Fred Claire Leaves a Legacy of Integrity With the Dodgers

Fred Claire, the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers executive who helped shape the franchise and later managed its baseball operations, is being remembered for his integrity, generosity and commitment to accountability. Claire, who died at his Pasadena home on Monday night on his 91st birthday, also left a lasting mark on students, colleagues and the wider community through decades of mentorship and public service.

Claire worked for the Dodgers from 1969 to 1998, first in public relations and later as general manager from 1987 to 1998. His leadership helped build the team that won the 1988 World Series, while his willingness to accept responsibility for difficult decisions distinguished him throughout his career, according to accounts published by the Los Angeles Times and Orange County Register.

One of the most enduring episodes associated with Claire occurred in 1976, when outfielder Rick Monday rescued an American flag from two protesters attempting to burn it at Dodger Stadium. Claire, then the team's publicist, instructed a young stadium message-board assistant to display a tribute recognizing Monday's actions.

Jeff Fellenzer, the student who typed the message, later recalled Claire's calm direction during the rapidly unfolding incident. Claire continued to acknowledge Fellenzer's contribution decades afterward, illustrating his habit of recognizing the people behind memorable moments.

Claire also maintained a longstanding relationship with Fellenzer after the incident. When Fellenzer established a sports business and media course at the University of Southern California in 1999, Claire co-taught it during its first three years and remained available to advise students pursuing careers in baseball and sports business.

Fellenzer used Claire's management principles in examinations for his students, including the importance of committed ownership, a strong product, credibility with fans and media, and hiring capable employees while allowing them to perform their jobs. The former executive's approach emphasized trust and accountability rather than managerial language that obscured responsibility.

Claire demonstrated that principle after the Dodgers traded future Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez to the Montreal Expos for infielder Delino DeShields in November 1993. The deal followed second baseman Jody Reed's departure in free agency, and concerns within the organization about Martinez's size and durability contributed to the decision, according to the Orange County Register.

Although the trade became one of the most criticized transactions in franchise history, Claire accepted responsibility for the outcome rather than blaming the coaches and scouts who had approved it.

“The facts are the facts, and those facts are, I traded Pedro,” Claire said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

His commitment to candor also shaped his departure from the organization. In May 1998, the Dodgers traded Mike Piazza to the Florida Marlins in a seven-player deal orchestrated by the team's new Fox ownership without Claire's involvement. Claire publicly clarified who had made the decision and was fired about a month later, the Orange County Register reported.

Beyond baseball, Claire served Pasadena through his work with the Rose Bowl Operating Company. According to Pasadena Star-News, he joined its board in 2005 and served until 2022, becoming its longest-serving member during that period.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, who spoke with Claire shortly before his death, recalled his commitment to helping others and his influence on the community.

“Fred lived by the Jackie Robinson credo, which is ‘a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,’” Gordo said.

Gordo and Claire spent more than 10 years together on the Rose Bowl Operating Company Board. He described Claire as a mentor and friend whose judgment, intelligence and humor made a lasting impression.

City Councilmember Steve Madison, Claire's neighbor, also praised his willingness to serve the community. Madison had asked Claire to represent his district on the Rose Bowl Operating Company Board because of his experience managing Dodger Stadium.

“I'm not aware of any time when the community called Fred and asked for help and he said no,” Madison said. “He was just always there.”

Rose Bowl Stadium CEO Jens Weiden credited Claire with helping him advance professionally. In 2013, Claire connected Weiden with Pat Gallagher, Weiden's former boss with the San Francisco Giants, when the stadium was recruiting a chief revenue officer.

“In turn, Fred gets credit for any good decisions I have made in my time at the stadium, and I get the blame for any bad ones!” Weiden said in an email.

Claire also documented his personal resilience in his book, Extra Innings: Fred Claire's Journey to City of Hope and Finding a World Championship Team. According to BallNine, Claire underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in 2016 after an aggressive cancer diagnosis. When the disease returned and spread to his neck, an immunotherapy clinical trial helped save his life, although a subsequent infection required extensive facial reconstructive surgery.

Proceeds from the book were designated for City of Hope National Medical Center, where Claire received treatment. His efforts to recognize the institution's medical staff reflected the same appreciation for teamwork that characterized his approach to baseball and community service.

Pasadena City Council honored Claire at its October 6 meeting with a moment of silence. The Rose Bowl Stadium organization also issued a statement recognizing his leadership, generosity and longstanding contributions to the institution.