[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1489]]



                        TRIBUTE TO TOMMY LASORDA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to pay tribute to an 
outstanding individual, Tommy Lasorda. In an emotional address for fans 
and players alike, Lasorda announced last Monday that he will step down 
as manager of the beloved Dodgers.
  Born in 1927 to Italian immigrants in Norristown, PA, Lasorda's 
ethnicity is something he has celebrated and cherished. He is an 
individual who has brought an unmatched level of enthusiasm to the 
great game of baseball. A man of 1,613 wins, he became the most active 
manager in baseball--and 12th all-time. In 20 seasons, he led the 
Dodgers to two World Series championships, four National League 
pennants and seven division titles. He is one of only four major league 
managers ever to spend more than 20 years or more with one team. Mr. 
Speaker, there is so much more at which we could marvel.
  Lasorda is the heart and soul of not only the Dodgers, but for all of 
baseball. He is a man of more funny lines than anyone associated with 
the game. His personality will be missed. His energy level during a 
game was unequaled. His enthusiasm and love for the game of baseball is 
contagious.
  His strength to overcome criticism made him one of baseball's 
greatest engineers. He brought the biggest post-season upsets. Just 
like many of us here in Congress, he had a love-hate relationship with 
the media; like most of us, he loved all people.
  Lasorda has met the expectations of the people of Los Angeles in an 
unfailing manner. Off the field, Lasorda gives hundreds of speeches a 
year to charities, including his annual visit to the Cystic Fibrosis 
Foundation's childrens' organization called 65 Roses.
  A man of integrity who brought happiness to millions. A man who 
brought the game of baseball in a colorful way to the city of Los 
Angeles. It was the spirit of Tommy Lasorda that drew more than 3 
million fans a year to the Dodgers, a record set 10 times.
  Today, you cannot mention the Dodgers, without thinking about Tommy 
Lasorda. As a long time Dodgers fan, I feel honored today to recognize 
Tommy Lasorda's great contribution not only to the Dodger organization 
and the city of Los Angeles but to the game of baseball, the Nation, 
and the world. From the Dodger fans on Guam, we revere and honor Tommy.
  I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing Tommy Lasorda's 
efforts and well-deserved achievements. Mr. Speaker, today there is no 
doubt that his great feat will be long remembered and that future 
players and fans will be inspired by him.

                          ____________________