LASORDA REACTION

What they said about Tommy Lasorda’s death:

■ “He taught me a lot, I’ve got to tell ya. He definitely had an impact on me. He was so special; he was the best ambassador we had. It’s a big, big loss for baseball and the Dodgers.”

Aviators president Don Logan.

■ “It has been said that greatness is he that reminds us of no other. Tommy Lasorda was a great man. I so enjoyed spending time with him over the years and listening to his many stories. I will miss him, as will the baseball world and especially the Dodgers, who he so loved. His legacy will last forever and teaches us if we work hard enough we can become whatever we want to be. My condolences to his wife Jo and his entire family.”

Wayne Newton, Las Vegas entertainer.

“Tommy Lasorda was one of the finest managers our game has ever known. He loved life as a Dodger. His passion, success, charisma and sense of humor turned him into an international celebrity, a stature that he used to grow our sport. Tommy welcomed Dodger players from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Japan, South Korea and elsewhere — making baseball a stronger, more diverse and better game. Tommy loved family, the United States, the National Pastime and the Dodgers, and he made them all proud during a memorable baseball life.”

Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner

“My wife, Sue, and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our wonderful friend, Tommy Lasorda. Besides being a great manager and Hall of Famer, Tommy was a devoted supporter of the game of baseball. He and I were both proud and often talked about his role as manager of the gold medal winning United States team at the 2000 Olympics. Tommy was one of the sport’s primary spokespersons on a daily basis throughout his adult life. All of baseball will miss him.”

Bud Selig, former MLB commissioner

■ “Laura and I are saddened by the death of Tommy Lasorda. The baseball great was full of life throughout his 93 remarkable years. He was a good player, a smart manager, and a fine ambassador for our national pastime. I’ll never forget his energy leading his beloved Dodgers

or stepping in as third base coach for a tee ball game on the South Lawn of the White House. I believe he loved only his country, his wife Jo, and his family more than baseball.”

former President George W. Bush