Tom Lasorda likes the idea of Peter O’Malley returning to Dodgers
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Former Dodgers Manager Tom Lasorda said on Wednesday night he felt torn about the Dodgers’ impending ownership change. He talked about how Frank McCourt treated him well, but said he understood the fans demanded new leadership.
Lasorda’s tone was uncharacteristically measured until he was asked about former owner Peter O’Malley, who said he wants to return as the team’s chief executive and would work on forming an ownership group.
Lasorda, who managed the Dodgers to two World Series championships under O’Malley’s ownership, suddenly came to life.
“That’s quite a surprise,” he said. “He did it before. The people loved him. He could make a big impact. He knows what it takes to balance an organization. He knows what it is to win.”
Lasorda said O’Malley should be asked to run the team by whichever ownership group wins the auction.
“I think whoever gets it should have him because they love him in the city,” Lasorda said. “People love Peter O’Malley.”
Lasorda said he wanted the Dodgers’ next owner to have strong local ties.
“For me, I’d like to see a local man,” he said. “Local owners, they know the stadium, they know the team, they know the fans.”
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-- Dylan Hernandez