Norristown Native Tommy Lasorda, Baseball Legend, Dies At 93

NORRISTOWN, PA — Major League Baseball legend Tommy Lasorda, a Norristown native with deep ties to the area, died on Thursday night, sources around the league announced. He was 93.

Tributes poured in from around the league for baseball's inimitable man, the face of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has been one of the sport's most iconic figures for 70 years.

"A tireless spokesman for baseball, his dedication to the sport and the team he loved was unmatched," Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement Friday. "He was a champion who at critical moments seemingly willed his teams to victory...Tommy is quite simply irreplaceable and unforgettable."

As manager, Lasorda led the Dodgers to World Series titles in 1981 and 1988, and was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1987. Since then, he's continued to serve as general manager, executive, and special advisor, and was part of the club that just months ago won the franchise's first World Series since he'd led the '88 team.

Born and raised in Norristown, Lasorda graduated from Norristown High School in 1945 and was initially drafted as a player by his hometown Phillies that year. After serving in the U.S. Army Lasorda returned to the big leagues for a brief stint before embarking on the coaching career that would make him a household name. "He was a fellow with limited ability and he pushed himself to be a very good Triple-A pitcher," Dodgers Hall of Fame Broadcaster Vin Scully noted, pointing to his "competitive spirit, his determination, and above all this boundless energy and self belief."

Much of Lasorda's family resides in the area. His brothers ran the local Lasorda's Restaurant in Exton for more than 32 years. And over the years, Tommy never forgot where he came from, visiting Norristown often, expressing his love for the area, and supporting various community efforts.

One of his stops was the Collegeville Italian Bakery, which has honored him with words on their famous marquee many times.

"Our family is heartbroken by the passing of Tommy Lasorda," the bakery said in a statement Friday. "A Norristown legend and Dodgers great, but also a customer, friend and Steve’s idol. A Hall of Fame kind of guy on and off the field. It was an honor to know him. We will miss you dearly, Tommy. Sending all our love and prayers to the Lasorda family. Rest in peace."

The municipality of Norristown and Norristown Fire Department also issued their condolences.

In 2020, the University of Pennsylvania announced they would rename their baseball field after Lasorda after receiving a $2 million gift in his name.

"Tommy and the Lasorda family have meant so much and done so much for Norristown and the state of Pennsylvania that it is only fitting to name Penn's baseball field for him," said Warren Lichtenstein, the 1987 Penn graduate who made the donation.

But Lasorda's ties to the Philadelphia area don't end there. He achieved eternal notoriety for this confrontation with the Phanatic in the 80s.

Though they eventually made up.

Lasorda had been hospitalized just days ago with heart trouble. The Dodgers said that he suffered cardiopulmonary arrest in his home late Thursday night and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.