NEW YORK (AP) — Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda was hospitalized in stable condition Tuesday, a day after having a “mild” heart attack while representing the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Major League Baseball draft.
The Dodgers said doctors inserted a stent to repair a blocked artery in Lasorda’s heart. The energetic, enthusiastic 84-year-old was resting comfortably and there was a chance he could return to California on Wednesday.
“The doctors confirmed I do bleed Dodger Blue. I’m looking forward to being back at the stadium to cheer on the Dodgers,” Lasorda said, according to the Dodgers’ Twitter feed.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson took Lasorda’s sense of humor as a sign that he is doing all right.
“He’s had a couple [attacks] before, so he’s in New York for the draft and probably went out and pounded a huge meal, and went down,” said Gibson, who was managed by Lasorda during his playing career.
“I’ve eaten several meals with him, so I know what it’s like. I felt like I was having a heart attack after eating with him as well.”
TMZ first reported Lasorda’s condition. He is in his sixth decade working for the Dodgers organization, starting out as a pitcher when the team was still in Brooklyn.
Lasorda had a heart attack in June 1996 while he was the Dodgers’ manager and retired the next month. He guided the Dodgers to 1,599 victories and won the World Series in 1981 and 1988, the team’s last two titles.
The Dodgers won four NL pennants and eight division titles in his 20-year career.
Lasorda has worked in the team’s front office since his retirement and has been a constant presence around the Dodgers. He was with them in spring training this year and drew a nice ovation at Dodger Stadium last week when he was at a game and his picture was shown on the videoboard.
At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Lasorda managed the U.S. team to a gold medal in baseball.
Last September, in honor of Lasorda’s birthday, current Dodgers manager Don Mattingly had Lasorda serve as an honorary coach in a game against San Francisco. He presented the lineup card to the umpires before the first pitch.
Lasorda was in the New York this week and was set to announce the Dodgers’ picks at the draft held across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
