Fred Claire, who served as the general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and played a pivotal role in building the team that captured the 1988 World Series title, passed away on October 5 at the age of 91.

Claire assumed the general manager position in 1987 following the dismissal of Al Campanis. During his tenure, he engineered several key moves that helped shape the Dodgers’ championship roster. Among these were a notable three-way trade that acquired relievers Jesse Orosco and Jay Howell as well as shortstop Alfredo Griffin. Additionally, Claire was responsible for signing Kirk Gibson, whose memorable two-out, ninth-inning home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland Athletics became one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.

Claire served as the Dodgers’ GM for ten years, overseeing a period that included both success on the field and some controversy. His time with the team ended amid disagreements related to the trade of star catcher Mike Piazza. After leaving the Dodgers, Claire chronicled his life in baseball and his personal fight with cancer in his autobiography, titled “Extra Innings.”

The Dodgers organization offered condolences to Claire’s family, which includes his wife Cheryl and their three children, Jeff, Jennifer, and Kim.