Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda is fond of how many of his former players have went on to become big league managers.
Former Rangers manager Johnny Oates and current manager Ron Washington each played for Lasorda. So did newly hired Red Sox (and former Rangers) manager Bobby Valentine, along with Mike Scioscia, Kirk Gibson, Dusty Baker and Ron Roenicke.
“Proud of all those guys,” Lasorda said.
Especially Valentine, who is managing in the big leagues for the first time since 2002.
Lasorda remembers Valentine coming up through the Dodgers organization, and how sharp the young player was. Lasorda told a story of Valentine writing the game reports for the local newspaper.
“I’d read a story, and it’d say Bobby Valentine had no hits but played a heck of a game defensively,” Lasorda said, smiling.
As for Washington, Lasorda isn’t surprised by his success with the Rangers. The two had breakfast on Monday, and reminisced about the old days.
“Ron always gave it his best,” Lasorda said. “He was a tremendous guy to have on the team.”
-- Drew Davison
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