By Jordan Long
The Chicago White Sox have their new manager. They hired Hall of Famer Tony La Russa. He becomes the oldest manager in MLB history at 76.
The White Sox had a managerial opening on October 12th when they decided to let go of Rick Renteria. Renteria had been in the South Side of Chicago since 2017. His record was a disappointing 236-309, a winning percentage of .433.
This season Renteria managed the team well. They ended up 35-25, earning a playoff spot for the 1st time since they won the World Series in 2005. The playoff run didn’t last long. They were knocked off in the American League Wild Card Round in game 3 of the best of 3 losing to the Oakland Athletics. Ending that drought should have earned Renteria one more year. The White Sox determined it was best to find a new manager.
The White Sox started a managerial search. They wanted somebody with MLB experience. One they could have hired was A. J. Hinch. He was one of the top names out there. Hinch has 7 years of MLB managerial involvement. He went 570-452 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros. With the Astros, he advanced to the World Series twice while winning it all in 2017. He lost his job because of his involvement with the Astros cheating scandal. The White Sox stayed away from him and hired La Russa.
According to ESPN, La Russa said, “While I have had other inquiries about managing since retiring, this opportunity with the White Sox brings together a number of important factors that make this the right time and the right place. The on-field talent is amazing, and the front office, led by Kenny Williams and Rick Hahn, has done everything necessary to create an atmosphere of long-term success. All of those factors aligned to make this a tremendous opportunity, and I am excited to get going as soon as possible by building a coaching staff and getting to work.”
La Russa is one of the top managers in MLB history. He brings in 35 years of managerial knowledge to Chicago. The White Sox gave him his first managerial job in 1979, lasting until 1986. During that time the White Sox were 522-510, a winning percentage of .506. In his 35 years in MLB, his teams made the postseason 14 times while winning the World Series 3 times. He managed the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals to World Series titles
La Russa is a surprise hire. He hasn’t been an MLB manager since the 2011 season. That year he was with the St. Louis Cardinals who won the World Series. His age could be a factor at 76 since he may not have a lot left in the tank to be a manager.
The White Sox know the talent is there for them to make another playoff run. They hope La Russa is the man to help them win the World Series for the 1st time since 2005. It is a gamble. The White Sox know what La Russa brings to the table. He will have a few seasons to help this team win a championship.
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