Lasorda to get portrait hung in Smithsonian Institution

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LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Tom Lasorda will soon take his place alongside other Los Angeles Dodgers stars in the Smithsonian Institution.

The Hall of Fame manager will have his painting hung in the museum's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. The unveiling is set for Sept. 22, Lasorda's 82nd birthday.

The life-sized portrait, measuring 60 by 50 inches, is part of the tribute to Lasorda's 60 years with the Dodgers and his life in baseball. He currently serves as special adviser to team owner and chairman Frank McCourt.

"I am proud and honored by this very special recognition," Lasorda said in a statement released Wednesday. "I have been honored many times in the past, and am appreciative of them all, but to be included in the National Portrait Gallery is very special, and very humbling."

The portrait, painted by Everett Raymond Kinstler, is part of the Smithsonian's collection of baseball-related art. Lasorda joins former Dodgers stars Don Drysdale, Leo Durocher, Walter Alston, Sandy Koufax, Gil Hodges, Branch Rickey, Jackie Robinson, Wilbert Robinson and the 1955 team photo in the museum.

Lasorda managed the Dodgers for 20 seasons, leading them to eight division titles, four National League pennants and World Series titles in 1981 and '88. He retired as manager in 1996.

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