White Sox Bring On LaRussa
As of Thursday, the Chicago White Sox announced that Hall of Famer Tony LaRussa was returning to the organization. The seventy-six year old will serve as the team’s manager; a role LaRussa last served with the St. Louis Cardinals on their World Series championship team in 2011. LaRussa is no stranger to the World Series, as he managed the Oakland Athletics to it in three consecutive years (1988-1990) and winning once (1989), prior to taking the Cardinals to three trips (2004, 2006 & 2011) and winning twice (2006 & 2011).
Manager Tony LaRussa hired by White Sox.
The White Sox have undergone a rebuild that has been widely recognized as successful. The team aspires to earn a World Series title next season. LaRussa has been tasked with leading a young core with a mix of veterans, something he is not unfamiliar with, but has not attempted in a decade. LaRussa managed the “Bash Bros” (Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco) on the same Oakland Athletics team that featured Hall of Fame showman Rickey Henderson. LaRussa then managed McGwire again in St. Louis during his historic home run race with Sammy Sosa in 1998. The Cardinals then developed into Postseason “regulars” throughout the rest of LaRussa’s tenure.
Fans have expressed concerns regarding potential compatibility issues between LaRussa’s “old school methods” and the ball club’s modern approach when it comes to flare, bat flips, and attitude. Star players, such as shortstop and former AL Batting Title champion Tim Anderson have become well-known for unapologetic celebrations. LaRussa says he has modernized his approach over the years and that he does not anticipate it being an issue.
Although there were younger options in the mix for the managerial vacancy, White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf decided to bring on LaRussa. Reinsdorf let LaRussa go in 1986 after 7 years as a coach and manager with the organization, and he referred to it as one of his “biggest regrets.” Now, 34 years later, LaRussa gets the opportunity to bring a pennant back to the South Side of Chicago.