Tommy Lasorda's Passing Leaves A Big Hole In Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The death of Dodger great Tommy Lasorda certainly leaves a huge hole in Los Angeles but it does the same in Manhattan Beach thanks to Lasorda's largesse of time, energy and concern for mankind.

For years, Lasorda has been involved with the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and was a fixture at virtually every Friendship Walk, missing only two since 2009 due to commitments, said a Skechers spokeswoman. He joined Skechers as an ambassador in 2012, appearing in print and TV campaigns. He also joined the Skechers family at many functions — celebrity company milestones and events and meeting Skechers global team.

Skechers President and Manhattan Beach resident Michael Greenberg spent tons of time with Lasorda whom he called "a dear friend" in a social media post the day the Dodgers legend died.

Here is what Greenberg posted:

"Many people will be touched by the passing of Tommy, who was and will always remain an inspiration for decades to come.

I was blessed to have had Tommy as a dear friend for many years. The memories that I have are abundant and filled with love, laughs and special moments. Tommy was someone who you could depend on for anything you needed—he would be there in a flash. There were times over the years when I felt Tommy should sit out one of my gatherings so he could get some extra rest, but I learned early on that it wasn’t my decision to make for Tommy. He wasn’t happy if I even thought that he was not up to making it to the get together. He was amazing.

I remember one of Tommy’s birthdays up at Dodger Stadium—it was prior to a game in a big enclosed tent in the far corner of the lot. Tommy asked me and my family to meet at the clubhouse first. I thought my family would all walk over. That wasn’t Tommy’s plan. He convinced us to go together in a golf cart—a golf cart built for four (there was six of us—including my three kids all under the age of 10). If that wasn’t crazy enough, to get there, we had to go the wrong way on the ring road, which was packed bumper to bumper with on-coming cars looking to park for the game. Tommy’s in the passenger seat waving and cheering to his adoring fans, and I’m standing on the back hanging on for dear life and making sure Wendy is holding tight to the kids. Of course, Tommy and the kids found this to be very funny. Me on the other hand, well, let’s just say, I couldn’t wait to get to that tent. But that’s Tommy—showing the kids a good time and taking a moment for his fans.

There are so many cherished Tommy stories and adventures that will stay with me forever. My heart goes out to Tommy’s family, especially Jo who for 70 years of marriage, he showered her with his love, and his daughter Laura and granddaughter Emily.

Tommy, you will be missed forever."