Tommy Lasorda Lights up Disneyland
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Lasorda discusses Disneyland

Harriss went on to introduce Lasorda's family, thank him for coming and present him with a crystal Sleeping Beauty Castle. After thanking Harriss for the gift and invitation to share in the event Lasorda told the gathered crowd that he "started playing ball the year before Disneyland open. Now you know that's a long time." He stated that “the strength of your team and the vision of your manager are very, very important." He shared his admiration for the team at Disneyland and for Walt Disney whom he described as “one of the greatest visionaries this country has ever seen.” He continued "in a ball club, we go out to win games. And here at Disneyland your team plays to win too. Only your players hit the field every day with the goal of making children happy. I'm talking about children of all ages. After all, this is the happiest place on earth. I'm here tonight because I believe in the magic that you make..It's especially exciting to share this magic with my granddaughter, Emily, who is 5 years old. The bottom line is, winning the World Series, being inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame or earning an Olympic Gold Medal were some of the greatest moments of my life. But whenever I see little Emily smile, that means so much to me." He concluded by saying "Disneyland creates thousands of smiles for families every day. And I'm just happy to be part of this great magic tonight".

Lasorda ignites Castle fireworks and lights up Disneyland
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Next it was time for the lighting. Mickey unveiled a baseball bat which Harriss told Lasorda was a special bat that the cast had named “The PixieDuster”. “In baseball a home run is what lights up the stadium,” Harriss stated, "so we want you to do a little of your magic and to help you with that Mickey has brought along his Disneyland magical baseball." An announcer’s voice declared, “Play ball! Batter up!” and the familiar refrains of a ballpark organ were heard. The crowd clapped along with the chords as they went faster and faster until the bugler’s "charge" was heard. Lasorda hit the baseball with a beautiful swing and the announcer declared, “It’s a hit! A Disneyland home run” The baseball exploded in a puff of smoke as fireworks ignited off the castle and the thousands of colorful lights along Main Street, including the large Christmas tree, lit up. The Disneyland Band added to the enthusiasm with the refrains of We Need A Little Christmas as the crowd clapped along.

Lasorda stepped to the podium again and thanked Harriss and the cast members. "Tonight, Cynthia, you and Disneyland have made the Lasorda family the happiest family on this entire earth.”

Ms. Harris next invited guests to stay in the area for the fireworks and wished everyone the happiest of holidays. While waiting for the fireworks, the Disneyland Band entertained the audience with a few choruses of Jingle Bells.

 

 

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