St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa wipes his face after announcing his retirement. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
Tony La Russa, the third-winningest manager in Major League, announced his retirement as a manager on Monday. A decision he made back in August in which he discussed with General Manager John Mozeliak. He told his coaching staff on Sunday. The surprising announcement was made during a Monday morning news conference at Busch Stadium.
Tony LaRussa discusses his retirement (11:00)
The 67 year old La Russa leaves with 2,728 victories, behind Connie Mack (3,731) and John McGraw (2,763). Only Mack has managed in more ballgames. The Cardinals skipper managed for 33 years, 16 with the Cardinals, and is also the only manager in Major League Baseball history to win multiple pennants in both leagues and the second to win a World Series title in each league.
“There isn’t one [factor] that dominates [my decision],” La Russa said. “They all just come together telling you your time is over. We went through the season and I felt that this just feels like it’s time to end it and I think it’s going to be great for the Cardinals to refresh what’s going on here.”