Former Dodgers public relations executive and general manager Fred Claire, who rose through the ranks of the organization after a Spring Training coverage assignment with the team in 1969, has died at age 91.
Claire died at his home Monday night, the team said in a statement. He turned 91 on Monday.
Born in Ohio, Claire and his family moved to Torrance when he was 15. The Torrance High School graduate earned a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University.
He was a sportswriter during the 1950s and 1960s and was assigned to cover the Dodgers Spring Training in Florida in 1969 for the Long Beach Press-Telegram newspaper. Claire became part of the Dodgers public relations team that summer and was eventually promoted to vice president of the department in 1975.
Claire was named the storied franchise’s general manager in 1987. His predecessor, Al Campanis, was removed from the position in 1987 after remarks on ABC’s “Nightline” after his response to a question about why there were no Black managers or general managers in the league.
In a remarkable turnaround following a dismal season, the team won the World Series a year later. Claire played key roles in several acquisitions to help build the championship team, including free agent Kirk Gibson, and relievers Jay Howell and Jesse Orosco.
He remained the team’s GM until 1998, when Robert Murdoch’s News Corporation bought the team from the O’Malley family.
Claire is credited with coining the phrase “Dodger Blue” and the “Think Blue” campaign.
The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing at age 91 of Fred Claire, whose three decades with the franchise reached their pinnacle as the general manager of the 1988 World Series Champions. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Sheryl and children Jeff, Jennifer and Kim. https://t.co/ekLlPkvM6n
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 6, 2026
“The Dodgers are grieving the passing of Fred Claire, a longtime key fixture of our organization,” said Stan Kasten, President and CEO of the Dodgers. “Fred brought many victories and Dodger legends to our franchise, as well as a 1988 World Series title, and we are forever grateful for his leadership during such a memorable era. Our hearts go out to his wife Sheryl and his family.”
Claire also was a columnist and analyst for MLB.com. He wrote two books, “Fred Claire: My 30 Years in Dodger Blue” in 2004 and “Extra Innings: Fred Claire’s Journey to City of Hope and Finding a World Championship Team” in 2020.
Claire is survived by his wife and his children, Jeff, Jennifer and Kim.
The Dodgers and Braves meet Tuesday in Atlanta for Game 3 of the NLDS.
