White Sox manager Tony La Russa announced in a statement that he was resigning from his position on Monday, due to ongoing health concerns. La Rosa, who turns 78 on Tuesday, quit the team at the end of August on the advice of his doctors and underwent an operation to repair a pacemaker.
This is La Russa’s full statement. In addition to detailing his health issues, La Rosa acknowledged that the team’s record was evidence that “I wasn’t doing my job.”
This past February, I had a pacemaker and was cleared by my doctors to start spring training as scheduled. A periodic check of the device later determines that there is a problem. While practicing spanking on August 30, I was notified of the problem, taken out of my uniform and tested by doctors the next day. The solution was to update my pacemaker in Arizona, and for me not to return as a manager without medical clearance.
During an annual special examination after the first of the year, a second health problem was also diagnosed. I decided to postpone facing him until the end of the season. While I was inactive with the pacemaker, the second problem was analyzed. The result is that my medical team has developed a corrective plan and started implementing it. I reported this second issue to the White Sox while I was out of uniform dealing with a pacemaker. As I mentioned earlier, I continue to request privacy regarding my health issues and appreciate those who respected this request. The prognosis is generally good, and I would like to thank everyone who contacted me with my best wishes for my health.
At no time this season has anything negatively affected my responsibilities as a White Sox manager. However, it has become clear that the length of the treatment and recovery process for this second health issue makes it impossible for me to be the White Sox manager in 2023. The timing of this announcement now allows the front office to include serving as the manager with their other off-season priorities.
Our team’s record this season is the ultimate reality. It is an unacceptable disappointment. There were some positives, but a lot of negatives. In the major leagues, you either do or you don’t. Explanations come via excuses. Respect and trust require accountability, and throughout my managerial career, I’ve come to realize that the ultimate responsibility for every imperfection rests with the manager. I have been appointed to provide support and positive leadership that makes a difference. We recorded a guide. I didn’t do my job.
The 2020 and 2021 seasons were important positive steps for this organization that ended in baseball. I’m proud of the 2021 season because our team dealt with the pressure of calling it a favorite by winning the Division Championship and publishing records for wins in each of the six months of the season. In 2022, we have some move in the wrong direction. The key now is to know what is right versus what is wrong. I am convinced that the process will be fruitful, and the players will accept that. The future for this team is still bright.
At no time did I feel disappointment or resentment from White Sox fans, including those who occasionally chanted “Fire Tony.” They come to matches with passion for our team and a strong desire to win. Loud and excited when we win, they are really upset when we play poorly. A great example of this support came in the third game of the division series last year. There was no intention of disrespecting any of my other teams and their fans, but this was the most exciting crowd I’ve ever been to.
Finally, I am very disappointed that I am leaving without having the opportunity to finish what I have been brought in to do. I still appreciate the opportunity to come home to the White Sox and leave today with many good memories more than disappointments.
As I’ve said many times throughout my career, no manager has had better luck than I have.
Thank you.
La Rosa’s second spell with the White Sox ended in disappointment. The Sox split after the abbreviated 2020 season from then-manager Rick Rentria, despite the fact that he directed him to his first post-season debut since 2008. By all accounts, the surprising decision was made by owner Jerry Rensdorf, who then dictated his appointment. . La Russa despite not managing it since 2011. La Russa originally managed the White Sox under Rensdorf from 1979 until the middle of the 1986 season. During that first spell, La Russa led them to a 99-win season and a division title in 1983.
Rosa’s second round with the White Sox resulted in the MLS Central title in 2021. However, the team’s win percentage actually decreased compared to Renteria’s final year in 2020, and the Sox rebounded, as in 2020, from the post-season in the first . circular. Things got worse in 2022. Despite playing in baseball’s weakest team, the White Sox under La Rosa were unable to overcome a string of injuries. They only spent eight days in first place and haven’t spent anything after April 20th. The team initially saw better results under La Rosa’s interim replacement, Miguel Cairo, but they were unable to catch up. Cleveland Guardianswho climbed to the bottom of the sprawl.
La Russa, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, won two World Championship titles with St. Louis Cardinals And another with Auckland A. He won the General Manager award in his league four times and is second in all-time managerial victories behind only Connie Mack. La Russa’s second assignment with the White Sox will be remembered as a curious and largely unsuccessful addition to what would otherwise have been an excellent career in the dugout.
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