Associated Press Jan 8, 2021 . Tommy Lasorda (1927-2021) - Mmorial Find a Grave You have permission to edit this collection. Like Sportscasting on Facebook. I completely forgot about the whole thing for a few years until former Major Leaguer Billy Bean came out in 1999, and I dove right in trying to read all about it, and about him. But he didnt admit it.. I remember when [Lasorda Jr.] died, Casey wrote. Outsports has reached out to Ocamb and the current editor of the Blade requesting more information about this claim. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! Bobby Jr., is the son of former Dodger and Mets third base coach Bobby Valentine. Lasorda died Thursday at age 93, the Dodgers announced on Friday. 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. Trent Straube. Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. Lasorda professed to loving his son, and was grateful that he had him for 31 years - he did say that much, but as a famous person, and one who was bombastically in the spotlight, just imagine how Lasorda could have helped in those dark days by sharing his story? 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. Thats not the fin truth. Odds and lines subject to change. In the process, I became a Dodgers fan. Tommy Jr. visited Dodger Stadium all the time, and his father often called him while on the road. The news brought to mind more than the expected career highlights from his 20 years with the Dodgers, including two World Series championships. Theres a reason why Tommy Lasorda won National League Manager of the Year twice and Father of the Year never. Lasorda's son, Tom Jr., died in 1991. He has been named national sports columnist of the year eight times by the Associated Press, and twice by the Society of Professional Journalists and National Headliner Awards. As the Los Angeles Times obituary on Lasorda Sr. states: In 1991, Lasordas son, Tom Jr., known as Spunky, died at 33, a death attributed to pneumonia and dehydration. The producers made multiple efforts to get Lasorda to talk, but were rebuffed. But while Minnie learned how to love his son, Tommy remained stuck in the past. (AP Photo/Nick Ut), Sparky Anderson, manager of the Cincinnati Reds, greets a rival manager Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the two met at a luncheon honoring Lasorda on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 1977 in Los Angeles. Leanza Cornett, Miss America 93 and Trailblazing AIDS Activist, Red Hot Reissues of AIDS Benefit Albums From the 1990s, The HIV Story Behind Beauty and the Beast and Other Disney Classics, R.I.P. Perhaps the lesson we can learn from Tommy Lasorda is that the days of denial and obfuscation about who you are seem almost antiquated, and hopefully are heading toward extinction. Lasorda was absent from the team for three days. Recent galleries can be seen on our photography page. Sparky Anderson, manager of the Cincinnati Reds, greets a rival manager Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the two met at a luncheon honoring Lasorda on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 1977 in Los . EDITORS NOTE: An unverified published commentary in Fridays Los Angeles Blade claims what no one else has ever reported: that the late Tommy Lasorda not only admitted his son Spunky was gay, that he died of AIDS, but that he apologized for being a homophobe. is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC. Major League Baseball Player, Coach and Manager. And thats what happened with Tommy., Tommy Lasordas Death Starts a Conversation About His Son, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/sports/baseball/tommy-lasorda-son.html. The former Dodgers manager remained a fixture at games after retiring in 1996 and still held an official title within the organization: special advisor to the chairman. First and foremost, since I was from Pittsburgh, I was a Pirates fan. Its almost like coming to the ballpark has been his escape, said one associate. After turning down the Dodgers marriage bribe, Burke decided to hang out more and more with Tommy Lasorda Jr. (Spunky), himself a gay man and the son of the teams manager, Tommy Lasorda. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Tommy Lasorda (2) and the Dodgers congratulate Kirk Gibson (23) after Gibson hit the walk-off home run to defeat the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series at Dodger Stadium. "My son wasn't gay," he said. We had our differences on the field, but he was also fair. 1. I blindly thought the young Lasorda just got tragically sick, but rumors abounded after he died about the real cause of his death, and about his sexuality. He later managed the American baseball team to a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Dodgers executive Magic Johnson and Tommy Lasorda enjoy a National League Championship Series game between the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs on Oct. 18, 2016. Los Angeles Dodgers Tommy Lasorda Photos and Premium High Res Pictures Dodgers announce death of Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda Tommy Lasorda: Dodger Blue and Norristown proud Odds and lines subject to change. Heklina, Influential San Francisco Activist Drag Queen, Greg Louganis Is Auctioning Off Olympic Medals for HIV Charity, Elton Johns Oscar Viewing Party Raises $9M to End AIDS, Adam Lambert Stars in Historical AIDS Drama Fairyland, Says It Resonates Today. Lasorda attended the Dodgers' Game 6, championship-clinching win over the Tampa Bay Rays . The single most sorrowful moment of Lasorda's magical two-decade-long reign over L.A. came on June 3, 1991 when his only son, Thomas C. "Spunky" Lasorda Jr., died of pneumonia at the age of 33. There was no question that he had a difficult time with it, Pallone said about Lasorda. I knew Bean well when I was hooked on baseball. 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. Tommy Lasorda's Death Starts a Conversation About His Son Baker told ESPN in 2014 that he believed the Dodgers traded Burke because he was gay. When news of Lasordas health problems broke, some on social media quickly brought up the managers relationship with his late son. Dodgers owner Mark Walter called him "a great ambassador for the team and baseball, a mentor to players and coaches and he was a good friend." And of course, back in the '70s and early '80s, I wouldn't admit to anything like that. ORIGINAL REPORT: Over nearly three decades, Tommy Lasordas denial of his gay sons identity has grown into legend. He has enjoyed getting in the clubhouse with all the guys, and acting like everything is normal. The former Miami Heat star, who has a trans daughter, says Floridas harsh laws made his family feel unwelcome. The Dodgers won the game and went on to win Lasordas first World Series title as manager. 2023 By I liked Lasorda a lot, for most of my life, until some years ago, I heard the back-story about him and his son, and my attitude progressively changed. Tommy Lasorda and his wife, Jo, during introductions at Family Night at Dodger Stadium in 1987. Nicknamed "Spunky," the 33-year-old had been sick for an extended period of time, and the LA Times reported that the cause of death was "pneumonia and severe dehydration." (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. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. He had fond memories of their time together during and after their on-field days; Lasorda came on Pallones radio show once and told him that he should never have lost his umpiring job. In the interview re-published byDeadspin, Richmond asked Lasorda if it was difficult having a gay son. (Tannen Maury / European Pressphoto Agency). No way. That would have been too much. She said Tommy Jr. didnt want people talking about his sexuality either, because he wanted to protect his fathers wishes. Tommy Lasorda received many tributes after the news of his death spread on Friday. A pitcher who had a 6.48 ERA in 26 career games from 1954-56, Tommy Lasorda is best known for his managerial career. Tommy Lasorda is sandwiched between umpire Charlie Williams and Dodgers catcher Mike Scioscia while arguing a call during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1987 in Pittsburgh. Two of Burkes teammates, Davey Lopes and Dusty Baker, later said Burke was traded because he was gay. (AP Photo/Michael Caulfield), Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, foreground, talks with current manager Joe Torre during baseball spring training in Vero Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008. 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. And Richmond got to the heart of the matter when he quoted a WeHo companion of Tommy Jr.s: I think he wanted to make his father happy. Longtime Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda, Oldest Hall Of Famer - Forbes Tommy Lasorda, who spent seven decades in the Dodgers organization -- first as a player in Brooklyn and then in Los Angeles as a two-time World Series winning manager -- has died. Tommy Lasorda, who never admitted his son was gay, has died - Outsports Lasorda was 93, and tributes to the iconic manager have been pouring in, beginning with that of his beloved Dodgers. Then-Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, right, talks with Tommy Lasorda during Dodgers spring training in Glendale, Ariz., in March 2010. He had only himself and his homophobia to blame. Dodger Stadium is lite up tonight in honor of Hall of Fame Los Angeles Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda, who passed away at the age of 93. Alberto Lejrraga celebrated his promotion in style. In the 2010 documentary Out: The Glenn Burke Story, his former Athletics teammate Claudell Washington said Manager Billy Martin introduced Burke to his new team with a homophobic slur. Spunky Lasorda later died of AIDS and his father shamefully never acknowledged that his son was gay. When Tommy Jr. died, Lasorda, his wife and their daughter were at his side, a family spokesman told The Los Angeles Times at the time. He wanted to please his dad. Lasorda has reason to smile . It seemed quite plausible that he did have a gay son who may have died of AIDS. We first published these details ten years ago, in a review of a documentary about another baseball icon: Glenn Burke. It was such a struggle between the two of them to try and balance keeping Sr.s. (AP Photo/Bill Beattie), Pres. The Veterans Committee inducted Lasorda into the Hall of Fame in 1997. Pallone, who became a motivational speaker giving presentations on diversity to companies, schools and teams, said he had brought up Lasordas story in his talks. I was disappointed that someone as jovial, honest, and forthright like Lasorda would dispute the authenticity of his son. of Professional Baseball Players of America, 12062 Valley View, Suite 211, Garden Grove, Calif., 92645. But, the National Baseball Hall of Fame manager had an abrasive and combative personality. 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. Tommy Lasorda was more than a baseball manager. By ending the rumors, which did more harm than good, by coming forward with the truth? It could have saved more lives than we can ever know.. Tommy Lasorda acknowledges the crowd at Dodger Stadium as his number is retired by the team during a pregame ceremony in August 1997. Los Angeles Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda: Images and quotes, Harper may return Tue., 160 days post-TJ surgery, Rangers ace deGrom 'frustrated' to land on IL, Twins will shut P Mahle down for at least 4 weeks, Cards broadcaster, 2-time champ Shannon dies, Giants' Yastrzemski (hamstring) likely IL-bound, Yankees to evaluate Judge's hip strain Monday, Mexico City's uphill climb toward landing an MLB franchise. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Tommy Lasorda and Orel Hershiser, right, hug after each threw out a ceremonial first pitch before Game 6 of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Tommy Lasorda's Legacy Includes Silence Over HIV and His Gay Son Spheeris said Tommy Jr. and his father loved each other. Lasorda Sr., Richmond wrote, grieved his loss in his own way, including by not bringing his sadness into his Dodgers world, where his job was to energize and inspire. In 1997, Lasorda and his wife donated $500,000 through the Thomas Lasorda Jr. Memorial Foundation to maintain a public gym in Yorba Linda, Calif., not far from where they lived. Twitter But he could never say that to his dad obviously., She added later: I dont want to be mad at Tommy Lasorda Sr. Although devastated, his father found sanctuary in the game he loved so well. MLB Power Rankings: Who's No. So you try to look at the whole picture, especially then when I was a closeted gay man. Nobody Lived a Fuller Baseball Life Than Tommy Lasorda - Sports Illustrated 71 Tommy Lasorda Wife Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images And that's just the way he wanted it. Lasorda insisted his son wasnt gay, though the younger Lasordas friends said otherwise., A post shared by THE AIDS MEMORIAL (@theaidsmemorial), LGBTQ journalist Karen Ocamb, who knew Lasorda Jr. from 12-step meetings in West Hollywood and described him as a fashionista, wrote in The Los Angeles Blade last week that his father was a character worthy of his Hall of Fame status. Spanish pro soccer player celebrates by sharing picture kissing another man. A look back at the life and iconic career of Hall of Fame Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, in photos. Tommy Lasorda serving as an honorary coach of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011. Lasorda went 1,599-1,439-2 from 1976-96, every season coming with the Dodgers. I talked to Tommy today, and his plan is to rejoin the club after the services, Claire said. And also why despite all the accolades and achievements, Tommy Lasordas life as a dad was nothing but missed opportunities. Lasorda had a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest while. As filmmaker and confidante Penelope Spheeris summed it up: He walked around with a big smile on his face, as if everything was great because he had everything around him to prove it was great. By remaining on our website, you indicate your consent to our Privacy Policy and our Cookie Usage. Lasorda attended the Dodgers Game 6, championship-clinching win over the Tampa Bay Rays in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 27. But he also exemplified the horrendous personal struggle gays and their families faced during the AIDS crisis. In a post she also included on the Instagram feed @theaidsmemorial, Ocamb wrote: This, too, must be part of the storypart of Tommy Lasordas legacythat he loved his gay son, was with him as he died of AIDSbut denied him immediately afterwardsonly to hurt so much from that denial that he finally apologized, perhaps following the lead of another sports great, HIV-positive Magic Johnson, who also has a gender-fluid son., At LGBTQ magazine The Advocate, queer baseball fan John Casey shared memories of learning about the father-son relationship. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson), Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, of the Los Angeles Dodger, speaks at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, during the installation of his portrait. In a 1992 interview with GQ, republished by Deadspin, Lasorda refused to speak with the interviewer about his son's lifestyle. In a nutshell, could Lasorda have done more at such a consequential and critical time? The doctor put out a report of how he died. Showing Editorial results for tommy lasorda. The story is that you dont close doors on your family, Pallone said. The facility was renamed the Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House. He tried.. 1? Perhaps it's because that was the first time that I looked at Bean as a man, not a baseball player, and I thought he was hot. No one was safe from Lasordas wrath. 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. He worked his way up to manager in 1976, won World Series in 1981 and '88 and officially retired in 1996. Its a very sad thing for all of us. Lasorda was enraged when it was widely reported that his son had died of complications of AIDS. In this Aug. 15, 1997, photo, former Los Angeles Dodgers manager and Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, right, interacts with Mike Piazza before a ceremony to retire Lasorda's No. Lasorda went 1,599-1,439-2 from 1976-96, every season coming with the Dodgers. I also read that a lady gave birth to a fucking monkey. And his sons sexuality clearly didnt fit into the image hed cultivated. Terms of use and Your privacy. Smart + Strong Alberto Lejrraga celebrated his promotion in style. These 36 trans athletes have competed openly in college. (AP Photo), Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn has an arm around New York Yankees manager Billy Martin who has his arm around the trophy the Yankees go for their 1977 World Series victory. No way. 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. The news brought to mind more than the expected career highlights from his 20 years with the Dodgers, including two World Series championships. (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. I know what he died of. However, despite his inclusive attitude on the diamond, there was one person in his life whose lifestyle he just couldn't seem to accept for what it was. "Tommy welcomed Dodger players from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Japan, South Korea and elsewhere making baseball a stronger, more diverse and better game." I read that in a paper. Bill Baer, a former NBC Sports baseball writer, tweeted a picture of Lasordas comments. Lasorda never back-tracked from that support. Los Angeles Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda -- Images and quotes - ESPN 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. Seattle Mariners unveil City Connect uniforms. Hall of Fame Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda dies at 93 - ESPN Dodgers manager and baseball legend Tommy Lasorda died Thursday night of a heart attack at age 93. As Charlie later realized, that was because you didnt want your child to be treated in the same cruel and ignorant manner that you were treated when you first started playing baseball, because of the color of your skin and your Cuban heritage. Photos: Tommy Lasorda through the years, 1927-2021. Out reprints an infamous Lasorda Sr. quote from the time: My son wasnt gay. Lasorda has reason to smile with his team in first place in the National League West. Tommy Lasorda, legendary Los Angeles Dodgers manager, has died He wished he could have liked girls. According to a Dodgers biography on Tommy Lasorda, Lasorda and his wife, Jo . She found that sad but said Tommy Jr. did not resent his father over it. Photos: Tommy Lasorda through the years, 1927-2021 - La Crosse Tribune Dusty Baker, currently the Houston Astros manager, played with Burke on the Dodgers. Umpires, other managers, and bases were subject to being shouted at and insulted and in the bases case, hurled elsewhere. 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.
