Duke Snider

Dodgers Recalled Snider Spring Training -  Tommy Lasorda recalled Duke Snider as a winner, a clutch player who was also generous and easy going with younger players.

"When I was a rookie on the team, who always seemed to me good," Lasorda said Sunday after learning of the death of Snider in a game of spring training camp at Dodger at Camelback Ranch. "It made me feel wanted. It made me feel like a team member.

"You know, when we bus it reminded me to where he sat, and he would have a beer with me," Lasorda said. "When you're young and if you guys like Duke Snider recalls you're in good shape. You feel comfortable with it. "

LaSorda could not talk to a lot of Snider, since Hall of Famer was admitted to hospital. Before health deteriorated Snider, Lasorda said he often spoke.

"We talked about baseball Dodgers," said Lasorda. "It 's been his love, and my love."

Generally, Lasorda remembers Snider for his home runs.

"Hitting the ball out of Ebbets Field and trot around the base," said Lasorda, who later became the Dodgers' manager. "It was Duke Snider. He could throw. He could box. He was one of the great, great players of our time. Check out his World Series performance.

"He was a winner," said Lasorda. "This is a great loss to the Dodgers for his family. I'm proud to say that was a companion and friend."

In the Dodgers' clubhouse after a 5-0 win over Los Angeles Angels had a sticker Snider memory is placed on a billboard next to the daily work schedule. This included the Snider jersey No. 4, with a red slash through it that said "Duke".

None of the current Dodgers Snider might remember as a player, of course, but 28 years Andre Ethier had met with Snider and knew how important it was in franchise history.

"He was very complementary to what the doping," said Ethier. "He was also a set of informantion and things to give. He was excited and wanted to be with the boys.

"I had seen in the field and at Dodger Stadium," said Ethier. "It's hard to see a legend, someone who has done so much for this team is going to happen. He was one of the founding fathers of this franchise is all."

Dodgers longtime secretary Billy DeLury trip, remembers meeting Snider was a teenager when he worked as an office boy for the franchise.

"It was 1952 or 1953," said DeLury, which will continue to travel consultant for the Dodgers. "I remember a gentleman. It was just a great individual. In Brooklyn, as he loved the fans. He played on a daily basis, and the fans knew he would be there."

DeLury remembered best of two home runs in 1955 World Series, but also lead to an office boy who would otherwise have been intimidated by a baseball player, the big names.

"He was never pushed to you, DeLury said." He always had time for everyone on the road and at home. "

First year Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Snider met with three or four years ago.

"It 'was during the development of winter," said Mattingly. "I just remember a very nice man. Obviously, it's an important part of Dodger history."