Fullerton Mayor Bruce Whitaker and Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica have signed a letter of intent to become Sister Cities in honor of Tommy Lasorda and his parents, Sabatino and Carmella Lasorda. Lasorda’s father, Sabatino Lasorda, was an Italian immigrant hailing from Tollo who came to the United States and raised Lasorda along with his four brothers.
Tommy Lasorda, the Hall of Famer who managed the Los Angeles Dodgers for 20 seasons and led them to two World Series titles, will be recognized by his hometown in a day of celebration on his birthday. The inaugural Tommy Lasorda Day will take place Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
- Virtual signing ceremony at Fullerton City Hall with Tollo, Italy delegation.
- The planting of an Italian olive tree by the Fullerton Sister City Association next to the magnolia, flowering cherry, and black pine trees, which symbolize Fullerton’s relationships with each of our sister cities (Morelia, Mexico; Fukui, Japan; and Yongin, South Korea).
- Press conference at Amerige Park Baseball Field proclaiming September 22nd, Tommy Lasorda Day.
- Screening of the National Italian American Film Forum Award-winning Italian Baseball Family documentary, featuring Tommy Lasorda.
“The City of Fullerton celebrates Tommy Lasorda, a 68-year resident of southwest Fullerton; a baseball ambassador of worldwide renown; a notable celebrity and highly recognizable personality; Member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame who earlier this year, in his own words ‘went to meet the big Dodger in the sky,’” said Mayor Bruce Whitaker.
For further information or interview requests, contact the City Council Office at 714-738-6311.