There it is. While the news of his death was hardly shockinghe'd been suffering from cardiopulmonary issues that kept him hospitalized. One person who would not admit to this speculation, that he was gay and that he died of AIDS, was his father. Trent Straube. The Dodgers won the game and went on to win Lasordas first World Series title as manager. In a nutshell, could Lasorda have done more at such a consequential and critical time? The award-winning Los Angeles Times photo staff works across Southern California, the state, the nation and the world to bring readers images that inform and inspire daily. Tommy Lasorda serving as an honorary coach of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011. Click this link right now: https://advocatechannel.com, Tommy Lasorda's Legacy Includes Silence Over HIV and His Gay Son, 26 Things Gay Sex Workers Want You to Know, 36 Pics of Inhibitions and Shirts Coming Off at Hebro's Jewbilee Party, 11 Homoerotic Ads, Covers From 20th Century Gay Artist J.C. 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Friday, Jan. 8, 2021: The Los Angeles Dodgers issued a statement via Twitter today announcing the death of Tommy Lasorda, the Hall of Fame manager of the team from 1976 to 1996. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Tommy Lasorda looked on from a suite at Globe Life Field in Texas, watching as the Los Angeles . The Veterans Committee inducted Lasorda into the Hall of Fame in 1997. (AP Photo/Richard Drew), Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, right, and Fred Claire, Dodgers' vice president, hoist the World Series Trophy following their team's decisive 5-2 win over the Oakland A's at Oakland, Oct. 20, 1987. Minnie Mioso knew what it was like to be marginalized check out any newspaper cartoon from his day to see how sportswriters would add a dash of old-timey Chico Escuela-style racism to his every quote and because of this, he worried about what his son would encounter after coming out. For many people, talk of Lasordas life revived memories of the icons relationship with his son, Tommy Lasorda Jr., who was gay and died of AIDS-related illness. Years later, at some charity event, not in an interview, Lasorda admitted that Tommy Jr was gay and had died of AIDS and he apologized for his homophobia, wrote veteran journalist and former editor Karen Ocamb, the winner of both GLAAD and NLGJA awards. Despite Lasorda's statement to the contrary, "it was very obvious that he was feminine," said Cat Gwynn, a high school classmate of Tom Jr. "I was enamored of him because he wasn't at all uncomfortable with who he was he strutted his stuff." Tommy Lasorda wouldn't admit that his son was gay Jayne Kamin-oncea/Getty Images Lasorda's son, Tom Jr., died in 1991. Although the elder Lasorda had spoken privately of his sons illness on occasion, Dodger clubhouse observers agreed that, outwardly, the strain of his sons illness had not affected his managing. A look back at the life and iconic career of Hall of Fame Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, in photos. After becoming sick, Tommy Jr. changed his lifestyle completely. First and foremost, since I was from Pittsburgh, I was a Pirates fan. But Spheeriss mind quickly turned to someone else in the Lasorda family that she had known and missed: his son, Tommy Jr., known as Spunky, who was gay and died in 1991 at 33 from complications from AIDS. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. At an old-timers game in May 2018 at Dodger Stadium, former manager Tommy Lasorda tests a bat belonging to Kirk Gibson, right. Void in ONT. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. Dave Pallone was an umpire from 1979 to 1988 and says he was fired for being gay. Brooklyn Dodgers' pitcher Tom LaSorda is seen in Vero Beach, March 2, 1954. She said one reason she related so much to him was because her own brother, who was killed by a drunken driver in 1984, was gay, and many of his friends died of AIDS complications because the medical treatments were not as advanced as they are now. In 20 years as manager of the baseball club, Lasorda won two World Series championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles, and was famous for saying he bled Dodger blue out of loyalty to the organization. Nobody Lived a Fuller Baseball Life Than Tommy Lasorda - Sports Illustrated As for Tom Lasorda, Jr., it may be long past the time to confront and embrace his truth, but to my mind: now is as good a time as any. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Umpires tossed Youppi!, the Montreal Expos mascot, from a 1989 game when Lasorda complained about the mascots antics. He is the author of five books, including a collection of his columns entitled, Plaschke: Good Sports, Spoil Sports, Foul Ball and Oddballs. Plaschke is also a panelist on the popular ESPN daily talk show, Around the Horn. For his community service, he has been named Man of the Year by the Los Angeles Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and has received a Pursuit of Justice Award from the California Womens Law Center. He wished he could have liked girls. Bill Russell, the dugout coach, will manage the Dodgers until Lasorda returns. Dodgers greats Don Newcombe, left, and Maury Wills, right, with new Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, second from left, and Tommy Lasorda at Dodger Stadium in 2016. One of the most famous figures in sports sadly perpetuated a culture of shame. Political History, Black Youth Leader Says He Was Mistakenly Detained While Naked, New Jersey Librarian Files Federal Complaint After Being Fired for 'Gay Lifestyle', Transgender Archaeologist Fired From Federal Job After Posing With AR-15. You just cant close doors, period, because you never know how its going to hurt you. Remembering Tommy Lasorda, the Dodgers Legend Who Cast a Long Shadow He died on Thursday at age 93. Thats not the truth.. Dodgers manager and baseball legend Tommy Lasorda died Thursday night of a heart attack at age 93. And with the younger people playing in the game, and younger people in management, that the game will change as far as openness toward the L.G.B.T.Q. The facility was renamed the Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House. He died of pneumonia." Alberto Lejrraga celebrated his promotion in style. Smart + Strong Lasorda was 93, and tributes to the iconic manager have been pouring in, beginning with that of his beloved Dodgers. Tommy Lasorda was supportive of him in private. POZ uses cookies to provide necessary website functionality, improve your experience, analyze our traffic and personalize ads. No one was safe from Lasordas wrath. After a journeyman career as a pitcher, Lasorda started his coaching career with the Dodgers organization. And she was not the only one who told GQ that. Walking into the office of Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda . Follow us on Twitter @sportscasting19. But Tommy Sr. never wanted to believe that his son was gay, or didn't want to admit it, at least. Take a look back at some memorable images and quotes from Lasorda's life. No way. Nor did he ever speak to Lasorda about his son after Tommy Jr.s death. She said Tommy Jr. tried to protect his father by not discussing his sexuality. Photos: Tommy Lasorda through the years, 1927-2021. Garvey was a good-looking guy, but interestingly enough, I don't recall ever having any sort of a crush on him or any of the Major League players growing up, so my interests were purely platonic. (AP Photo), Tommy Lasorda (left) who managed the Los Angeles Dodgers into the World Series only to lose to the New York Yankees, takes a turn at slapstick humor as he makes a guest appearance on the TV show "Hee Haw." Brittney Griner vows to never play overseas againunless its for the Olympics, Champion shot putter Sophie McKinna comes out as gay ahead of Paris 2024, Jason Collins journey to put his past straight label behind him continues to inspire, Nikki Hiltz speaks out loud with a USATF road 1-mile championship win in Iowa. These 36 trans athletes have competed openly in college. It didnt have to be that wayeven for a celebrity from a conservative sport like baseball or from an older generation. I'm going off of memory here, so my facts might be a bit mixed up, but I do know that Tommy Lasorda, Jr. befriended the first out baseball player (he came out after he retired) Glenn Burke, while Burke played for the Dodgers. Lasorda was enraged when it was widely reported that his son had died of complications of AIDS. community, and it wont be so tough for fathers and mothers who are part of the game of baseball to accept their sons and daughters.. Orestes Minnie Mioso was two years older than Lasorda, a should-be Hall of Famer, a barrier breaker for Latin American baseball players, and one of the most popular figures in Chicago White Sox history. She died Monday night at her home in Fullerton, the. 2,677 Tommy Lasorda Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO All Sports Entertainment News Archival Browse 2,677 tommy lasorda photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. His son, Thomas Jr., died in 1991. Sadly, Burke died of AIDS in 1995 at the age of 41. Photos: Tommy Lasorda through the years, 1927-2021 (AP Photo/David F. Smith), Los Angeles Dodgers' manager Tom Lasorda is seen in 1975. For other glimpses at HIV history in the early days of the epidemic, see the recent articles R.I.P. My son wasnt gay, Lasorda told Peter Richmond, who wrote about the duos complicated relationship for GQ magazine in 1992, in some of his few public comments about his son. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). Here were two baseball stars of the same generation and two legends of the gamebut only Mioso was willing to do the work to accept his son completely and show that every part of his identity was worthy of love. Lasorda is survived by his wife, Joan (Miller) Lasorda, known as Jo, whom he married in 1950; a daughter, Laura; and a granddaughter. I was a rabid baseball fan growing up. At the time, Lasorda Sr. denied his sons homosexuality and the true cause of his death. He went to the gym every day of the week. He came out publicly soon after and wrote a book titled Behind the Mask: My Double Life in Baseball. He said attitudes in the sport slowly began changing as more people come out publicly. The truth may be uncomfortable, but the truth should be told, if not by Lasorda himself, then by Outsports. Dwayne Wade moved family from Florida because of anti-LGBTQ laws. John, a member of the Dodgers for years, was picked up by the Yankees following the 1978 season. Los Angeles Times obituary on Lasorda Sr. states, Tommy Lasordas Legacy Includes Silence Over HIV and His Gay Son, The Brief Life and Complicated Death of Tommy Lasordas Gay Son, R.I.P. Lasorda has reason to smile . I talked to Tommy today, and his plan is to rejoin the club after the services, Claire said. 2 jersey in Los Angeles. The New York Times recalled, Lasorda hugged his ballplayers, remembered their birthdays and the names of their wives and children, and exhorted them to achieve greater deeds, But few obituaries have made anything more than passing reference to Lasordas only son, Thomas C. Lasorda, Jr., who was gay. The Dodgers need one more victory to win the National League Western Division title. Bill Plaschke has been an L.A. Times columnist since 1996. (AP Photo/Jim Kerlin), Tom Lasorda, 49, speaks at a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1976 in Los Angeles after being named to replace Walt Alston as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tommy Lasorda runs with Dodgers players Davey Lopes, left, and Bill Russell at the teams spring training camp in Vero Beach, Fla., in 1981. Tommy Lasorda, a baseball Hall of Famer who spent seven decades in the Dodgers organization, died on Thursday, January 7, at the age of 93. Born Thomas Charles Lasorda, he was an American former Major League Baseball pitcher, coach, and Manager, who will best be remembered for his two decades managing the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading them to two World Series Titles in 1981 and 1988. As of November 2020, Lasorda never publicly acknowledged any change of opinion on his sons death. umpire who said he was fired in 1988 for being gay. Manager Tommy Lasorda is at the head of the pack as the Dodgers celebrate winning the National League West title in 1983. Before this year, that was the last time the Dodgers won a World Series. Tommy Lasorda Had a Complicated Relationship With His Son, Tom Jr. This is why we still celebrate Minnie Miosos example years after his passing. I know what my son died of. He was 93. According to a Dodgers biography on Tommy Lasorda, Lasorda and his wife, Jo . I read that in a paper. In recent days, others have also been discussing and learning about another part of Lasordas story his relationship with his son and what it said about society and baseball culture at the time. Shes not the first or last to compete. Terms of use and Your privacy. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? There are more pictures of Tommy Lasorda with Billy Crystal than there are with his son. 'Believe in the power of cheese': How a group of rookies helped give the Brewers the best vibes in baseball, Fantasy baseball: Load up on San Diego bats this weekend, who died Thursday at age 93 after a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest, Tommy Lasorda loved the Dodgers and loved being Tommy Lasorda, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She was 91. I also read in that paper that a lady gave birth to a monkey, too. Lasorda worked as a player, scout, manager and front office executive with the Dodgers dating to their roots in Brooklyn. Several others who were close Tommy Jr. in the 1970s and '80s all said that there was no question that the famous baseball manager's son was gay. Spheeris, a director who made such films as Waynes World and Suburbia, got to know Tommy Jr. in Los Angeles in the 1980s. Angels manager Mike Scioscia, left, who played for Tommy Lasorda with the Dodgers for many years, gives his old skipper a hug before a 2018 exhibition game. Eligibility restrictions apply. The director Penelope Spheeris met Tommy Lasorda Jr. at a punk rock club in the 1980s. When Penelope Spheeris heard that Tommy Lasorda died Thursday at 93, she knew many people would be touched by the sad news, particularly in Los Angeles. The city has long been her home and it. You have permission to edit this collection. Bobby Jr., is the son of former Dodger and Mets third base coach Bobby Valentine. Ronald Reagan, center, and First Lady Nancy Reagan, left, are presented a World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers shirt by manager Tommy Lasorda, right, at a White House Rose Garden ceremony for the team, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 1988, Washington, D.C. Members of the team and official stand in back. Through the game, he has been able to put this tragedy out of his mind for a few hours every night.. Lasorda attended the Dodgers' Game 6, championship-clinching win over the Tampa Bay Rays . Lasordas Pleasantville-esque relationship with his gay son was all the more disheartening when contrasted with that of another big star from his era. Lasorda was a homophobe. A postscript by the author noted, Expecting the father to ask that donations [in honor of his son] go to the Gay Mens Health Crisis? Even though I knew in my heart what was going on, I also wanted to try, just like I do now, and look at the whole person., Pallone said that although Lasordas public comments about his son were horrible, he attributed Lasordas attitude to, among other things, a macho culture, a generational gap, a Catholic background and him being Italian, like my father was Italian. He added, Its a hard thing to accept a sons sexual orientation when it isnt what youre used to.. We first published these details ten years ago, in a review of a documentary about another baseball icon: Glenn Burke. Some have suggested that Lasorda Jr. actually died of AIDS. Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully praised Lasorda's "boundless enthusiasm" and his "determination." Photos: Tommy Lasorda through the years, 1927-2021 - La Crosse Tribune Lasorda, who once said, "I bleed Dodger blue and when I die, I'm going to the big Dodger in the sky," was never short on words. The 2020 season was his 70th with the club, dating back to his time as a pitcher in the 1950s. "No way. Thomas C. Lasorda Jr., only son of Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda who was known as "Spunky" to his friends and family, died Monday of pneumonia and severe dehydration at 33. Lasordas complicated relationship with his son, Tom Jr., has also given people reason to be frustrated with the Dodgers icon. Dodgers manager and baseball legend Tommy Lasorda died Thursday night of a heart attack at age 93. Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, who died Thursday at age 93 after a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest, spent 71 years in the Dodgers organization. The contrast with Lasorda could not be more jarring. I could name every MVP in history, both American and National leagues, Cy Young winners, World Series winners. If he could help you with something, he would do it. Tommy Lasorda and his temper created one of the greatest characters in modern baseball history. But despite Tom Sr.'s adamant objections to the contrary, others who knew Tom Jr. said that his sexuality was not something he kept secret. Smart + Strong. While his father was the Dodgers manager, Tommy Jr. befriended Glenn Burke, an outfielder on the team, which strained Burkes relationship with his boss. He had only himself and his homophobia to blame. The Dodgers said Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, that he had a heart attack at his home in Fullerton, California. I was disappointed that someone as jovial, honest, and forthright like Lasorda would dispute the authenticity of his son. We send our condolences to Lasordas family and the Dodgers family upon the passing of this baseball idol. I remember really clearly the moment I first saw him: He was sitting alone on the edge of a sofa and everybody in there was like all punk and they were all dressed in black, but he was wearing a white suit, she said. Tommy Lasorda has died, never having admitted the truth about his gay son, Olympic boxer Harry Garside says hes proud to wear a dress. Consequently, if you visited the Dodgers managers office, you were infinitely more likely to hear Tommy talk about his love for Frank Sinatra than for the kid who shared his name. ". He tried.. Jan. 8, 2021 9:39 AM PT. Lasorda won four pennants in that time and two World Series championships. But while Minnie learned how to love his son, Tommy remained stuck in the past. Tommy Lasorda shouldve followed Minnie Miosos example of supporting his gay son, Olympic boxer Harry Garside says hes proud to wear a dress. He had been discharged Tuesday, one of many trips in and out of the hospital in recent years for heart, back and shoulder problems. And, after Pirates' great Roberto Clemente died, I had to search for new favorite ballplayer, and a year or two after Clemente's death, Steve Garvey, the first baseman of the Los Angeles Dodgers burst onto the scene, becoming the first write-in to earn a spot on the All-Star team mid-season in 1974, and at the end of the year, garnering the MVP award.