for 'Gay Lifestyle', Transgender Archaeologist Fired From Federal Job After Posing With AR-15. Baseball lost one of its most well-loved ambassadors on January 7, 2021, when Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda died of cardiac arrest at the age of 93. His son, Thomas Jr., died in 1991. In 2013, Lakers star Kobe Bryant joins Tommy Lasorda at a game between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium. Thank you for accepting all of who I am, even if it took some time for you to understand certain parts of me. (AP Photo/Richard Drew), Tom Lasorda answers questions during a news conference in Los Angeles Monday, July 29, 1996, where he announced his retirement as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. At right is Tom Lasorda, Los Angeles Dodgers manager, whose team lost to the Yankees. For other glimpses at HIV history in the early days of the epidemic, see the recent articles R.I.P. He died of pneumonia." It didnt have to be that wayeven for a celebrity from a conservative sport like baseball or from an older generation. So, I believed his father, because at that time a manly, combative man like Lasorda could not have possibly had a gay son, and one who died of AIDS. Be sure to follow Lasorda Jr., an artist, had been ill for some time and was recently hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He was young, and because his father was his father, I did not connect the cause of death with AIDS. Dodgers manager and baseball legend Tommy Lasorda died Thursday night of a heart attack at age 93. Despite Lasorda's statement to the contrary, "it was very obvious that he was feminine," said Cat Gwynn, a high school classmate of Tom Jr. "I was enamored of him because he wasn't at all uncomfortable with who he was he strutted his stuff." On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). He died on Thursday at age 93. Tommy Lasorda, longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has died. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! No way, he continued, with some expletives sprinkled in. Baseball was the topic of conversation and promises of what to expect next season were bantered about. Lasorda retired midway through the 1996 season after he had a heart attack. Manager Tommy Lasorda is at the head of the pack as the Dodgers celebrate winning the National League West title in 1983. Void in ONT. Tommy Lasorda was recently brought to the intensive care unit at a hospital in Orange County, Calf. Was I simply in denial? Tommy Lasorda, the fiery Hall of Fame manager who guided the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series titles and later became an ambassador for the sport he loved during his 71 years with the franchise, has died. I was a rabid baseball fan growing up. Here are some selected relevant portions from that story: Whats remarkable about Burke is how out he was in the 1970s. Pallone, who used to see Tommy Jr. at games, didnt feel like it was his place to broach the subject. Heklina, Influential San Francisco Activist Drag Queen, Greg Louganis Is Auctioning Off Olympic Medals for HIV Charity, Elton Johns Oscar Viewing Party Raises $9M to End AIDS, Adam Lambert Stars in Historical AIDS Drama Fairyland, Says It Resonates Today. But he didnt know how to. He played for the Dodgers, so I was at first filled with disbelief, and then with excitement. In 20 years as manager of the baseball club, Lasorda won two World Series championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles, and was famous for saying he bled Dodger blue out of loyalty to the organization. In case you were wondering and he was Plaschke is rhymed with Great Gatsby., Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Elliott: Pissed off Kings must improve in key areas to break Oilers playoff stranglehold, Shohei Ohtanis seventh home run of the season helps Angels avoid sweep, Florida Panthers upset record-setting Boston Bruins in Game 7 OT thriller, Dodgers dont need the long ball to finish sweep of Cardinals. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon), Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda sits surrounded by the team and supporters during a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 7, 1996 in Los Angeles honoring his career in baseball. 2,677 Tommy Lasorda Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO All Sports Entertainment News Archival Browse 2,677 tommy lasorda photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Tommy Lasorda has died, never having admitted the truth about his gay son, Olympic boxer Harry Garside says hes proud to wear a dress. Jan. 8, 2021 9:39 AM PT. Lasorda and Mioso are baseball legends from the same era. Tommy Lasorda was supportive of him in private. The Los Angeles Dodgers, the team to which he dedicated more than seven decades of his life, tweeted the announcement following day, stating how the man who had "Dodger blue running through his veins" was able to see his beloved team win the World Series one last time in October 2020, when the Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays in a six-game series. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. (AP Photo/David F. Smith), Los Angeles Dodgers' manager Tom Lasorda is seen in 1975. And, after Pirates' great Roberto Clemente died, I had to search for new favorite ballplayer, and a year or two after Clemente's death, Steve Garvey, the first baseman of the Los Angeles Dodgers burst onto the scene, becoming the first write-in to earn a spot on the All-Star team mid-season in 1974, and at the end of the year, garnering the MVP award. Thats not the truth., Lasorda also rankled at reports that his son was an AIDS patient. These 36 trans athletes have competed openly in college. Burke is the first player in Major League Baseball history to come out to his teammates during his playing career. umpire who said he was fired in 1988 for being gay. Thats heartbreaking and infuriating. Before this year, that was the last time the Dodgers won a World Series. At an old-timers game in May 2018 at Dodger Stadium, former manager Tommy Lasorda tests a bat belonging to Kirk Gibson, right. Smart + Strong (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais), Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant sits next to Tommy Lasorda during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the National League Championship baseball series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut), Sparky Anderson, manager of the Cincinnati Reds, greets a rival manager Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the two met at a luncheon honoring Lasorda on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 1977 in Los Angeles. Tommy Lasorda runs with Dodgers players Davey Lopes, left, and Bill Russell at the teams spring training camp in Vero Beach, Fla., in 1981. Thats not the fin truth. And also why despite all the accolades and achievements, Tommy Lasordas life as a dad was nothing but missed opportunities. Official reports in the media of the time said Spunky died of pneumonia and severe dehydration, and focus more on how his father would deal with managing his baseball team than with the fact that his only son was gay. Tommy Lasorda shouldve followed Minnie Miosos example of supporting his gay son, Olympic boxer Harry Garside says hes proud to wear a dress. He was admitted to the hospital in November and was released earlier this week before passing away on Thursday night. He wanted to be more macho but he didnt know how to. At the time, Lasorda Sr. denied his sons homosexuality and the true cause of his death. He went to rehab and stopped doing drugs and no longer had sexual relationships. I also read in that paper that a lady gave birth to a monkey, too. If he could help you with something, he would do it. Theres a reason why Tommy Lasorda won National League Manager of the Year twice and Father of the Year never. ), How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, Plaschke: Lakers live up to their legacy with a close-out win for the ages, At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Lakers vs. Warriors: What scouts expect in playoff series, School is in session as Sparks begin training camp, The Times final regular-season top 25 baseball rankings, Sondheimer: JSerra baseball star Dominic Smaldino has history on his side. And Richmond got to the heart of the matter when he quoted a WeHo companion of Tommy Jr.s: I think he wanted to make his father happy. After becoming sick, Tommy Jr. changed his lifestyle completely. As of November 2020, Lasorda never publicly acknowledged any change of opinion on his sons death. Former manager Tommy Lasorda and catcher Mike Piazza of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose together for a picture during the retiring of Lasorda's number. Tom Lasorda, 49, speaks at a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1976 in Los Angeles after being named to replace Walt Alston as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a journeyman career as a pitcher, Lasorda started his coaching career with the Dodgers organization. Lasorda professed to loving his son, and was grateful that he had him for 31 years - he did say that much, but as a famous person, and one who was bombastically in the spotlight, just imagine how Lasorda could have helped in those dark days by sharing his story? Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty. is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC. (AP Photo), Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn has an arm around New York Yankees manager Billy Martin who has his arm around the trophy the Yankees go for their 1977 World Series victory. Bill Russell, the dugout coach, will manage the Dodgers until Lasorda returns. So, Burke started the friendship with the junior Lasorda, and it raised eyebrows and ire at that time, as it most certainly would have in the mid-1970s in professional sports. Ronald Reagan, center, and First Lady Nancy Reagan, left, are presented a World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers shirt by manager Tommy Lasorda, right, at a White House Rose Garden ceremony for the team, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 1988, Washington, D.C. Members of the team and official stand in back. A postscript by the author noted, Expecting the father to ask that donations [in honor of his son] go to the Gay Mens Health Crisis? Spunky Lasorda later died of AIDS and his father shamefully never acknowledged that his son was gay. Dodgers executive Magic Johnson and Tommy Lasorda enjoy a National League Championship Series game between the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs on Oct. 18, 2016. But I dont think it waswhen youre that sad, you have to cover up a lot of pain. He had been discharged Tuesday, one of many trips in and out of the hospital in recent years for heart, back and shoulder problems. He later told GQ that he cried a lot about his sons death but never around the team. Tom Lasorda, 49, speaks at a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1976 in Los Angeles after being named to replace Walt Alston as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Photos: Tommy Lasorda through the years, 1927-2021, Photos: Remembering Tommy Lasorda, 1927-2021. Alberto Lejrraga celebrated his promotion in style. Search instead in Creative? 21+ (18+ NH/WY). No way. The former Miami Heat star, who has a trans daughter, says Floridas harsh laws made his family feel unwelcome. The Dodgers won the game and went on to win Lasordas first World Series title as manager. Lasorda had a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest while. MLB's first openly gay player faced homophobia his entire career until he was finally forced out of the league #NowThisPride pic.twitter.com/UsLHQFGxuR. Pallone, 69, said this in a phone interview on Friday evening, the day after Lasorda died of sudden cardiopulmonary arrest. Then-Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, right, talks with Tommy Lasorda during Dodgers spring training in Glendale, Ariz., in March 2010. And of course, back in the '70s and early '80s, I wouldn't admit to anything like that. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). See our ethics statement. Although devastated, his father found sanctuary in the game he loved so well. By Photos: Tommy Lasorda through the years, 1927-2021. The Tragedy of Baseball Icon Tommy Lasorda and His Gay Son Lost to AIDS. Dodgers teammates and coaches knew that Burke was gay during his career. The contrast with Lasorda could not be more jarring. ?To win the World Series, you?ve got to win four games, not one or two,? There's a new generation of coaches today, like San Diego Loyal coach Landon Donovan, who pulled his team off the field after one of his players was subjected to a homophobic slur. Lasorda died on Friday at the age of 93, so I began to think about my complicated relationship with him, and his vehement denial of his gay son. He later managed the American baseball team to a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Garvey was a good-looking guy, but interestingly enough, I don't recall ever having any sort of a crush on him or any of the Major League players growing up, so my interests were purely platonic. The truth may be uncomfortable, but the truth should be told, if not by Lasorda himself, then by Outsports. Through the game, he has been able to put this tragedy out of his mind for a few hours every night.. Bill Plaschke has been an L.A. Times columnist since 1996. (AP Photo/Wally Fong), Dodgers Manager Tom Lasorda talks to reporters after his team lost the first game of the World Series, 4-3, to the Yankees in New York on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1977.