Sports

What's Next for La Russa? Cardinals' Manager Retires

Just days after winning the World Series, Tony La Russa announces he is leaving the Cardinals. Will Ozzie Smith take the baseball reins?

St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa announced his retirement Monday from a live videoconference at Busch Stadium, fresh off a third World Series championship win and corresponding celebratory parade.

Lynn Waltemade Marshall posted on Eureka-Wildwood Patch Facebook she heard a rumor that Ozzie Smith would manage the team if Tony stepped down, and that Albert Pujols would stay if Smith managed the Cards this year.

As MLB.com reported, La Russa leaves the game as the winningest manager in team history and third most in major league baseball history.

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"It feels like it's time to end it," La Russa said in a press conference Monday morning which was broadcast online. La Russa has typically re-evaluated his status over the past few offseasons and said he came to the decision in late August.

During the videoconference, La Russa said he did not know what next he would tackle, and was "open" to new opportunities. He promised "not to get in his family's way."

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La Russa said the St. Louis ball club had "a good core," and would attract many qualified potential managers.

For St. Louis sports fans, the decision has some echoes of the move made by the Rams Dick Vermeil. Vermeil retired after the team won the Super Bowl and later suggested he made the wrong decision — he later returned to coaching. La Russa said the fact that he initially made the choice earlier in the season gave him the time he needed to reflect.

This year (2011) was La Russa's 16th year with the Cardinals organization and his 33rd year in Major League Baseball.


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