“Well Deserved”: Los Angeles Dodgers Melt Fans by Bestowing a Top Honor on 85-Year-Old Legend

In baseball, there are great players, and then there are legends. Manny Mota is counted among the latter. The 85-year-old MLB veteran contributed much to the sport during the course of his 20-season-long career. Talking about his playing days, Mota played for the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates to the Montreal Expos. But the one team that Mota is best known for is the Los Angeles Dodgers. He joined the Boys in Blue in 1969 and never left.

In addition to playing his last 731 games with the Dodgers, the former outfielder also served as a coach after retirement. With a .315 batting average, the second-highest in franchise history, Mota also left fans impressed with his pinch-hitting abilities. In the years since his retirement, the former slugger has received a number of distinctive accolades. And now, his beloved Dodgers have bestowed a top honor that he is unlikely to forget anytime soon.

Manny Mota just got inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball!

The Legends of Dodger Baseball is an elite group of truly phenomenal players that have played with the LA team. And recently, Mota became just the sixth athlete to receive an induction since the team started the tradition in 2018. After contributing decades worth of time to the organization, the retired ballplayer’s plaque will now be a permanent feature at Dodger Stadium.

“I enjoyed every minute here, every second, and every hour. L.A. for me is my home. I’m so happy and thrilled to be here. I’ve been here more than half a century,” Mota said. “I love you all, and thank you for your great support. I’m proud to be Dominican, I’m proud to be Latino, and grateful to be part of this great nation.”

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The veteran player also threw the first pitch as his family members spoke the fan-favorite phrase, “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” The ceremony took place ahead of a game between the Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals on April 30th. Mota’s son, Jose Mota, acted as the host; he followed in his father’s footsteps in choosing baseball as a career. Not only that, but the father-son duo is also in the broadcasting business now!

Fans showered their praise on the Dodgers legend for his top honor

Baseball Twitter showered love on Mota and congratulated him for a well-deserved position.

Among comments about his amazing pinch-hitting skills, some lamented how it’s no longer a needed position anymore because of designated hitters.

Some shared their own memories from interactions with Mota.

Which other players do you think deserve induction into the Legends of Dodger Baseball? Tell us in the comments below!

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