During the Los Angeles Dodgers NLDS matchup with the Atlanta Braves, the organization was dealt some very sad news regarding a former General Manager, who passed away on Monday, October 5.
The former GM was Fred Claire, who served in a variety of roles with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1969 to 1998.
He held the GM role from 1987 to 1998.
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Sad Reactions to Fred Claire Passing Away
Here are some reactions from across the Los Angeles Dodgers social media landscape after the sad news was revealed that Fred Claire has passed away.
The Los Angeles Dodgers X account made the following post:
“The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing at age 91 of Fred Claire, whose three decades with the franchise reached their pinnacle as the general manager of the 1988 World Series Champions. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Sheryl and children Jeff, Jennifer and Kim.”
More on Fred Claire’s Legacy with the Dodgers
Fred Claire had been battling cancer, which is what caused his death at the age of 91.
SI.com’s J.P. Hoornstra provided some insight about Fred Claire’s impact on the Dodgers in 1988:
“In January 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers aggressively outbid the Detroit Tigers to sign free agent Kirk Gibson. It was a different era. The Dodgers had missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and had not won a World Series in six years. Gibson starred on the Tigers team that won the 1984 World Series, but had trouble staying healthy in the years since. What happened next is the substance of franchise lore. Gibson fashioned the best season of his career, winning the National League MVP award and leading the Dodgers to a dramatic World Series victory over the Oakland A’s.”
Here is Dodgers broadcaster Ross Porter’s message announcing the death of Fred Claire:
“Fred has been described as the most honest and integrity-driven sports executive in his 12-year stint as Dodger general manager,” Porter wrote. “I will always be grateful to Fred for initiating my 28 wonderful years with the Dodgers and always being a loyal friend of my family, but also for being one of the finest men I’ve ever known. He chose to focus on the good.”
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