Claire Dies on His 91st Birthday
Fred Claire, the former general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who oversaw the franchise's 1988 World Series championship team, has died. He was 91.
Claire died on his 91st birthday in Pasadena, according to a team announcement made Tuesday. The organization noted that Claire had recently entered hospice care.
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten issued a statement regarding Claire's death, stating that the former executive brought "many victories and Dodger legends" to the franchise. Kasten expressed gratitude for Claire's leadership during his tenure with the team.
A 30-Year Tenure Begins in Public Relations
Claire’s relationship with the Dodgers began long before he assumed control of baseball operations. He started his career with the organization in July 1969 as a public relations assistant. This role followed an expression of interest in the position while he was working as a sports writer for the Long Beach Press-Telegram during spring training in Florida.
Over the next several years, Claire climbed the organizational ladder. In 1975, he was promoted to vice president of public relations and promotions. During his time in this capacity, he helped create the Dodger Blue branding and the Think Blue campaign.
Claire also played a role in the team's marketing milestones. In 1978, the Dodgers drew 3.3 million fans, becoming the first Major League Baseball team to exceed 3 million in attendance during a single season.
His influence extended to the broadcast side of the franchise as well. Claire hired announcer Ross Porter, who worked for the team from 1977 until 2004.
Directives and Memorabilia
Claire was involved in specific operational decisions that became part of Dodger history. In 1976, after Chicago Cubs outfielder Rick Monday saved an American flag at Dodger Stadium, Claire directed the message board operator to display the message "Rick Monday......You Made a Great Play."
The Path to General Manager
Claire’s ascent to the top baseball operations role was precipitated by a significant controversy within the front office. In April 1987, general manager Al Campanis was fired following comments he made on ABC’s "Nightline" regarding the lack of Black people in authority positions in baseball.
Claire later reflected on the suddenness of the event in his 2004 memoir. He wrote that he could not believe what he was reading upon waking up to the story about Campanis' comments, which Campanis had made without informing the organization.
Following Campanis's firing, team owner Peter O’Malley handed control of the team to Claire. Claire accepted the position on the condition of having total responsibility for baseball operations.
Navigating Early Challenges
Claire’s first full season as general manager in 1987 presented immediate hurdles. The Dodgers finished with a 73-89 record, prompting owner Peter O’Malley to consider bringing in a more experienced person for the role.
However, O’Malley decided to stick with Claire after being denied permission to speak with New York Mets official Joe McIlvaine. This decision allowed Claire to continue his work, eventually leading the team to the 1988 World Series title, a legacy Kasten highlighted in his tribute.
A Long Battle With Cancer
Claire’s later years were marked by a significant health struggle. In January 2015, at age 80, Claire was diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer on his lip.
The cancer later returned in his jaw and neck, leading to an 11-year journey involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. He remained connected to the Dodgers throughout this period until his passing on his 91st birthday.