With Tony La Russa announcing his retirement on Monday, many people around the baseball world are chiming in with their thoughts on the situation.
Prior to his game this evening, Astros manager Dusty Baker was the latest to comment, and had the following to say:
“I read about the press conference they had and stuff. I know how passionate Tony is about the game, how passionate he is about the White Sox and Jerry Reinsdorf. At some point and time, everything must come to an end. I’m sure he’s not happy it’s come to an end like this, but his health and strength is more important than this game, even though it’s something he loves. He loves this game. Sometimes, things don’t work. You have to turn the page and hopefully, whoever the next manager is gets out of them what they’re capable of doing.”
via @Chandler_Rome/Twitter
Well, that’s one way of ending your quote.
The history between the two managers has been no hidden secret. Originally starting off as teammates for a brief time on the 1971 Braves, La Russa and Baker eventually turned into dugout rivals once they took the helms of the Cardinals and Giants/Cubs respectively. From shouting matches across the field to wild brawls, the two’s friendship from their playing days quickly evaporated and turned into anything but.
Here’s a little taste of the past should you need a refresher:
“Time heals all wounds” is one of the most popular sayings, but it may not apply to this situation. Baker definitely did not miss an opportunity to throw one final jab at his former dugout rival.
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Featured Photo: © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Thank you Dusty! By saying you hope the next manager gets out of the White Sox what they are capable of, you were diplomatically saying that that didn’t happen with Tony! Kudos! Tom Hall