Legendary Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda passed away at the age of 93 after suffering a heart attack late Thursday night. He had spent 71 years within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, two decades of which were spent serving as manager.
For the Detroit Tigers, it’s a personal loss.
He was close with GM Al Avila and his family, particularly with son Alex Avila. Lasorda was Alex’s godfather, and the latter’s middle name is Thomas in the former’s honor. Additionally, Al’s father Ralph was a long-time scout for the Dodgers.
The Tigers GM released the following statement:
Statement from #Tigers EVP/GM Al Avila on the passing of Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda. pic.twitter.com/ZTNfgMv2O9
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) January 8, 2021
“All of us have lost an incredible person in the passing of Tommy Lasorda,” Al Avila said in a statement. “Tommy had a significant impact on our family and I was fortunate to have known him for nearly my entire life. He was a best friend of my dad, Ralph, and godfather to my son, Alex.
“His intensity and smarts as a manager were known to all, but we were truly blessed to see what an amazing man, husband, father and grandfather he was away from the ballpark as well. So while my family mourns the loss of a dear friend, baseball has lost a legend. On behalf of my entire family, our condolences and love go out to his wife, Jo, daughter, Laura, and the entire Lasorda family.”
