The Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed that franchise legend Manny Mota, 87, is recovering at home after suffering a stroke in April 2025. The team issued a public statement following initial reports of his hospitalization, reassuring fans about his condition1. Mota, who holds the Dodgers’ all-time record for pinch hits (150) and served the organization for over 50 years as a player, coach, and broadcaster, remains responsive according to his son José Mota2.
Health Update and Team Response
Medical staff confirmed Mota never lost consciousness during the cerebrovascular incident, which occurred at his Los Angeles residence on April 24. Dodgers president Stan Kasten released an official statement via the team’s social media channels: “Manny’s spirit and determination mirror his playing career—he’s facing this challenge with the same grit that made him a clutch hitter.” The organization has temporarily reassigned Mota’s community relations duties, where he regularly visited schools and hospitals3.
Notable figures across baseball have expressed support, including Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson, who tweeted: “Cookie and I are praying for Uncle Manny. He taught me about leadership long before I joined the Dodgers ownership group”4. Current players wore Mota’s #11 jersey number on their caps during pregame warmups on April 28, a gesture organized by first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Mota’s Legacy and Career Highlights
The Dominican Republic native joined the Dodgers in 1969 as part of a trade with the Montreal Expos. His most famous moment came during Game 5 of the 1977 NLCS when his walk-off single against the Philadelphia Phillies sent Los Angeles to the World Series. Mota retired as a player in 1982 but immediately transitioned to coaching, later becoming the team’s Spanish-language broadcaster from 1999-20223.
Beyond statistics, Mota’s influence persists through the “Manny Mota International Foundation,” which has funded baseball facilities and scholarships in the Caribbean since 1983. The Dodgers’ annual “Manny Mota Day” fundraiser for the foundation will proceed as scheduled on June 15, with proceeds now also supporting stroke rehabilitation programs1.
Other Dodgers Updates
While the organization focuses on Mota’s recovery, baseball operations continue:
- Clayton Kershaw: The three-time Cy Young winner will make his rehab start on May 6 in Arizona after weather postponed the initial attempt. Team doctors project a possible return by May 18 following his November 2024 shoulder surgery5.
- Roster Moves: Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace injured utility player Tommy Edman7.
- Trade Rumors: MLB Network analysts suggest the Dodgers might pursue former closer Kenley Jansen from the Angels to bolster their bullpen6.
Community Impact
Local hospitals reported a 40% increase in stroke awareness inquiries since Mota’s diagnosis became public, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The Dodgers partnered with the American Stroke Association to distribute bilingual warning signs pamphlets at Dodger Stadium during their May 1-3 homestand. Fans have flooded social media with #PrayForMota messages, including video tributes from former players like Adrián Beltré and Pedro Martínez3.
Team physicians emphasize that while Mota’s age presents challenges, his active lifestyle prior to the stroke improves recovery prospects. Neurologist Dr. Lisa Wong, unaffiliated with the Dodgers but quoted in Sports Illustrated, noted: “Patients who maintain physical activity into their 80s often show better neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize after injury”2.
The Dodgers organization has established a dedicated email ([email protected]) for well-wishers, with staff printing and delivering messages to the Mota family weekly. No further medical updates are expected unless Mota’s condition changes significantly.
