Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers organization and its fans have been in mourning to begin 2021 after the deaths of legendary manager Tommy Lasorda as well as Sandra Scully, the wife of longtime broadcaster Vin Scully.
Sandi’s passing came as a shock, although it was revealed that she had been fighting through a battle with ALS.
Lasorda had been in the hospital for nearly two months, then was finally sent home this past week. Lasorda suffered a sudden sudden cardiopulmonary arrest and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away.
It has been a tough week for everyone in baseball, but particularly Scully, who lost the love his wife as well as a close friend. He took to social media to express thanks to the Dodgers fans for giving him support during this time:
I want to express my gratitude for all your kind messages about my beloved Sandi. And with the loss of my dear friend Tommy, it’s been quite a lot to bear.
— Vin Scully (@TheVinScully) January 8, 2021
Scully’s decision to create a Twitter account to communicate with fans turned out to be a blessing. He has shared memorable stories and now been able to feel the support from a fanbase that has offered their love and condolences.
Scully, others pay tribute to Lasorda
In addition to expressing gratitude to the fans, Scully also released a statement to pay tribute to Lasorda after his death. Scully was not the only one as several current and former Dodgers players all also shared statements and stories about their time with Lasorda.
Dodgers create memorial at Dodger Stadium
Although the 2021 season is not yet underway, the organization created a memorial at Dodger Stadium as their way of paying tribute to Lasorda.
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said that the team will find another way to honor him once the season starts, although how they will do so has not yet been determined.
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