Just days after the conclusion of the 2020 MLB season, the Chicago White Sox have named former Cardinals, A’s, and White Sox manager Tony La Russa as new team manager. La Russa hasn’t managed a game in over 10 years, and is expected to sign a multi-year deal with the club. La Russa is 76-years old, and has managed over 5,000 MLB games, winning two World Series with St. Louis and one with Oakland.
While this hire is an unusual one, it is not unexpected. This has been rumored for weeks since Rick Renteria was fired. Jerry Reinsdorf has liked hiring those in house for years, as was shown by hires such as Robin Ventura replacing Ozzie Guillen, and Fred Hoiberg with the Bulls.
Tony La Russa has been often referred to as one of the best managers for Latin- American players, and several White Sox superstars such as Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada, and Jose Abreu are of Cuban or Latino descent.
La Russa had a seven year stint as manager with the White Sox from 1979-1986, and was 522-510 with one playoff appearance. La Russa will return to the South Side in 2020, and will try to lead the Sox to postseason runs for years to come. Other potential candidates for the vacancy we’re A.J. Hinch, Alex Cora, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Per a tweet from Bob Nightengale, former Astros manager A.J. Hinch was never interviewed for the position. As manager, La Russa has an all-time record of 2,728-2,365, and is a 4-time Manager of the Year.
Hope La Russa still has the magic touch after being away from the dugout for some time.
We can’t dispute his track record of WS championships.Its exciting news for Sox players and fans.
I cant help but wonder if the LaRussa decision was Reinsdorf’s decision only. I wonder if Williams or Hahn or anyone else had much input. I am OK with the hiring of LaRussa and am a lifetime diehard SOX fan. But living in Virginia there is not too much SOX coverage. Does anybody have any insight?
Meet the new boss…Same as the old boss…