Editorials

Tommy Lasorda Says Dodgers Mistook Pedro Martinez’s Ability

This week, Pedro Martinez was elected to the Hall of Fame along with Randy Johnson, Craig Biggio and John Smoltz.



Though he will not go in as a Los Angeles Dodger, Martinez began his career with the boys in blue before being traded to the Montreal Expos for Delino DeShields. Looking back at the deal, it is considered one of the worst trades not only in Dodger history, but baseball history. The Dodgers have not had a Hall of Fame member since Don Sutton was inducted in 1998, and don’t seem to have one in the near future.

It’s been said that Tommy Lasorda was one of those in the camp against Martinez being a part of the Dodgers future. After the right-hander’s election, Lasorda took the time to reflect on Martinez’s brief time with the team. He says that they mistook his ability and lost a Hall of Famer. Lasorda also praises Martinez and his brother, Ramon, who also pitched for the Dodgers.

Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

7 Comments

  1. Tommy was as wrong as a man could be on Pedro; but he is one of the greatest characters in baseball history – ask him what he thinks of Dave Kingman, for instance, or what color his own blood is. He won the fall classic more than once and was close on many occasions.

  2. Nonsense, I distinctly remember he was the one who pushed him out. One of many bad decisions tommy made for the dodgers.

  3. Tommy made the same mistake about a decade earlier with a pitcher named Sid Fernandez. I heard Tommy got all over the lad’s case for having a weight problem .Before you knew it Fernandez was dealt to the N.Y. Mets where he became an integral part of their pitching staff. And lastly let’s not forget the Paul Knerko for Jeff Shaw trade, for a cheap quick fix for the Dodgers middle relief problem . Tommy had a hand in dealing away another possible Future Hall of Famer. Konerko was a back up Catcher and 3rd baseman at the time, he would have been a reasonable replacement for Piazza or competition with Adrian Beltre for the 3rd base spot!

    1. From what I recall, it was either lose Beltre or Konerko. For some stupid reason, they picked Konerko. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

  4. No Mr. Manager, YOU mistook Pedro’s ability. Tell me when you think Delino DeShields will get in the HOF.

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