Lasorda Remembers McSherry’s Laughs and Class

Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda was playing the role of rookie manager as he walked from the dugout to the mound in the fourth inning of Game 6 of the 1977 World Series.

He wanted to remove pitcher Burt Hooton, but the Dodger bullpen wasn’t ready. So Lasorda, managing in his first World Series, shortened each step and stalled as he spoke with Hooton.

Umpire John McSherry made his way to the mound to move things along, and the two exchanged pleasantries.

“I just can’t make up my mind, John. What would you do?” Lasorda asked.

McSherry shrugged and replied: “Well, Tommy, you brought this club in first . . . “

Lasorda continued to stall, fretting about whether to bring in a right-hander or a left-hander. McSherry played along briefly, then was told by Lasorda to make the choice himself.

McSherry threw up his right arm to signal that he was bringing in Elias Sosa. And then the manager and umpire shared a laugh.

“You know, you could come out and say something to John, and he’d never give you a hard time,” Lasorda recalled after hearing of McSherry’s death Monday.

“He was a class guy, and a good umpire who loved his job. This guy will be sorely missed.”