National League manager Tony La Russa (R) talks with his players during a pitching change in the MLB All Star game. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
As the years were winding down on Tony La Russa’s managerial career, after every baseball season, he would drive from St. Louis to his home in northern California and process the past season and decide what his future would hold. It’s only fitting that with the help of San Francisco Giants, La Russa would be able to enjoy and relish wearing a baseball uniform one more time with a victory in the 83rd All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium.
During the heat of the battle in game 7 of the World Series, La Russa didn’t have much time to think about how he could be managing his last game. During the heat of the battle, there was no time to reflect upon the realization his managerial career was coming to an end.
Cardinals third baseman David Freese said La Russa treated this game just like any other. Once that uniform went on, it was all business.
However, after San Francisco’s Pablo Sandoval hit a three-run triple and center fielder Melky Cabrera hit a two-run homer to help give the National League an 8-0 win over the American League, La Russa was allowed to savor the memories and enjoy being in the dugout one final time. La Russa didn’t get too emotional during his postgame interview, but he said having the big lead afforded him and a couple of his coaches, (in particular Dave Duncan) a couple of innings to enjoy what this game meant. It truly was the end of a great run for a great manager.
AUDIO Tony LaRussa’s final press conference as manager
