Baseball isn’t just a game – it’s a family affair, and Zack Minasian’s journey proves that rivalries can sometimes be more complicated than a ninth-inning nail-biter.

In a twist that would make die-hard Giants and Dodgers fans scratch their heads, Minasian’s connection to baseball royalty comes through an unexpected mentor: Tommy Lasorda. Yes, that Tommy Lasorda – the legendary Dodgers manager who practically embodied Dodger blue.

A Friendship Beyond Team Lines

Lasorda wasn’t just a baseball icon; he was a personal connection for Minasian. Back in the 1960s, Lasorda was tight with Minasian’s grandfather, helping launch a multi-generational baseball journey that would see the Minasian family infiltrate clubhouses across the MLB.

Breaking Barriers, Building Careers

Today, Zack Minasian stands as the Giants’ General Manager, carrying forward a legacy that began with a friendship between his grandfather and a Dodgers legend. His brother Perry manages the Angels, while another brother Calvin runs the Braves’ clubhouse – proving that baseball runs deep in their veins.

Rivalry with Respect

Despite growing up in the shadow of the Giants-Dodgers rivalry, Minasian credits Lasorda for instilling a competitive spirit that transcends team boundaries. “His competitive nature has rubbed off on me,” Minasian shared, highlighting a relationship that proves sometimes, sports is about more than just winning.

As the Giants and Dodgers prepare to face off, Minasian’s story reminds us that legends are built not just on the field, but through the connections we make along the way.