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Manny Mota joins Dodger ‘legends’

April 30, 2023

Former Dodger Manny Mota throws out the first pitch prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Former Dodger Manny Mota hugs Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers after being inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball prior to the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Former Dodger Manny Mota is inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES ― Manny Mota became the sixth member of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” on Saturday, surrounded by famous names from the team’s past and present in a special on-field ceremony prior to the Dodgers’ game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mota, 85, said he couldn’t imagine being part of the Dodger organization 41 years after his final major league at-bat.

“I’m surprised I’m still alive,” he said.

His son, Dodger broadcaster José Mota, emceed the ceremony attended by Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, Orel Hershiser, Steve Garvey, Peter O’Malley, and Adrián Beltré, among others.

Mota retired as baseball’s career leader in pinch hits, a role he thrived in after being traded to the Dodgers from the Montreal Expos in June 1969. Saturday, Mota recalled the circumstances of the trade.

“Maury (Wills) was the big fish of the trade,” Mota said. “The only way Montreal would have made the deal is if they threw me in the deal. Maury brought me here. I’m still here, and thank you to Maury and Mr. (Al) Campanis and the Dodger organization. I enjoyed every minute here, every second, and every hour. L.A. for me is my home. I’m so happy and thrilled to be here. I’ve been here more than half a century.”

Mota’s coaching career spanned four decades, during which he often worked as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers and for Fox Deportes. Mota also worked as a Dodgers alumni ambassador and made many appearances with the Dodgers’ community relations department ― his favorite post-retirement role with the club.

“I could get an opportunity to know how (people) feel, an opportunity to spend some time, share some time I didn’t have when I was a player and a coach,” he said. “Being in the community gave me the opportunity to communicate with people, and let them know how important they are, let them know that they are part of the country, let them know they are human beings.”

Don Newcombe, Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Kirk Gibson and Maury Wills were previously enshrined as “Legends,” whose plaques are displayed at the top of the stadium behind home plate. Hershiser, an analyst on the SportsNet LA broadcast team, is scheduled to be inducted as the seventh member of the group on July 29.

HAS ARM, WILL CATCH

Will Smith, who served as the Dodgers’ designated hitter Friday and Saturday, faces a tough task Sunday when he catches his first game since April 12.

No pitcher has allowed more stolen bases this season than Noah Syndergaard’s nine. The next runner caught stealing with Syndergaard on the mound will be the first of 2023.

“Will’s our best thrower, so to be paired with Noah is a good thing,” manager Dave Roberts said. “They’re still going to take some chances (on the bases).”

According to Statcast, Smith ranked 23rd among qualified MLB catchers last season with an average throw to second base of 80 mph. He missed 13 straight games due to a concussion before returning as the Dodgers’ DH on Friday, then caught Julio Urías’ bullpen session Saturday.

The Dodgers signed veteran Austin Wynns in the wake of Smith’s injury, and he figures to be the odd man out if the Dodgers elect not to keep three catchers on their active roster.

ALSO

Miguel Rojas hit a home run for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga in his first rehabilitation game. He also played five innings at shortstop. Sunday, he is expected to play for Rancho Cucamonga again before returning to the Dodgers on Monday. … Roberts said he is not comfortable “running Miguel out there every day” upon his return because of the injuries to his hamstring and groin early this season. For now, Chris Taylor figures to be the Dodgers’ primary shortstop once Rojas returns. … J.D. Martinez (back) tried swinging a bat Friday before he was placed on the 10-day injured list. Now, Roberts said, Martinez is “laying low. We’ll take the time to put (the injury) to bed. I don’t know when he’ll swing a bat again.” … With Smith returning to catcher, Roberts mentioned Jason Heyward and David Peralta as possibilities to DH against left-handed pitchers.