Bleeding Dodger Blue

In this corner … Jim Lefebvre …

In another shot heard round the baseball world – well, at least in Los Angeles – longtime Dodgers infielder and coach Jim Lefebvre 44 years ago today punches his former boss, manager Tommy Lasorda, in the face.

Seems the two are having trouble getting along – wonder why? – since Lasorda unceremoniously drops Lefebvre from his coaching staff following the 1979 season.

In the other corner … Tommy Lasorda

Apparently, Lasorda does not like the way Lefebvre works with the Dodgers’ hitters during the 1979 season, although that does not stop Lasorda from endorsing Lefebvre’s just-published book, The Making of a Hitter.

Well, the two do their best to avoid each other since the end of the 1979 season until 44 years ago today, when they run into each other while taping separate interviews at KNBC Studios in Burbank, Calif.

According to folks at the station, Lasorda completes his interview first and, rather than leaving as expected, he waits for Lefebvre to enter the building.

The two then adjourn to an empty studio, where they begin yelling and questioning each other’s lineage before finally wrestling on the floor.

Before they end up on the floor, the 52-year-old Lasorda reportedly takes off his sports coat and lunges at the 38-year-old Lefebvre, who responds by throwing one punch that leaves Lasorda with a bloodied nose.

And, just like that, their list for holiday cards gets one card shorter.