Tommy Lasorda is, without question, one of the most recognizable men ever to put on a Los Angeles/Brooklyn Dodgers uniform, as well as being one of the great ambassadors of the game of baseball.

Who remembers his stint as the "Dugout Wizard" on the "Baseball Bunch" hosted by former Cincinnati Reds great Johnny Bench?

Well, his career is a lot more illustrious than that.

The 86-year old Lasorda was a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1954-55, before he began scouting for them, in 1961.

After a stint as a minor league manager in the Dodgers' chain, Lasorda become the third base coach for the Dodgers in 1973, before taking over for Walter Alston as manager in late 1976.

As manager of the Dodgers, Lasorda, who was elected into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, guided the team to World Series titles in 1981 and 1998.

In 21 years at the helm of the Dodgers, from 1976-1996, Lasorda accumulated an overall record of 1,599-1,439, and was twice named National League Manager of the Year (1983 & 1988).

Lasorda, who's number 2 is retired by the Dodgers, has worked in the front office since 1996, giving him over 60 years of service with the organization.

Over that time, Lasorda has met a lot of great players that have put on the Dodgers uniform, and he's made a number of friends as well, but says that the first ex-Dodger he wants to meet when he goes to "Dodger Heaven" is the late Don Drysdale.

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