Tony La Russa Retires: Leaves League On Top
Tony La Russa, St. Louis Cardinals manager, decided to officially retire on Monday after 33 years and three championships.
Three days after beating the Texas Rangers in game seven of the World Series, La Russa,67, made his announcement at a news conference in Busch stadium.
"I think this just feels like it's time to end it," La Russa said. "Other than some of the personal attachments, I feel good," La Russa said. "I feel good that this is the right decision."
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La Russa is making history as the third all-time winning record in the league, ESPN reported. He will also be the first manager to retire after winning a World Series.
The now former Cardinals manager said some of his players were emotional upon hearing the news.
"Some grown men cried," La Russa said in the news conference. "I kind of liked that because they made me cry a few times."
Daniel Descalso, Cardinals' infielder, took to his Twitter to officially send his manager off.
"Congrats to Tony La Russa on a Hall of Fame career," Descalso tweeted on Monday. "It was an honor and privilege to be a part of it. Best of luck to the skipper and his fam."
Chris Carpenter, pitcher for the Cardinals', spoke about the team's reaction to La Russa's news.
"Everybody was surprised, shocked," Carpenter said, according to ESPN. "I think every single guy in there was emotional and gave big old hugs on the way out."
However, the pitcher acknowledged that his manager was one of the best in the league.
"I'm not sure there are a lot of people that can match the preparation, the dedication and the ability to put it all together," Carpenter said.
When asked what he would do after ending his baseball career, La Russa spoke about an option outside of the sports industry.
"Maybe open a book store," he said.
