Lasorda Retires

* Re “Lasorda Plans to Retire as Manager of Dodgers,” July 29:

By happenstance I first met Tommy Lasorda on the day of his final game as manager of the Dodgers. A long-time fan, I was on the field at Dodger Stadium before the game as a “Think Blue Week” fantasy contest winner. Also on the field was a group of Little Leaguers in full uniform.

Lasorda arrived to lead the Little Leaguers for a few minutes of fielding drills. Before doing so, he gathered the wide-eyed youths in a semicircle and proceeded to exhort them with an enthusiastic pep talk. It was a motivational speech, delivered by a future Hall of Famer to kids just beginning to learn how to play the great game. It was vintage Lasorda.

Before sending his young audience on to the field, Lasorda ended his talk by leading the Little Leaguers in a rising cheer, “I love the Dodgers! .J.J. I loooove the Dodgers! .J.J. I love the Dodgers!”

RICHARD M. BLUMENTHAL

Westminster

* In a short meeting with Peter O’Malley, Lasorda went from Dodger manager to Dodger corporate vice president. It will be the end of an era that lasted 45-plus years. Our best wishes for continued success in his new role, which will take time to accept.

LOUIS R. KOZBERG

Los Angeles

* To paraphrase a universally felt sentiment I believe Jerome Kern once expressed toward fellow composer Irving Berlin with respect to American music, Tommy Lasorda has no place in baseball; he is baseball!

WILLIAM LIEBERMAN

Thousand Oaks