Tommy Lasorda Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Death

Thomas Charles Lasorda was an American professional baseball pitcher and manager best known for his long-standing association with the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB).

He served as the Dodgers’ manager from 1976 to 1996, leading the team to multiple championships and earning induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager in 1997.

As a player, Lasorda pitched in MLB for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954 and the Kansas City Athletics in 1956.

Before becoming manager, he coached the Dodgers from 1973 to 1976. Lasorda’s legacy is celebrated for his passion, leadership, and significant contributions to baseball.

Profile

• Full Name: Thomas Charles Lasorda
• Stage Name: Tommy Lasorda
• Born: September 22, 1927
• Death date: January 7, 2021
• Age: 93 years old
• Birthplace: Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American professional baseball pitcher and manager.
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parent: Sabatino Lasorda ,Carmella Lasorda
• Siblings: Eddie Lasorda, Harry Lasorda, Morris Lasorda, Joey Lasorda
• Spouse: Jo Lasorda (m. 1950–2021)
• Children: Tom Lasorda Jr. ,Laura Lasorda
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $15 million

Early Life And Education

Thomas Charles Lasorda was born on September 22, 1927, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, to Sabatino and Carmella Lasorda, Italian immigrants from the Abruzzo region of Italy.

Sabatino worked as a labourer and truck driver, while Carmella was a homemaker. Tommy was the second of five sons, growing up alongside his brothers Eddie, Harry, Morris, and Joey in a close-knit family.

Lasorda attended Norristown High School, where he excelled in baseball, graduating in 1944. Despite his talent in the field, he did not pursue higher education immediately.

Later, in 1964, he briefly enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC) as a pre-dental student but ultimately left to focus on his burgeoning baseball career after being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He is of Italian heritage, Lasorda embraced his cultural roots and remained a devout Roman Catholic.

Career

Tommy Lasorda began his professional baseball journey in 1945, signing with the Philadelphia Phillies and debuting with the Concord Weavers in the Class D North Carolina State League.

However, his career was interrupted by military service from 1946 to 1947. Returning in 1948, he pitched for the Schenectady Blue Jays, famously striking out 25 batters in a 15-inning game and driving in the winning run.

Lasorda also excelled in the Cuban League with Almendares, posting an 8–3 record and a 1.89 ERA in 1958–59.

The Brooklyn Dodgers acquired Lasorda in 1949, assigning him to the minor leagues before he made his MLB debut on August 5, 1954.

Despite a brief major league career, he made history with three wild pitches in one inning during a 1955 start.

He later played for the Kansas City Athletics and various minor league teams, including a successful stint with the Montreal Royals, where he became the franchise’s winningest pitcher with a 107–57 record.

After retiring as a player in 1960, Lasorda transitioned into coaching and scouting. He managed several minor league teams, including the Pocatello Chiefs and Albuquerque Dukes, leading his 1972 team to a Pacific Coast League Championship.

He also managed winter league teams, earning accolades with the Dominican Republic’s Tigres del Licey by securing LIDOM and Caribbean Series titles.

Lasorda joined the Los Angeles Dodgers’ coaching staff in 1973 under manager Walter Alston and succeeded him as manager in 1976.

Known for his fiery motivational style, he led the Dodgers to two World Series championships (1981, 1988).

His tenure also included managing nine National League Rookie of the Year winners, solidifying his reputation as a leader who developed young talent.

Lasorda retired from managing in 1996 after experiencing a heart attack but remained with the Dodgers in executive roles, including vice president and interim general manager.

He briefly returned to coaching for special occasions, such as the 2001 All-Star Game and a spring training game in 2011.

His contributions to baseball were recognized with numerous honours, including induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

A legendary figure in baseball, Lasorda’s passion for the game and connection to the Dodgers defined his career.

From his playing days to his managerial success and front-office roles, his legacy remains intertwined with baseball history, inspiring players and fans with his dedication and love for the sport.

Awards and Nominations

• Baseball Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1997.
• Manager of the Year Awards: AP Manager of the Year (1977, 1981), National League Manager of the Year (1983, 1988).
• International League MVP: 1958.
• Branch Rickey Award: 2006.
• Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2006.
• Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2006.

Social Media

Tommy Lasorda does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Thomas Charles Lasorda married Joan “Jo” Miller on April 14, 1950, after meeting her while playing for the Greenville Spinners in South Carolina.

Together, they had two children: a daughter, Laura, born in 1952, and a son, Tommy Jr., born in 1958.

Their marriage spanned over 70 years, reflecting a strong and enduring partnership. Jo Lasorda passed away on September 21, 2021, at the age of 91, nearly eight months after Tommy’s death on January 7, 2021.

Net Worth

At his death in January 2021, Tommy Lasorda, the legendary baseball manager, had an estimated net worth of $15 million.

His wealth largely came from his successful 20-year tenure as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers (1976–1996), during which time he led the team to two World Series championships.