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'What's my opinion of Kingman's performance!? What the fuck do you think is my opinion of it? I think it was fucking horseshit! Put that in, I don't fucking care. Opinion of his performance!? Jesus Christ, he beat us with three fucking home runs! What the fuck do you mean, 'What is my opinion of his performance?' How could you ask me a question like that, 'What is my opinion of his performance?' Jesus Christ, he hit three home runs! Jesus Christ! I'm fucking pissed off to lose the fucking game. And you ask me my opinion of his performance! Jesus Christ. That's a tough question to ask me, isn't it? 'What is my opinion of his performance?'' -- in response to a question from reporter Paul Olden about slugger Dave Kingman's hitting three home runs during a May 14, 1978 10-7 victory by the Cubs over the Dodgers. The 'censored' version of this diatribe, with the many 'beeps' adding to its humorous effect, can be heard on one of the Baseball's Greatest Hits CD's.[4]

Tommy Lasorda#5

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About this quote

What does it mean?
A manager is upset about losing despite an opponent hitting three home runs against his team.
In plain terms
He is mad about losing the game even if the other team hit home runs.
What can you take from it?
Winning matters more than individual stats.

Where it applies

  • sports interviews
  • post-game analysis
  • criticism

Putting it to work

  • focus on team results
  • keep calm in interviews

Questions to consider

  • How do you handle losing?
  • What matters more stats or wins?

Another view

Fans care about how the game was won.

More from Tommy Lasorda

  1. 'When we win, I'm so happy I eat a lot. When we lose, I'm so depressed, I eat a lot. When we're rained out, I'm so disappointed I eat a lot.' [3]

    Permalink to quote #4

  2. 'I think that is very very bad, for that man to make an accusation like that, that is terrible. I have never, ever since I've managed, ever told a pitcher to t…

    Permalink to quote #6

  3. 'I believe managing is like holding a dove in your hand. If you hold it too tightly you kill it, but if you hold it too loosely, you lose it.' Source: The Artf…

    Permalink to quote #3

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