Connor Stevenson

Dr. Buchanan
HHP 324
28 January 2018
Durocher vs Lasorda Coaching Comparison

One of the most heavily debated aspects of sports today is what are in fact the innate
qualities of a good coach. Leo Durocher and Tommy Lasorda both managed the Brooklyn
Dodgers during Jackie first season in the big leagues. Durcoher was a very loud, boisterous
coach who treated his players as men, compared to Lasorda who was more of disciplinarian.
Coaches are said to have “an important role in identifying and clarifying what kinds of values,
aims and objectives ought to be pursued by the athletes,” which is valid, but the key is the coach
has to practice what they preach (Hardman & Jones, 2011, p. 80). In the case of Durcoher, he
committed the act of adultery, thus not setting a prime example on how to properly pursue the
desired objectives he had set for the team. Contrary to Durcoher, Lasorda was able to conduct
himself professionally and get the team to “buy-in” to a culture that accepted Jackie as an equal.
According to The Ethics of Sports Coaching, it states “how [coaches] act and behave
towards others (as well as their athletes) reveals aspects of personality, idiosyncrasies of mood
and disposition, and in particular, what it is they value,” which is exactly what Lasorda was able
to do in the post-Durcoher era (Hardman & Jones, 2011, p. 80). Lasorda’s attitude and behavior
around Jackie became contagious and eventually led to the team embracing Jackie, therefore
resulting in integrating baseball, but also a successful Brooklyn Dodger franchise. The way
Lasorda conducted himself as a manager was what set him apart from others. In an article written
in regards to how to choose a manager, it says “a manager who is unable to modify his behavior
and style so as to cope with any interpersonal issues that might undermine his team's
performance” (Horowitz, 1994, p. 189) which is what Durcoher did to the Dodgers. In
comparison, Lasorda possessed more of the innate qualities of good coach simply based on his
behavioral conduct that positively impacted his team rather negatively like Durcoher.