Latest Tommy Lasorda update is perfect Christmas gift for Dodgers fans

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Former Los Angeles Dodgers player and manager Tommy Lasorda throws the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game Three of the 2018 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Former Los Angeles Dodgers player and manager Tommy Lasorda throws the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game Three of the 2018 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda continues to improve in the hospital.

Shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ World Series win, fans held their collective breath when it was announced former manager and Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda was in the intensive care unit. It was later revealed he was dealing with a heart issue, which didn’t help matters given his history with such problems.

But the man’s a fighter. He was released from the ICU around Thanksgiving, marking a colossal step in his recovery process, even though he still remains in the hospital under the close care of medical professionals while he rehabs.

Want even more good news? Christmas might come early for the Lasorda family and Dodgers Nation, as it’s now being reported he could be released from the hospital on Dec. 23. Just in time to enjoy the holidays!

The 93-year-old suffered a heart attack in 2012 and then underwent a heart procedure in 2017, so any update indicating he’s on the right path to recovery is beyond encouraging. His first heart episode came in 1996, which forced him to step down from his post as manager of the Dodgers.

Before his latest hospitalization, Lasorda attended Game 6 of the 2020 World Series and watched Los Angeles clinch its first championship since he brought one home back in 1988. The two-time champ (he also captured one in 1981) has remained involved with the organization in some capacity since he retired from managing.

Lasorda served 21 years as the Dodgers skipper. Losing him weeks after the team broke its 32-year championship drought would have been deflating and devastating. The fight in this man must be acknowledged — he’s an embodiment of what it means to put on a Dodgers jersey.

Stay tuned for more updates on his progress. We can only hope a Christmas picture of Lasorda wearing a Santa hat surfaces by the end of the week. Forget the World Series — that’ll be the gift of the year.