Joe Torre Hangs Up His Dodger Blue

LA says goodbye to a legendary manager

Joe Torre managed the Los Angeles Dodgers for the final time Sunday as they concluded the season by facing the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

Torre said he differentiated from his usual pregame routine by writing out his lineup card, instead of typing it on a computer as he has in recent years.

"I figured I wrote out the first one, let me write out the last one," said Torre, who began his managerial career May 31, 1977, managing the New York Mets to a 6-2 victory over the Montreal Expos.

LA beat Arizona, 3-1, in the season finale.

The Dodgers conducted a ceremony honoring Torre following the game.

Torre said he is retiring from managing, but "I don't think I ever want to shut down.

"I've know too many people who have taken early retirement and they don't seem very happy," said the 70-year old Torre. "I don't think there's anything that would encourage me to manage again, but there may be something out there that might blindside me."

Following the game, a video of Torre being praised by some of his  players and coaches was played on Dodger Stadium's video board and he was presented with a painting of him in a Dodger uniform.

"My hat's off to you guys," Torre told the crowd announced at 38,007. "When I left New York after the '07 season there were three very stressful  years for me. I wasn't sure if managing wasn't going to be any fun anymore.

"But thanks to (owner) Frank McCourt, (general manager) Ned Colletti,  most of all, my daughter Andrea and my wife Ali, who basically talked me into  it, all you fans, whether you're here at the ballpark on around the city, you  made me feel so welcome and I can't say how appreciative I am for that."

Fans booed when Torre mentioned McCourt's name. McCourt is embroiled in  a contentious divorce from his wife Jamie, which has included revelations of  how the couple used the team to finance their opulent lifestyle and sparked  fears McCourt will either not have, or not spend the money necessary to again  make the Dodgers championship contenders.

Torre's said his immediate plans are to take a brief vacation and sell  tickets for a Nov. 11 fundraiser in New York City benefiting his Safe at Home  Foundation, which aids in the prevention and awareness of domestic violence.

Torre said his agent has received inquiries as to whether Torre would be  interested in returning to broadcasting. Torre was an announcer with the then- California Angels from 1985-90, between managerial stints with the Atlanta  Braves and St. Louis Cardinals.

Torre said he will also meet with Colletti in the next three to four  weeks about a possible position in the Dodger organization.

"They've already reached out," Torre said. "The conversation started  last spring to have some involvement here after my managing days."
 

Copyright CNS - City News Service
Contact Us