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CHICAGO – Tony La Russa is stepping down. Chicago White Sox The manager made the announcement in a statement released Monday due to health concerns that kept him out of the dugout for the final five weeks of the season.
La Russa, who turns 78 on Tuesday, left the field unexpectedly on Aug. 30 and was told by doctors to undergo further tests related to heart problems.
As La Russa reported on Monday, the pacemaker implanted in February was the issue that forced him out of the team. During his absence, a second case appeared, which forced him to take an indefinite leave of absence.
He was under contract through the 2023 season.
“At no time during this season have these matters adversely affected my responsibilities as manager of the White Sox,” La Russa said in a statement. “However, due to the length of the medical and rehabilitation process for this second health issue, it has become clear that he will not be able to become the manager of the White Sox in 2023. The timing of this announcement now includes filling the front office for the manager, along with other offseason priorities.”
“The overall prognosis is good, and I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me with good wishes related to my health,” La Russa said.
In La Russa’s absence, the underachieving White Sox received initial encouragement from acting manager Miguel Cairo, but that was short-lived as the team was swept at home. Cleveland Guardians Key Series in September. He’s on an eight-game losing streak and now hopes to finish at .500 or better for at least a third straight season.
“Our team’s record this season is the ultimate reality,” La Russa said in a statement. “It’s an unacceptable disappointment. There were some extras, but there were too many deductions. In the major leagues, you either do it or you don’t. Explanations come as excuses. Respect and trust demand accountability, and in my time as a manager, I’ve learned that the ultimate responsibility for every deduction is the manager’s.
“I was hired to provide positive, difference-making leadership and support. Our record is proof. I didn’t do my job.”
La Russa’s second stint with the team, after managing the White Sox in the early 1980s, made headlines for his unusual performance, but the team won the American League Central Division in 13 games in his first season.
This year has been anything but smooth. The White Sox have hovered around the .500 mark all year despite being preseason favorites to win the division again. La Russa intentionally walked two batters with two strikeouts, generating more headlines and controversy.
La Russa expressed his disappointment at not being able to see things through with the White Sox, but said that “the future of this team is bright.”
“I still appreciate the opportunity to come home to the White Sox and leave with a lot of good memories instead of giving up today,” he said. “As I’ve said many times in my career, no manager has had better luck than I have.”
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