Yesterday, without much surprise, Tony La Russa announced his retirement. The 78-year-old today has heart problems and his doctors don’t want to see him put under so much stress.
Obviously, we know that he has been strongly criticized since his return. After stepping down as manager in St. Louis after the 2011 World Series, La Russa worked in baseball, but not as a manager.
Then, in view of the 2021 season, the White Sox owner brought him out of retirement to place him as manager of the Sox… and the predicted disaster occurred: he couldn’t connect with his guys and the club has failed, in 2022, to reach its full potential.
And that, La Russa realized.
Yes, he left due to his health, but clearly he was able to recognize that his club’s performance was not up to par.
He said he was hired to provide leadership and support and that the record of his people is proof that he failed in the task.
Of course, he still had a great career. He’s the second-most successful manager in league history, which is no small feat.
His end of career will tint his long career, but we should not remember only his second stint in Chicago.
So it will be up to someone else to provide the leadership the club needs. Because yes, the club needs it… and the proof is in the words of reliever Liam Hendriks.
the closer of the White Sox claimed the club needed a strict manager to turn the club around because it wasn’t playing tight enough.
At what point?
To the point where the reliever tried to go often for the strikeout because he didn’t really trust his defense. Ouch.
As much to straighten the team spirit as the game in general, the White Sox need a good manager to hold the group tight.
Who will be the lucky one?
