Hall of Fame Manager and Dodgers great Tommy Lasorda will officially have a stretch of the 5 Freeway dedicated in his name.
The California legislature passed a bill in 2021 to designate a section of the 5 freeway through Fullerton as "Tommy Lasorda Memorial Highway." Lasorda lived in Fullerton, a city that was very close to his heart, since the Dodgers headed west in 1958. As Dodgers Manager, he guided the team to two World Championships, four National League championships, eight division titles and 1,599 games.
"Fullerton held a very special place in Tommy's heart, and we know how proud he would be to be standing here today," said Stan Kasten, president & CEO of Los Angeles Dodgers, in a statement.
The bill honoring Lasorda was authored by Los Angeles and Orange County representative, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva. "Tommy Lasorda embodied the spirit and love of the game of baseball, dedicating his life to the game by managing one of the most successful baseball franchises and encouraging the success of his players," said Quirk-Silva in a statement. "It was Lasorda's humanitarianism and spirit of goodwill towards kids everywhere that made him a legend."
The Dodgers partnered to help fund this permanent memorial in Fullerton. The new sign can be found on the Southbound 5 before Lincoln Avenue and the Northbound 5 before Ball Road.
There will be a ceremony tomorrow at 10am that will serve as the kickoff to the West Fullerton Little League opening ceremonies at James Carter Field. Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva will be joined by Lasorda’s daughter, Laura Lasorda, as well as Dodgers’ great Eric Karros, who played for Lasorda from 1991–1996.