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Dodgers: Tommy Lasorda’s ceremony at Dodger Stadium looked incredible

ByJerry Trotta|
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)

The Los Angeles Dodgers were hit with devastating news two weeks ago when it was confirmed that legendary manager Tommy Lasorda passed away at 93 years old after suffering cardiac arrest just days after being released from the hospital following a lengthy stint in the intensive care unit.

Since then, countless baseball and media icons have come forward, including veteran broadcaster Al Michaels, to highlight Lasorda’s legacy and share stories about their relationships with him.

This week, however, the club took it upon itself to host a memorial service at Dodger Stadium before his burial on Tuesday. The entire ceremony looked incredible, but perhaps the most breathtaking part was his casket, which was draped with a variety of blue and white flowers.

In a powerful moment that will resonate with all Dodgers fans, the casket was placed on the pitcher’s mound with a blue “2” (Lasorda’s jersey number) painted on the back of the mound.

According to ESPN, the former two-time champion’s wife, Jo, attended the service in a wheelchair alongside their daughter, Laura. Health and safety protocols prohibited more people from paying their respects, so it was limited to family and friends, which included a laundry list of pallbearers.

Two of Lasorda’s closest friends, Steve Brener and Chris Leggio delivered powerful speeches before his casket was ultimately carried to a white hearse parked in front of the dugout and taken to Rose Hills Memorial Park, where he was buried.

Among the exclusive lists of guests was third baseman Justin Turner, whose future with the Dodgers remains uncertain as both sides are reportedly not seeing eye to eye in negotiations after his contract expired following the 2020 campaign.

This has been a ruthless start to the new year for Dodgers fans as far as losing club legends are concerned, as Hall of Fame right-hander Don Sutton passed away on Monday night. But this is as good of a sendoff for Lasorda we could’ve imagined.

RIP to a legend.

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