Baseball Legend Tommy Lasorda to Sign Bottles of Lasorda Wines at Philadelphia Wine & Spirits Store Nov. 11

November 5, 2009

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 5 - Tommy Lasorda, a Norristown native, baseball Hall of Famer and manager of the two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, will meet fans and sign bottles of his Lasorda Wines from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Pennsylvania Wine & Spirits Store at 1940 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

"Tommy Lasorda long ago made his mark on the baseball diamond, and now his line of Lasorda wines is making its mark off the field," said Patrick J. "P.J." Stapleton, III, chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. "We're thrilled to bring this baseball icon back to the area he calls home to let customers and fans meet him and discover his new passion of winemaking."

Fans over 21 may purchase a bottle of Lasorda's wine at the store and have it autographed by Lasorda, Stapleton added.

Eager to preserve his legacy and fulfill another dream after his career in baseball, Lasorda began assembling an award-winning team of Italian wines two years ago, including his Championship Series and Gold Medal Collection.

Two of Lasorda's varietals will be available for purchase during his appearance and are available at more than 20 Philadelphia-area Wine & Spirits stores.

Lasorda Chianti, made in Tuscany from 100 percent Sangiovese grapes, is aged in oak and can be enjoyed now or in the next five years. Lasorda recommends serving this red wine with hearty pasta, barbecue or seafood dishes. The price is $17.99.

Lasorda Pinot Grigio del Veneto is a bright, crisp white wine made in the Old World style, best served with fish, shellfish, roasted white meats or pasta, or alone as an aperitif. The price is $15.99.

Lasorda, who will be inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame on Nov. 12, signed with the Philadelphia Athletics organization as a pitcher in 1944. He made his major league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954 and was a member of the Dodgers' 1955 World Series-winning team. He became manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1976, leading them to World Series victories in 1981 and 1988. He retired in 1996 and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Established in 1933 at the end of national Prohibition, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol. In addition to regulating the industry, the Liquor Control Board operates 618 Wine & Spirits Stores. The Liquor Control Board reported sales of more than $1.8 billion in fiscal 2008-09 and a return of $494.5 million in taxes and profits to the state's General Fund, helping to pay the cost of essential services such as education, health care, infrastructure and public safety.

Media contacts: Nick Hays or Francesca Chapman, 717-783-8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board