Fred Claire, architect of Dodgers’ 1988 championship team, dies at 91

Fred Claire, the former Dodgers general manager who helped build their 1988 World Series champions, has died at 91. Los Angeles announced his death Tuesday. The Los Angeles Times reported that he died Monday, on his birthday.

Claire joined the Dodgers in public relations in 1969 after working as a sportswriter. He eventually moved into player personnel, taking over the general manager’s responsibilities in 1987 after Al Campanis was removed. A year later, a club that had finished fourth was a champion.

The Dodgers’ announcement remembers both that title and his three decades with the organization.

The roster work behind 1988 included signing Kirk Gibson, acquiring shortstop Alfredo Griffin and adding relievers Jay Howell and Jesse Orosco. Gibson won the National League MVP award and supplied the injured, pinch-hit home run that won Game 1 of the World Series. Claire’s changes also gave manager Tommy Lasorda a stronger defense and bullpen around that famous swing.

The O’Malley family’s team history records a 94–67 regular season, a 21-win improvement over 1987. Los Angeles then beat the Mets in a seven-game National League Championship Series before defeating Oakland in five World Series games. Orel Hershiser won both the NL Cy Young Award and World Series MVP, while Claire received executive-of-the-year recognition from The Sporting News and Baseball America.

The archive also remembers the contributions of the reserves Lasorda called the Stuntmen. Mickey Hatcher, Dave Anderson and other bench players helped a team dealing with injuries keep winning in October. Their role explains why the championship is remembered for more than its two biggest stars.

Claire’s influence extended to how the franchise presented itself. MLB’s obituary credits him with the Dodger Blue theme and the Think Blue campaign, work that began during his years in communications and marketing.

Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten thanked Claire for his leadership and the players he brought to Los Angeles. The club extended condolences to his wife, Sheryl, and children Jeff, Jennifer and Kim.