AP source: Dodgers fire Steve Garvey

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired Steve Garvey for his attempts to buy the team that he helped to the 1981 World Series title, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person, who wasn't authorized to speak publicly on personnel matters and talked to The Associated Press on Friday night on condition of anonymity, said Garvey is no longer with the team, ending a 30-year tenure in the organization. Garvey worked in marketing and community relations, making numerous public appearances on behalf of the team and its sponsors.

Garvey has publicly discussed his formation of a group that has the goal of buying a professional sports franchise, possibly the Dodgers. He said last month former Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser had joined forces with him under the banner of the Garvey-Hershiser Group.

"I was always clear with management as to the exploratory ownership group I've put together," Garvey said in an emailed statement. "In fact, I twice offered a significant cash infusion to help the team.

"I met with team officials on multiple occasions, and was given parameters of what was appropriate for me to say regarding my investment group. I feel I stayed within those parameters."

Yahoo! Sports first reported the firing on Friday.

Garvey told the AP last month that he's been pursuing a sports franchise for two years now, and has considered minor league clubs and professional soccer teams.

The Dodgers aren't for sale, although Major League Baseball is running the team's day-to-day business operations while looking into the club's finances under owner Frank McCourt, who recently filed for bankruptcy.

"If management doesn't want me to be an employee, I can respect that," Garvey said. "But no one can take away the fact that I am and always will be a Dodger."

Garvey told the AP last month he feels "genuinely sorry" about the turmoil surrounding the Dodgers.

"Who would have ever anticipated this? It's sad for all of us," he said. "It will come back, I have no doubts about that."

The 62-year-old Garvey has had his own financial problems, declaring himself broke after a series of sex scandals in the 1980s that tarnished his reputation as "Mr. Clean," a nickname he earned during his playing career for his squeaky clean image.

The 10-time All-Star first baseman played for the Dodgers from 1969-82, becoming one of the most popular players in franchise history. He was in his 30th year with the organization and 15th year as a member of the front office.

"I'm sure everyone knows that my heart is and always will be with the players, the fans and the entire Dodger family. I've cared about the Dodgers for nearly my entire life, and nothing can change my allegiance to this franchise," Garvey said.