Manny Mota Faces Recovery After Stroke, Community Rallying Support

LOS ANGELES — Dodgers icon Manny Mota, renowned for his significant contributions to the team, suffered a stroke on Monday night. The organization announced on Tuesday that he is currently responsive to commands and resting comfortably.

The Dodgers shared an update on X, stating, “He is in recovery, where he is responsive to commands and is resting comfortably.” Mota’s son, José Mota, who is a broadcaster for the team, confirmed to ESPN Deportes that his father was taken to the hospital following the stroke.

This morning, José Mota revealed more details about his father’s condition in an update on Grandes en los Deportes. He assured fans that the family is hopeful, emphasizing, “Today is crucial. We’ll see the results of removing the clot. At his age, it’s difficult to predict, but we hope he can recover all his functions.” He added that his father is “making efforts to move his body and try to speak.”

Mota, 87, has been a beloved figure in Dodgers history, having won a World Series with the team as a player in 1981 and again as a coach in 1988. His career as a pinch-hitter spanned over 20 seasons in Major League Baseball, culminating in a .304 career batting average and a then-record 150 pinch-hits.

Mota’s impact extended beyond his playing days; he served as a coach for the Dodgers from 1980 until 2013, marking the longest tenure in franchise history. In 2023, he was recognized by the organization with an induction into the Legends of Dodger Baseball. This year, Mota was set to participate in another induction ceremony, further solidifying his legacy.

Notable figures in the Dodgers community, including minority owners, have taken to social media to express their support and admiration for Mota. As fans await further updates on his health, the sentiment is overwhelmingly hopeful, with many rallying behind the former player and coach.