If you were fortunate enough to see Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda in person any time over the past decade, you undoubtedly noticed that there was always someone with him. That someone was Colin Gunderson, the Dodgers former Press Coordinator and Assistant to Tommy Lasorda. And when I say always, I mean always. In fact, I cannot recall a single time when I saw one without the other while in the public eye.

Colin Gunderson served as Tommy Lasorda’s personal assistant for 12 years.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Between 2001 and 2013 Gunderson spent more time with baseball’s greatest ambassador than even Jo Lasorda, Tommy’s bride of 64 years did. As such, you can only imagine the things that Gunderson saw and heard.

Well now you can read about them.

Gunderson has authored a book entitle Tommy Lasorda: My Way – a biography of Tommy Lasorda – that hits book stores on April 1. But Dodger fans who are at Camelback Ranch on Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14 will have an opportunity to purchase an advanced copy of the book and have it signed by both Tommy Lasorda and Colin Gunderson. The signings will take place in the Center Field Courtyard at Camelback Ranch, 10712 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ  as follows:

• Friday, March 13, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 pm
• Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 12:00-2:00 pm

(Image courtesy of Triumph Books)

The book is forwarded by yet another Hall of Fame manager – Joe Torre. Here’s what the official press release has to say about the new book:

“Tommy Lasorda believed that winning wasn’t about being the best, but about believing you are the best and that philosophy runs throughout Tommy Lasorda: My Way. Author Colin Gunderson takes readers through Lasorda’s days as a player and the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, including their two World Series Championships in 1981 and 1988. It also provides fans with a peek at what makes Lasorda tick: his relationship with his father, Sabatino, whom he emulated; his childhood growing up in Norristown,Pennsylvania, working odd jobs; and his unfailing work ethic. That work ethic helped him become one of baseball’s most successful managers as he won the World Series twice, won four National League pennants and eight division titles with the Dodgers. In this book, fans will recall some of their favorite Lasorda anecdotes, and will also be privy to new information and rich background on this national baseball treasure, including memories from an All-Star roster of Dodgers stars.”

If you happen to be anywhere near Camelback Ranch on March 13 and 14, you won’t want to miss out on this great opportunity to get a copy of Tommy Lasorda: My Way even before its release date; and better still, an opportunity to get it signed by Lasorda and Gunderson.