Tommy Lasorda & Even More Dodgertown

Well, this afternoon, I decided to head back up to Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla. to work on a photo essay on the site while I was on my way to Viera, Florida to catch the Nationals and Mets play (it was promptly canceled due to heavy rain).

Anyhow, on my visit, I saw a familiar & colorful figure of my youth sitting in a golf caddy.

Folks, I got to see the legendary Tommy Lasorda in the flesh. I usually don't get excited over meeting celebs, but I was a like a little kid again seeing a brilliant baseball manager, while at the same time a comic figure with my own eyes. I don't know if I could say I admired him, but his presence in the game of baseball is one that you cannot deny.

That being said, since I had nothing on me at all to get an autograph with, a fellow fan directed me to pick a postcard from Vero Beach with the Dodgertown Facility overhead.

Needless to say, I took an opportunity to not get only get autograph, but a picture with him as well.

And yes, he can talk and talk, and talk. He'll be managing the Dodgers next week as there'll be split squads -- one contingent will be going to China, the other will be stateside.

In chatting with a few fans who flew out from California to Vero Beach, Mr. Lasorda has been quite the presence as the organization will most likely leave the facility after 50+ years there.

Again, if the Baltimore Orioles do decide to leave Ft. Lauderdale, they should jump all over the opportunity to take the site, as Ft. Lauderdale Stadium is nothing but inferior to Dodgertown.

What a day!
A special parting gift...

Slideshow:

Dodgertown