Was Tommy Lasorda Italian? The Truth Behind The Legend

Tommy Lasorda was born in a Italian American neighborhood of Norristown, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. His mother, Carmella (née Cavuto), was a homemaker, and his father, Sabatino Lasorda, worked as a laborer. They had five sons, and Tommy was the second oldest.

Tommy’s upbringing in this Italian American community had a profound impact on his life. He was surrounded by a vibrant culture of family, food, and community. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep love for his heritage. These values would later define his career as a baseball manager, where he was known for his passion, intensity, and unwavering loyalty to his players.

His family roots can be traced back to the small town of Castel di Sangro in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Sabatino Lasorda, Tommy’s father, immigrated to the United States in 1905 when he was only 15 years old. He sought a better life for himself and his future family. He found work in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and eventually married Carmella Cavuto, a local woman of Italian American descent. Tommy’s family history is a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian immigration to the United States. Their story is one of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of the American dream.