Emotional Lasorda Returns to Take a Look at the Dodgers

Illustrating his ongoing recovery from a heart attack, Tom Lasorda returned to Dodger Stadium on Monday night for the first time in three weeks, but there was no clear indication when he will return as Dodger manager--or if he will.

After a brief news conference in which Lasorda again spoke of his desire to be back in uniform, Michael Mellman, the team physician, said the medical evaluation was being refined week to week and refused to put a timetable on when a recommendation regarding Lasorda’s future would go to the Dodgers.

“It would be foolish to think we’ll have enough information in a week, and it would be foolish to think we won’t have enough information in a month or a month and a half,” Mellman said. “It’s probably somewhere in between.”

Mellman said Lasorda passed the most dangerous phase of his recovery in the hours immediately after his heart attack and has continued to pass medical milestones, including X-rays of the damaged heart muscle, but has to pass more milestones in the next week or two, including X-rays of the blood flow.

He said Lasorda is strong enough to continue attending games at Dodger Stadium, but that it’s inconceivable to think he would be ready to return as manager before the next homestand, which begins July 30.

The ultimate decision will be made by owner Peter O’Malley and vice president Fred Claire, weighing the medical recommendation against the stress of the job.

“When we have all the facts, all the details, all the conditions, we’ll sit down with Tommy and talk about it,” Claire said.

“If we hear all the things we want to hear, it would lead back to Tommy managing, but we’re not at that point yet, although from what the doctors have told us, we’re closer to it.”

Claire said no one has meant more to the organization than Lasorda and it represented a milestone of another type to have him return to Dodger Stadium for the first time since he directed a 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros on June 23. Lasorda checked into the hospital that night with stomach discomfort and was found to have an ulcer.

Subsequent tests disclosed the heart attack. An angioplasty was performed to clear a blockage. Lasorda said he has lost 18 pounds.

“God gave me a warning and I’m prepared to heed it,” he said at a news conference after meeting with players individually in the clubhouse lounge, a reception he described as emotional.

“There were a lot of hugs,” he said. “They told me how much they had missed me and how happy they were to see me. I cried several times.”

There would be more tears as Lasorda, from in front of the dugout, waved to a crowd of 44,368 while receiving a standing ovation when introduced before the game against the San Diego Padres that he watched from O’Malley’s box.

“Billy and the coaches have done a real good job,” he said of interim manager Bill Russell and staff. “I’m proud of them.”

He added, however, that retirement or the possibility he would not be able to return has “never crossed my mind” and that “I feel I can help and contribute to the success” of a championship caliber team.

He said he has been heartened by the confidence and concern expressed by O’Malley and Claire and the thousands of cards and letters he has received from people all over the world, but that it has been difficult watching games on television.

“Not good at all,” he said. “I think that’s what’s delayed my recovery.”