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Hello, and happy Saturday.
On Friday, the baseball world lost an icon: Tommy Lasorda, who died at the age of 93. Lasorda spent more than two decades managing the Los Angeles Dodgers, before moving into a front office role with the team.
The Hall of Famer was a staple at Dodgers games year in and year out, and was beloved by the fanbase. And for the San Francisco Giants, he was a tremendous villain — someone who despised the Giants, and whom the Giants fans hated, jeered, and mocked. You can’t write the story of the rivalry without a chapter about Lasorda.
And for that we’ll always remember him. Rest in peace.
We will never forget his good humored banter and the long walks he’d take across the field at Candlestick Park blowing kisses to Giants fans. He deeply respected and symbolized the great Giants-Dodgers rivalry.
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) January 8, 2021
Rivalries are one of the things that make sports so special. Tommy’s contributions to the Giants and Dodgers rivalry were unmatched. The game of baseball is better because of him. Thank you, Tommy for all your contributions. You will be missed.
— Hunter Pence (@hunterpence) January 8, 2021
Old, random MCC article for you to read
Post-Game Thread: There’s a .GIF of Tommy Lasorda Getting Punched in the Face, I Promise (May 9, 2012 — Grant Brisbee)
Giants links
- Roger Munter has a case study on how the Padres were able to get so good, so fast (There R Giants)
- Alex Pavlovic on Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow’s memories of Tommy Lasorda contributing to the rivalry (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Scott Ostler remembers Tommy Lasorda by taking you into his 1978 Dodgers office (SF Chronicle)
- Jessica Kleinschmidt on how the Giants and Farhan Zaidi are embracing diversity and having women in baseball (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Alex Pavlovic on Bruce Bochy’s funny memories of Tommy Lasorda (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Jim Bowden lists the most underrated prospect for each team (The Athletic, subscription required)
How many days until Opening Day?
There are 82 days until Opening Day.
Have a wonderful Saturday, and a great weekend.