Thomas Charles Lasorda (born September 22, 1927) was a Major League Baseball player and manager. In 1999 he marked his 50th year of involvement, in one capacity or another, with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

Lasorda broke into the major leagues in 1954 as a left-handed pitcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Playing in abbreviated stints, however, Lasorda never established himself as a major league-calibre player and didn't see major league player time after the 1956 season.

Lasorda became Los Angeles's manager in 1977 after Walter Alston's retirement and led the team to consecutive National League championships in 1977 and 1978. Over 20 years at the helm of the Dodgers, he also led the team to two World Series championships (1981 and 1988). He retired after the 1996 season, having compiled a 1599-1439 record as a manager. His 1599 career wins ranks 15th all-time.

After retiring, Lasorda became an executive within the Dodgers organization. He also coached the gold medal United States Olympic team in 2000.

Lasorda is major league catcher Mike Piazza's godfather.

Lasorda was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

External links

• Tommy Lasorda's managerial record at Baseball-Reference.com
• Baseball Hall of Fame Biography