Former LA Dodgers GM Fred Claire, Who Signed Chan Ho Park, Dies at 91

Fred Claire, the former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager whose front office engineered the acquisitions of Korean pitcher Chan Ho Park and Japanese star Hideo Nomo, died on Jan. 5 in Pasadena, California, at the age of 91, according to Associated Press reports citing the franchise.

Claire Led the Dodgers to a 1988 World Series Title

Claire started his career in sports journalism before joining the Dodgers organization in 1969 as part of the public relations department. By 1975, he had climbed to vice president of public relations and promotions. When his predecessor was dismissed in 1987 following a controversy involving racially insensitive remarks, Claire stepped into the general manager role. Just a year later, he steered the Dodgers to a World Series title, winning the championship four games to one. That performance earned him The Sporting News Executive of the Year award for 1988. He remained in the post until June 1998, when he was dismissed following the club’s sale to Fox Entertainment Group, later working as a columnist for MLB.com, a radio host, and a consultant.

Paving the Way for Asian Stars in Major League Baseball

Claire left a lasting imprint on the global game by opening the major leagues to Asian talent. Park went on to pitch 17 seasons in the majors through 2010, compiling a 124–98 record with a 4.36 ERA—a victory total that remains the record for any Asian-born pitcher in Major League Baseball history. The following year, in 1995, Claire helped orchestrate the signing of Japanese right-hander Hideo Nomo. Nomo went 13–6 with a 2.54 ERA and a league-leading 236 strikeouts in his debut campaign, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors.

A Long Battle With Cancer

In 2015, Claire received a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma on his lip. The cancer later recurred in his jaw and neck, leading to multiple surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy over an 11-year battle. In his final days, he received hospice care in Pasadena, passing away on the date of his 91st birthday.