December 12
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Today is Frank Sinatra's birthday. We should all celebrate because he was a
tremendous man who touched many, many lives.
He did something for me that I never ever thought possible, and that I will always be thankful for.
Frank called my mother and my sister-in-law answered. He asked for Ma Lasorda and said it was Frank
Sinatra calling.
My sister-in-law hung up in him.
I called back and said, "Hey, that was really
Frank. Put Mom on the phone."
Frank told my mother that he was coming to Philadelphia for a concert and wanted to invite her to be his guest. He also told her that he wanted her to cook
my favorite meal, scarole and beans, and hot peppers and sausage.
Well, to ask an Italian lady to cook is very high honor.
So Frank comes to Philadelphia and pulls onto our block. Jilly, his right-hand man, gets out of the car and
knocks on our neighbor's door. He asks
is Ma Lasorda is there, and of course she tells him that she lived next door.
That lady saw Frank and within 20 minutes there was a swarm of cars and the police had to be called in.
The next night at the concert, Frank sent a limo to pick up my mother. There was a doctor and nurse in the limo who Frank wanted there just to make sure she was okay.
They got to the show, and her seats were in the front row.
As Frank started the show, which was at the Valley Forge Theater, he introduced
her to the crowd, came down from the stage to give her a kiss and flowers, and
dedicated the entire show to her.
What a man!
So today I wish Frank's family all of my love, and I will always treasure the memories we made during our friendship.
Happy Birthday, Frank.
-- Tommy Lasorda
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