MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Lasorda Visits Dow Diamond

Published on May 20, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


Hall of Fame Manager and Special Advisor to the Chairman Tommy Lasorda is visiting Dow Diamond this week representing the Dodgers and showing support for the fans, players and staff members of the Loons, as well as to help raise money for the Michigan Baseball Foundation.

Lasorda, who arrived Tuesday and watched the Loons' game today against Fort Wayne, will remain in town through Thursday, and will speak at a special luncheon tomorrow, May 21, and will meet with fans. The luncheon will be held in the suite lobby of Dow Diamond beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets to the event are $50 with all proceeds benefiting the non-profit Michigan Baseball Foundation.

This trip marks his third in recent years to Mid-Michigan. He previously visited in September 2006 to announce the Loons' affiliation with the Dodgers, and was on hand for the first two games in Dow Diamond history, April 13-14, 2007.

Lasorda will return to Mid-Michigan during the Midwest League All-Star Game, powered by Dow Corning, to throw out the game's first pitch on June 17.

In his current position, Lasorda reports directly to the Office of the Chairman, serving as an advisor on all areas of the Dodger organization for Owner & Chairman Frank McCourt and Vice Chairman & President Jamie McCourt. Lasorda's current responsibilities include scouting, evaluating and teaching minor league players, acting as an advisor and ambassador for the Dodgers' international affiliations, and representing the franchise at more than 100 speaking engagements and appearances to various charities, private groups and military personnel each year. He has spoken to troops at more than 35 military bases around the world.

Lasorda compiled a 1,599-1,439 record and won two World Championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles in an extraordinary 20-year career as the Dodgers' manager. He ranks 13th with 1,599 wins and 12th with 3,038 games managed in Major League history. His 16 wins in 30 NL Championship Series games managed were the most of any manager at the time of his retirement in 1996. His 61 postseason games managed rank fifth all-time behind Bobby Cox (132), Joe Torre (126), Tony LaRussa (107), and Casey Stengel (63). He is only one of four managers to manage the same team for 20 years or more, joining Walt Alston, Connie Mack and John McGraw.

The Great Lakes Loons are the second-year Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and members of the Midwest League. For more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL

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