Fred Claire Obituary, Death – Former Dodgers General Manager Dies at 91

Fred Claire, the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers executive who served as the organization’s public relations chief and later became its general manager, has died at the age of 91. His death came on his birthday, marking the end of a career that spanned decades in professional baseball.

Born in Ohio, Claire moved with his family to Southern California when he was 15. He graduated from Torrance High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University.

Claire began his professional career as a sportswriter during the 1950s and 1960s. His relationship with the Dodgers began in 1969, when he covered the team during spring training in Vero Beach, Florida. Later that year, he joined the Dodgers’ public relations department.

He rose through the organization and became the Dodgers’ vice president of public relations in 1975. In 1987, he was promoted to general manager, a position he held for 11 years.

Claire played an important role in assembling the Dodgers team that won the 1988 World Series. During his time as general manager, Los Angeles also won two division titles and finished first in the regular season.

His work earned him the Sporting News MLB Executive of the Year honor in 1988. He was also associated with the popularization of the phrase “Dodger Blue,” which became closely identified with the franchise.

After leaving the general manager position, Claire continued working in baseball as a columnist and analyst. He also wrote books reflecting on his career and his experience battling cancer.

Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten remembered Claire as an important longtime member of the organization and highlighted his leadership during a significant period in the franchise’s history.

Claire is survived by his wife, Sheryl, and their three children, Jeff, Jennifer and Kim.

His death was announced by the Dodgers, prompting tributes from the organization and members of the baseball community who remembered his many years of service and his place in Dodgers history.