Doctor Tommy

By Rick Alonzo, On-line Forty-Niner

April 21,1998

 

Tommy Lasorda, Ph.D.

 

Any baseball fan knows Lasorda has long studied the national pastime. And soon, he will be an honorary academic doctor, courtesy of Cal State Long Beach.

 

David Smollar, media relations director of public affairs at CSULB, said Lasorda will receive a "doctorate of humane letters" during his scheduled May 27, 1 p.m. speech at the graduation commencement of the College of Health and Human Services.

 

Lasorda's daughter, Laura Goldberg, earned a bachelor's degree in dance at CSULB and graduated in 1977.

 

Lasorda, who is now the Dodgers' vice president, had lunch with President Robert C. Maxson Monday, but Maxson said the visit was not related to the upcoming presentation.

 

"I've known Tommy for a long time," Maxson said, "so I just invited him to lunch. It was purely social."

 

Athletic Director Bill Shumard and Press-Telegram sports columnist Doug Krikorian joined Maxson and Lasorda for lunch. Shumard worked in the Dodgers organization from 1975-88 as director of community services and special events.

 

In 20 years as manager of the Dodgers (1976-96), Lasorda won two World Series crowns, four National League pennants and eight NL West division titles. His accomplishments led to election into the Baseball Hall of Fame in '97.

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