On the morning of Tuesday, April 15, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that former MLB outfielder Manny Mota had suffered a health crisis. Fans quickly poured out their support for the two-time World Series champion.
Fans Show Support for Former Los Angeles Dodgers Coach Manny Mota
Mota played in the MLB from 1962 to 1982. He also coached the Dodgers from 1980 to 2013, in which he won two World Series titles with Los Angeles in 1981 and 1988.
Last night, Dodger legend Manny Mota suffered a stroke. He is in recovery, where he is responsive to commands and is resting comfortably.
Anoche, la leyenda de los Dodgers Manny Mota sufrió un derrame cerebral. Se encuentra en recuperación, respondiendo al personal médico y…
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 15, 2025
On Tuesday, the Dodgers posted on their X page, stating, “Last night, Dodger legend Manny Mota suffered a stroke. He is in recovery, where he is responsive to commands and is resting comfortably.”
Mota is now 87 years old. As a beloved Dodgers icon, many fans and figures from around the game shared messages of support for the longtime coach, including USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale, who said, “Prayers to Manny Mota, one of the nicest men who ever wore a baseball uniform.”
Prayers to Manny Mota, one of the nicest men who ever wore a baseball uniform. https://t.co/hIgX9W7Mua
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 15, 2025
Meanwhile, a Dodgers fan shared a touching memory of Mota, stating, “Friend of my Dads. I used to play catch with him when my Dad worked at Dodger Stadium. Terrible news, smh.”
Another MLB fan added, “Prayers on the way!”
Someone else said, “This is terrible… Wishing him a speedy recovery.”
This is terrible… 😞 Wishing him a speedy recovery
— Dapper_Villa (@DapperVilla) April 15, 2025
Another Los Angeles fan said, “Prayers for Mr. Mota! What a tough time it’s been for the Dodger family, lately. Nancy Bea passes and now Manny has a stroke.”
Mota’s son, José Mota, a broadcaster for Los Angeles, shared that his dad responded well to treatment after suffering the stroke.
The elder Mota began his career with the San Francisco Giants in 1962. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Montreal Expos before being traded to the Dodgers in 1969.
Manny said back in 2023, “When they made the trade with Montreal, Maury (Wills) was the big piece. They threw me in the deal, and that was the only way Montreal could make the deal. So Maury brought me here, and I’m still here. So thank you to Maury and Mr. (Al) Campanis. I enjoyed every minute here.
“Every second, every hour. L.A. is my home away from home. I’m so happy and thrilled to be here for more than half a century.”
Mota played in 1,536 games during his 20-year MLB career. Over the course of that span, he totaled a .304 batting average with 31 home runs and 438 RBIs, along with 50 stolen bases. He also had an on-base percentage of .355 and slugging at .389.