This week’s special episode of Legends Of Sport brought together an incredible group of Los Angeles sports royalty for a lively panel discussion and was recorded at SPARC’s (South Pasadena Arts Council) Gala Fundraiser, “Click! Art Captures Sport.” The event was held at the newly reopened Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena, CA and celebrated 40 years of friendship & photography from our very own legendary Lakers photographer Andy Bernstein & Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo. Proceeds from the evening benefited SPARC, the Lakers Youth Foundation and the Dodgers Foundation.
During the 1980’s, the two sports franchises gave Los Angeles sports fans much to celebrate with the Lakers capturing five NBA titles and the Dodgers winning two World Series. The evening’s panel was moderated by Dodgers reporter David Vassegh and featured Lakers Legends Byron Scott & Michael Cooper, Dodgers Legends Orel Hershiser & Jaime Jarrín, Andy and Jon, who all were part of the magical 1988 run when the Lakers and Dodgers both were crowned champions.
In this special episode, hear Byron & Michael take us inside the Lakers’ championship runs in ’87 & ’88, Orel talk about the Dodgers’ epic year of ’88 and Jaime recall Kirk Gibson’s World Series winning home run. Andy & Jon also share memories from throughout their careers from navigating the likes of Tommy Lasorda & Pat Riley to the dregs of team photos, from tricking Sandy Koufax into photo ops to Mamba meditations, the Showtime Lakers reunion in Hawaii and so much more!
Other Topics Discussed in this Episode:
3:53 Andy’s embarrassing first meeting with Tommy Lasorda at Dodgers spring training
8:33 Tommy and Pat Riley
14:50 How Andy & Jon were able to get special shots and gain the trust of their subjects
22:28 Jon’s favorite Dodgers photo of all time, his image of Sandy Koufax & Clayton Kershaw
28:07 1988 Lakers & Dodgers Championships
36:20 Byron reflects on Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss
38:00 Lakers & Dodgers repeat in 2020 both capturing “bubble” championships
43:07 Showtime Lakers’ 2022 Reunion in Hawaii
