Fred Claire, GM of 1988 World Series Champion Dodgers, Dies at 91

Fred Claire, who transitioned from a sports writer to the architect of the Los Angeles Dodgers' 1988 championship, died Monday in Pasadena at age 91.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Fred Claire died Monday, his 91st birthday, in Pasadena, California. The team announced the news Tuesday, noting that Claire had recently entered hospice care. His death follows an 11-year battle with squamous cell skin cancer, a diagnosis he received in January 2015 at age 80. The disease eventually spread to his jaw and neck, requiring surgeries to remove a facial nerve and lymph nodes alongside radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Claire spent 30 years with the Dodgers organization, beginning in July 1969 as a public relations assistant after covering the team for the Long Beach Press-Telegram. He rose to vice president of public relations and promotions in 1975, a tenure during which he developed the "Dodger Blue" branding and "Think Blue" campaign. Under his marketing leadership in 1978, the Dodgers became the first MLB franchise to exceed 3 million fans in a single season, drawing 3.3 million. He also notably directed the stadium message board to honor Rick Monday after the outfielder saved an American flag from being burned on the field in 1976.

In April 1987, Claire was appointed general manager by owner Peter O'Malley following the firing of Al Campanis. Claire took over baseball operations on the condition of having total responsibility for the department. Although the team finished 73-89 during his first full season in 1987, Claire remained in the position and oversaw the roster that captured the 1988 World Series title. He is survived by his wife, Sheryl, and three children: Jeff, Jennifer, and Kim.