Report: Tony La Russa to announce retirement Monday
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Chicago White Sox manager Tony LaRussa is expected to announce his retirement as the team’s manager on Monday.
La Russa, who turns 78 on Tuesday, reportedly had one year left on his contract past 2022. He was hired as Chicago’s manager — his second stint with the White Sox — ahead of the 2021 season, but things didn’t go according to plan.
The White Sox went 93-69 last season to help clinch their second consecutive playoff berth, but failed to live up to the lofty expectations this season. As possible World Series contenders, they were behind the 8-ball in the AL Central practically the entire season and were eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week, currently sitting at 78-80.
One of the biggest reason for their demise was injuries, but questionable decisions from La Russa throughout the year combined with an inconsistent rotation and poor defense didn’t help. He also dealt with undisclosed health issues related to his heart in August, stepping away from the team on Aug. 30. He received a pacemaker, but has not returned to the managerial seat since with Miguel Cairo in-place (who will also manage for the team’s final few games.)
The Hall of Fame manager originally retired in 2011 after 16 years with the St. Louis Cardinals, 10 seasons with the Oakland Athletics and eight other seasons with the White Sox — managing at the major league level since 1979. La Russa earned his league’s manager of the year in 1983, 1988, 1992 and 2002 and managed six All-Star teams.
Tony La Russa could still work with the organization or in baseball as a special assistant to the front office or in some sort of role, but it looks as if he will be hanging it up as manager, and this time for good.
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