Baseball legend visits Luke

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Editor's note: Tommy Lasorda has been in the Los Angeles Dodger organization for 60 years and managed the Dodgers for 20 seasons from 1977 to 1996. The Dodgers won the World Series in 1981 and 1988 under his management.

Every sport has its legends - people who transcend the game and become well-known icons beyond their perspective sport. Football has Vince Lombardi, basketball has Michael Jordan, golf has Tiger Woods and baseball has had their share too. One of the most colorful legends of America's favorite pastime is Tommy Lasorda, former, long-time manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and currently an executive officer with the Dodgers and the special advisor to the chairman. 

He is also a well-respected motivational speaker and author. 

Mr. Lasorda visited Luke Air Force Base March 27. His activities at Luke began with a luncheon attended by nearly 50 people, including Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander. 

The venerable baseball personality treated the luncheon audience to a mix of jokes, quips and his feelings about the sport he has been involved with for six decades. More than that, Mr. Lasorda didn't spare any words when talking about his love and respect for the military and the country. 

Mr. Lasorda, who showed up donning his Dodger uniform, said that his most profound accomplishment in baseball was coaching the 2000 Summer Olympic team to a gold medal. 

"I was part of four World Series teams as manager of the Dodgers, winning two world championships, but winning the gold medal was bigger than winning the World Series," he said. "When a team wins the World Series, the fans in that city are happy, but not in the other major league cities, but when your team brings home a gold medal, the entire country is happy. 

"When I saw the flag raised and heard the national anthem, tears came to my eyes. Baseball is America's game, and the gold medal belongs here." 

Mr. Lasorda enjoyed providing lighter moments by entertaining the audience with jokes and snappy remarks. If baseball had not been his calling, he could have been a successful comedian. 

Whether telling jokes or talking baseball and his love for his country, Mr. Lasorda constantly reminded the audience of the importance of self-confidence, hard work and motivation, which are needed to be successful. 

"The price of success can only come through the avenue of hard work," he said. "A person's attitude is so important. People must believe in themselves in order to accomplish their goals and must have someone to motivate them from time to time. 

Everyone, from the president of the United States to the rank-and-file employee, needs to be motivated at one time or another." 

Mr. Lasorda, a Norristown, Pa., native said there are parallels in building success, whether it be a sports team, corporation or the military. 

"I had to take 25 guys and motivate them to win and to be proud of the organization they represented," he said. "Leaders have to get the best out of their people. It is the same principle with corporations and the military. We want to win and be the best.

"You, as a leader, need to love what you are doing and motivate your people to do the same. Contented people give better performances." 

Mr. Lasorda had a full afternoon. After the luncheon, he visited the 308th Fighter Squadron. He was presented with a squadron and wing patch, as well as a T-shirt, by Capt. Steve Graham, 308th FS instructor pilot. 

The visit to the 308th FS also included a visit to life support, the simulator, the tower and a trip to the flightline to view an F-16 Fighting Falcon. 

Mr. Lasorda concluded his visit to Luke by speaking to Airmen at a Warrior Call at Club Thunderbolt. 

He reminded his audience of his deep respect and love for people who serve in the military and shared some of his core beliefs. 

"We enjoy a great lifestyle and many privileges," Mr. Lasorda said. "Our military makes it possible for all of us to have fun and enjoy life. I have spoken at nearly every Air Force base and at the Air Force Academy nine times. We are the best. Always be proud of the uniform you are wearing and never do anything to disgrace it. Thank God for all he has given you." 

In all, Mr. Lasorda said that many of his beliefs and feelings were passed down to him from his father. 

"My father told my four brothers and me that we live in the greatest country in the world," he said. "We need to do our part to keep it that way. My brothers and I proudly wore the uniform. I believe in this country and would do anything for it. I was so proud to wear the uniform, and if I was younger, I'd want to wear it again."