Tributes Bring Tears From Lasorda

Tom Lasorda was honored in an emotional 45-minute ceremony before the game where he received several thunderous standing ovations.

Lasorda, who retired July 20 after 20 seasons as Dodger manager, was most emotional when the entire Dodger team came onto the field, and first baseman Eric Karros presented him a Rolex watch from the players, coaching staff and trainers.

“You can have this on one condition,” Karros said, “that it doesn’t go into your garage with all of your other gifts.”

Lasorda, who was weeping, then hugged and kissed all of the players.

Lasorda was presented with two first-class tickets around the world by Dodger President Peter O’Malley and his family. He received tributes from former players Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser and Rick Monday; National League President Len Coleman; Pirate Manager Jim Leyland; and letters of recognition from President Bill Clinton, and former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush.

Lasorda addressed the crowd, congratulated new Manager Bill Russell and told the fans to support Russell.

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Todd Worrell’s father and third baseman Tim Wallach’s son were among seven fans to receive medical treatment when a TV monitor fell into the stands from a broadcast booth in the second inning.