Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers manager and WrestleMania II celebrity guest Tom Lasorda has passed away at the grand age of 93.
The Hall of Famer managed the LA Dodgers for 20 years, winning the World Series twice (in 1981 and 1988). Lasorda also played the game briefly as a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Kansas City Athletics.
Due to Lasorda’s association with the company, WWE responded to the news of his death on Friday releasing this heartfelt message:
WWE is saddened to learn that Tommy Lasorda passed away at the age of 93.
Lasorda will long be remembered for his contributions to the game of baseball, but the Baseball Hall of Famer also holds a special place in the history of sports-entertainment. The former Los Angeles Dodgers manager was a special celebrity guest at WrestleMania 2.
Lasorda was one of baseball’s most beloved ambassadors and spent an incredible 71 years with the Dodgers organizations. The legendary manager led one of the game’s most storied franchises to two World Series titles and won over 1,500 games.
WWE extends its condolences to Lasorda’s family and friends.
The WWE Universe has lost one of WrestleMania’s first celebrity guests. Tommy took part in WrestleMania II back in 1986 whilst he was at the height of his stardom as the Dodgers’ manager. That night Lasorda was a celebrity guest ring announcer at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena for the main event featuring Hulk Hogan defending the World Championship against King Kong Bundy inside of a steel cage.
The Twitter account @80sWrestling_ also tweeted out some great photos from Lasorda’s appearance at WrestleMania II.
An amazing backstage shot of @HulkHogan and Tommy Lasorda following Hogan’s victory over King Kong Bundy in a Steel Cage Match at WrestleMania 2! pic.twitter.com/AYtQRxreDX
— 80's Wrestling (@80sWrestling_) March 30, 2020
Everyone here at Inside The Ropes extends their condolences to Lasorda’s family and friends at this difficult time.