"When the Astros snatched Don Sutton up in 1980, with a four-year, $3.1 million offer, it was impossible for Tommy Lasorda not to take it personally.
Don Sutton had been a Walter Alston man, publicly lobbying for coach Jeff Torborg to replace the storied manager in 1976, even when Lasorda was all but a lock for the position.
"I just don’t believe that I could play for a manager who’s a headline grabber, who isn’t honest."
Sutton said at the time, later refusing to become “one of Lasorda’s bobos.”
Things grew so heated that Lasorda challenged Sutton to settle their differences with fists.
The pitcher declined.
Their differences remained."
Don Sutton never garnered a single Cy Young vote in four years under Lasorda during his prime.
"Comparing me to Sandy Koufax is like comparing Earl Scheib to Michelangelo."
Don Sutton.
In 1998, when the Dodgers retired Don Sutton’s number, Sandy Koufax paid his own way to attend the retirement Ceremonies, as they were teammates on the 1966 Dodgers, Sutton’s rookie year.
When Don Sutton thanked him, Koufax said:
"How could I not?
You’re the only 300-game winner I ever played with."
Don Sutton is in my HOF!!!