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Dodgers, Lasorda drink champagne to celebrate division title, 90th birthday

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers gifted franchise legend Tommy Lasorda with their fifth straight National League West title on Friday - his 90th birthday - and celebrated together in the clubhouse with a little bubbly.

"I feel good that it happened on my birthday," Lasorda told ESPN. "Now we have to prepare ourselves for the next step. I think we're going to win it. There's no doubt in my mind, but I hope that they cooperate with my prediction."

" ... I'm just so happy for them. They're a good team and they play hard and they deserve all the accolades that are being bestowed upon them. It was extra special that they did it against the Giants. I've never liked the Giants."

Lasorda certainly dislikes Los Angeles' division rival. In his office at Dodger Stadium, a sign that's hung since his days as manager in rookie ball reads: "Love baseball. Hate the Giants."

Lasorda underwent surgery on May 25 to insert a new pacemaker and was in the hospital for two weeks. He's been involved with the Dodgers for 68 years and was their manager the last time the club won a World Series in 1988.

"We don't take this for granted. We couldn't have scripted this better," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said shortly after dedicating the team's accomplishment to Lasorda.

"Last year we won it on Vin (Scully's) last day in the booth at home, and this year we did it on Tommy's 90th birthday against the (San Francisco) Giants. It was perfect."

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