Tony La Russa Retires

[KPENN]

Tony La Russa of St. Louis Cardinals says he's retiring - ESPN

ST. LOUIS -- Tony La Russa retired as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, three days after winning a dramatic, seven-game World Series against the Texas Rangers.

The 67-year-old La Russa announced his retirement at a news conference at Busch Stadium.

The World Series win over Texas was the third of La Russa's 33-year career. The manager guided the Cardinals to the championship despite being 10½ games behind Atlanta on Aug. 25 for the final playoff spot in the National League.

La Russa retires third on the all-time wins list, 35 behind second-place John McGraw. In addition to this season, he won championships in Oakland in 1989 and St. Louis in 2006.

"Other than some personal attachments, I feel good," La Russa said. "I feel good that this is the right decision."

La Russa said there wasn't a single factor that led to his decision, but he began having doubts about returning for 2012 midway through the season. In late August he told general manager John Mozeliak and other team officials.


La Russa said the timing of those discussions -- about the time the Cardinals appeared to be out of wild card contention before their miraculous run -- was pure coincidence. He said he simply felt it was time to go, a feeling that didn't change even as the Cardinals squeaked into the playoffs on the final day of the season, then upset the Phillies, Brewers and Rangers.

"I think this just feels like it's time to end it," La Russa said.

He spoke with little emotion at the news conference with one exception, when he paused to compose himself as he thanked his wife, Elaine, and two daughters for putting up without him over much of the past 33 years. But he did say his meeting with players after Sunday's parade and celebration was short but emotional.

"Some grown men cried," La Russa said, then he joked, "I kind of liked that because they made me cry a few times."

Mozeliak said work is under way to find a new manager for the first time since La Russa was hired prior to the 1996 season. A search committee will be formed. Mozeliak did not speculate on how long the process might take.

La Russa answered flatly, "No," when asked if he'll ever manage again. He also said he had no plans to be a general manager, but said he is open to some sort of baseball job in the future.

What's next?

"Maybe open a book store," he said.

 

[Ben E.]

They say that every boys first love is baseball well i remember watching the 89 series with my grandfather(doesnt get much better than that). He was probably the last baseball "figure" left from my childhood..good for him!

 

[Irish4Life09]

Have never liked his teams,other than Pujols....but definitely respect the man.Congrats to him on his 3rd ring, and have a nice retirement.The game will miss you.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

As a huge cardinals fan... I'm gonna miss Tony. The guy was an amazing coach. Sometimes his philosophy made no sense, but he got the job done.

 

[woolybug25]

crap.

LaRussa is a first ballot hall of famer. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to see two Cardinals World Series. The Cards are the only team that haven't let me down continuously every year.

 

[TheRealLynch51]

Well, it had to happen sometime I guess. He'll be greatly missed by all Cardinals fans. I just hope Mozeliak does just as good of job with finding a manager as he did with putting together a championship team.

 

[D-BOE34]

I had a feeing this was coming after the season. I just hope Cards make a good choice in replacement and we can still be a tough team.

THANKS TONY!!

 

[Rack Em]

I was born and raised a Cards fan and I was 7 years old when Tony started with the Cards. He's the only manager I've ever known. My life suddenly feels incomplete.

 

[Rack Em]

Look for 3B coach Jose Oquendo to get the job. He's interviewed with other teams before and has been with La Russa since 1999.

On a side note, La Russa was a great manager but wouldn't have been nearly as successful without Dave Duncan. He's easily the best pitching coach in the game. Resurrected Chris Carpenter's career and definitely coached up Darryl Kile, Matt Morris, and Adam Wainwright. Joel Piniero, Jeff Weaver, and Woody Williams had the best years of their respective careers under Duncan.