LOS ANGELES – For more than five decades, Manny Mota has been synonymous with the Los Angeles Dodgers — the pinch-hitting virtuoso, the devoted coach, the passionate broadcaster, and the soul of a franchise. But this week, the man fondly called “Mota-mania” faces the most serious challenge of his life: at 87, the beloved legend is fighting to recover after suffering a stroke that sent shockwaves through the baseball world.
The Dodgers confirmed on social media that Mota was hospitalized on the night of April 14, 2025, after experiencing sudden symptoms. Within hours, teams, fans, and former players flooded platforms with prayers and well-wishes. His son and network broadcaster José Mota reassured the public that Manny “never lost consciousness” and was “resting comfortably and responsive.”
“Dad is doing well,” José told ESPN Deportes. “He’s alert, moving when asked, and today is a crucial step in removing a blood clot. At 87, we’re hopeful but cautious — we just want him to come home.”
Mota’s stroke marks the first major health crisis for the man whose career began in 1962 and spanned 56 years with the Dodgers. From 13 impactful seasons as a player — where he amassed a .313 batting average and set the MLB record for pinch-hits (149, a mark that stood for 20 years) – to 34 years as a coach and over a decade behind the broadcast microphone, Mota’s life has been anchored by the Dodgers.
Current and former players praised his “lifetime of mentorship,” while fans remembered his humility despite countless accolades, including a World Series title as a player in 1981 and another as a coach in 1988.
As recovery continues in a Los Angeles hospital, tear-jerking updates have poured in. “We’re working step by step, hoping he regains his speech and mobility,” José said, emphasizing that his father still listens to games on the radio — a small but powerful sign of resilience.
Dozens of fans have left messages on social media begging for a miracle: “Praying for Mr. Mota!”, “Great player, better man!”, “Hoping to see him at Dodger Stadium again!” Reflecting on his legacy at his 2023 induction into Legends of Dodger Baseball, Manny once said, “I don’t consider myself a legend… just someone who always tried to give my best.”
Even as Mota fights for his health, his story has reignited fans’ devotion, reminding the sport of the man behind the statistics — the Dominican immigrant who made Dodger Stadium his “home away from home,” the mentor whose advice shaped generations, and the human being who crafted a legacy no team can ever replace.
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